1983 was the last year without a mandatory super license. Pay drivers still roamed—some terrifyingly slow. But more chilling: the danger. No carbon fiber chassis yet. No halo. No medical car requirement.
Going into the last race at Kyalami (South Africa), any of three drivers could win the title: Prost, Arnoux, or Piquet. 1983 f1 season
The paddock exploded. Renault cried foul. But the rules were rules. Piquet, the quiet outsider, took his second title. Prost? He’d have to wait two more years. 1983 was the last year without a mandatory super license