The 76-lap race was won by Niki Lauda, driving a McLaren-Ford, after he started from fifth position. Didier Pironi finished second in a Ferrari, while teammate Patrick Tambay achieved his first podium finish by coming third. Derek Warwick stunned and delighted the British fans by taking his Toleman, a team who frequently failed to qualify for Grand Prix races during 1981 and 1982, through the field into second place before being forced to retire. Pironi took over the lead of the Drivers' Championship from Lauda's teammate, John Watson, who spun off on the third lap.