Alain Prost believes that Formula 1 has experienced the “best season in history” in every way. The four-time world champion is convinced of this, explaining to Motorsport.com : “I’m talking about the spectacle, the human aspect, the popularity of F1 and the fact that young people are starting to follow it. So Yeah, it’s definitely the best season ever.”
Leaving aside his responsibilities within the Alpine team, the Frenchman acknowledged that it was a pleasure to witness the duel between Lewis Hamilton against Max Verstappen and Mercedes against Red Bull during the last months.
After a crazy finish at Yas Marina, the Dutchman won his first drivers’ title. And now that he has joined the roster of F1 world champions, Alain Prost is hoping for an even better Verstappen.
“He had a perfect season,” said the Frenchman. “I remember when he started in Formula 1, very often we said: ‘He has the speed, he has everything, but maybe he risks too much and makes mistakes for that’. But it’s normal when you’re young.
“Now he’s improving, this year he hasn’t made many mistakes. Maybe the qualifying one in Jeddah, but he was pushing to the limit and it’s something that can happen.”
“With a world title in your possession, you drive and think differently. As soon as you win once, the pressure is already less. Now you will know even better when to attack and when to take fewer risks, and in the end you will be a better driver.” Prost added.
“Happy” to have seen Max Verstappen reach the top of the world, Alain Prost does not forget Lewis Hamilton , his greatest rival. The way the Brit lost everything on the last lap of the last race certainly doesn’t help, but the Frenchman sees both title contenders as having plenty of credit.
“Both of them deserved to be world champions and they gave us an amazing show this year. In the end what happened is good for Formula 1 and it’s good for Max, I’m very happy for him. For Lewis it’s a bit sad for sure.” .
“This year we cannot choose between Max and Lewis, we have to judge them both equally because they are tied. We can comment on everything, talk about Silverstone for example, but in the end, I sincerely believe that they both deserved this title,” he concluded.
