Silverstone alternated the British Grand Prix with Brands Hatch and each circuit would host it every 2nd year.

Behind them, four cars were eliminated at the first corner, Copse, as Patrick Tambay in the Renault lost control and was hit by the second Ferrari of Stefan Johansson, which also caused the Osella of Piercarlo Ghinzani and the RAM of Philippe Alliot to crash into each other.

Senna continued to lead, with Prost now second and Lauda up to third ahead of de Cesaris, Piquet and Alboreto.

Alboreto passed Piquet for fifth, before moving up to fourth on lap 42 when de Cesaris's clutch failed.

Then Senna's fuel injection failed, promoting Alboreto to second, while Jacques Laffite in the second Ligier moved up to third ahead of Piquet.