1986 French Grand Prix

The 1986 French Grand Prix was a Formula One motor race held at Paul Ricard on 6 July 1986.

Following Elio de Angelis's fatal testing crash on the full 5.81-kilometre (3.61 mi) circuit two months previously, a decision was made to use the shorter, 3.812-kilometre (2.369 mi) "Club" circuit for this race and for future F1 races (up to and including 1990).

Alain Prost finished second in a McLaren-TAG, with Nelson Piquet third in the other Williams-Honda.

Ayrton Senna took pole position in his Lotus-Renault, but crashed at Signes early in the race after sliding on oil laid by Andrea de Cesaris's failed Minardi.

This race marked Scuderia Ferrari's 400th start in a World Championship event as a team.