Following its disqualification the previous season for using a high-specific-gravity anti-detonant fluid, employed both to enhance the compression ratio in the Cosworth V8 engines of the 012 '84 and as ballast to meet minimum weight limits, Tyrrell was left practically penniless. The disqualification not only stripped the team of its 1984 points but also deprived it of TV revenue and caused the few remaining sponsors to abandon the team without fulfilling their obligations.
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| TYRRELL 014, Ivan Capelli Brands Hatch, European GP 1985 |
In this extremely difficult situation, the now "small" Tyrrell team had to contest the 1985 World Championship with the old 012 model, still powered by the reliable but outdated naturally aspirated Ford-Cosworth DFY V8, rated at 550 hp. Tyrrell was the last team to secure a turbo engine supply, eventually striking a last-minute deal with Renault for the updated V6 EF4B. At the season opener in Jacarepaguá, Brazil, lead driver Martin Brundle was paired with Swedish driver Stefan Johansson, temporarily replacing German driver Stefan Bellof, who returned to his seat from the next race.
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| TYRRELL 012, Martin Brundle Montecarlo, Monaco GP 1985 |
Despite the 012 being the only car left with a naturally aspirated V8, Bellof managed to score points twice before the French Grand Prix, where the new Tyrrell 014 Renault turbo debuted. Designed again by Maurice Philippe and Brian Lisles, the 014 was not truly a new car but an adapted version of the 012’s aluminum monocoque, slightly reinforced with carbon fiber sheets and modified to house the larger turbo radiators.
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| TYRRELL 014, Stefan Bellof Nürburgring, German GP 1985 |
Tyrrell also modified its usual Hewland FGA five-speed gearbox to better handle the turbo engine’s power, doing so with minimal expense due to the team's dire financial state and lack of sponsors. Initially, the 014 sported an all-blue livery with only the Tyrrell name on the sides, though minor sponsorships from small British companies appeared at the UK races. The single 014 was shared between drivers until the Dutch Grand Prix, where a second 014 was introduced, though Bellof only used it at Zandvoort. Tragically, the young German driver died the following week during the 1000 km of Spa in the World Endurance Championship.
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| TYRRELL 014, Martin Brundle Brands Hatch, European GP 1985 |
To replace Bellof for the final three races, Tyrrell hired Italian Ivan Capelli for two races and Frenchman Philippe Streiff for the South African Grand Prix. Capelli notably scored the first three points for the 014 Renault Turbo with a fourth-place finish at the final race of the season in Adelaide, Australia.
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