After clinching the 1979 Formula 1 title with Jody Scheckter and the constructors's championship, Ferrari developed the winning 312 T4 into the 312 T5. No revolution was carried and the T5 was expected to be competitive for the 1980 season. In fact, the car was a total disaster and could not match the strenght of Williams and Ligier. The T5 is important as it was the last Ferrari Formula 1 with atmo engine before the Italian team would use the turbo engine from 1981 onwards.
If in 1979 Jody Scheckter had been the author of an exceptional season, 1980 was something completely different for the South African. Only two points were obtained, the result of a fifth place in Long Beach. At the Monaco GP, where he had won the previous year, Scheckter had to retire due to a practically undriveable car, after qualifying in 17th place. On this occasion, the very advanced-mounted rear spoiler, already used on the T4 at the same GP in 1979, was fitted on the 312 T5.