Alain Prost
The Professor: Four-time F1 World Champion and French motorsport icon.
Alain Marie Pascal Prost (born 24 February 1955) is a French former racing driver and motorsport executive, who competed in Formula One from 1980 to 1993. Nicknamed "the Professor", Prost won four Formula One World Drivers' Championship titles and—at the time of his retirement—held the records for most wins (51), fastest laps (41), and podium finishes (106).
Quick Facts
- Birth name
- Alain Marie Pascal Prost
- Born
- 24 February 1955
- Birthplace
- Lorette, France
- Children
- 3, including Nico
Lore & Background
Born in Lorette, Loire, Prost began karting aged 14, winning the French Junior Karting Championship four years later, and progressing to junior formulae in 1976. Prost won his first title at the Formula Renault National Championship that year, prior to winning the Challenge de Formule Renault Europe in 1977. Moving to the French Formula Three Championship the following season, he finished second in 1978 before winning the title in 1979. His junior career culminated in his victory at the 1979 FIA European Formula 3 Championship with Oreca. Prost signed for McLaren in 1980, making his Formula One debut at the Argentine Grand Prix, where he finished sixth. He moved to Renault in 1981, taking his maiden victory at his home Grand Prix in France, with further wins in the Netherlands and Italy. Following multiple race wins in his 1982 campaign with Renault, Prost finished runner-up to Nelson Piquet in the 1983 World Drivers' Championship after retiring with a turbo failure in the title-decider. Prost left Renault due to a breakdown in his relationship with the team and moved back to McLaren for 1984, where he finished runner-up to teammate Niki Lauda by a record half-point. In 1985, Prost won his maiden title with McLaren, becoming the first World Drivers' Champion from France. He successfully defended his title the following season, amidst a close title battle with Piquet and Nigel Mansell. After winning several races in his 1987 campaign, Prost was partnered by Ayrton Senna. Together, they won all Grands Prix bar one in 1988—driving the Honda-powered MP4/4—with Senna taking the title by three points. Their fierce rivalry culminated in title-deciding collisions at Suzuka in 1989 and 1990, despite Prost's move to Ferrari in the latter, with Prost winning the former championship and Senna taking the following. Amidst a winless 1991 campaign, he was sacked by Ferrari over comments made about the 643. After a year hiatus, Prost returned with Williams in 1993, breaking several records on the way to his fourth championship and retiring at the end of the season. He returned to Formula One as the owner of Prost Grand Prix from 1997 to 2001, having purchased Ligier. Prost held an advisory role at Renault—later re-branded as Alpine—from 2017 to 2021.
Reader's Guide
Alain Prost won four World Drivers' Championships: with McLaren in 1985, 1986, and 1989, and with Williams in 1993. He never won a championship with Renault. His time at Renault (1981–1983) yielded his first Grand Prix victory and multiple race wins, but he finished runner-up in 1983 and was sacked after that season. Prost's record of 51 wins, 41 fastest laps, and 106 podiums were set across his entire career, not with any single team.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Alain Prost?
Alain Prost is a legendary French Formula One driver known for his strategic brilliance and four world titles earned between 1980 and 1993. He is widely recognized by the nickname 'the Professor' due to his calculated approach to racing.
Which teams did Alain Prost drive for?
Throughout his tenure, he competed for several major constructors including Renault, McLaren, Ferrari, and Williams. His time with Renault is particularly significant given the modern Alpine F1 connection.
How did Alain Prost's driving career end?
He concluded his driving career in 1993 after winning a fourth championship title while racing for Williams. Following retirement, he transitioned into team ownership with his own Prost Grand Prix outfit.
What is the connection between Prost and Alpine F1?
Prost drove for Renault during the early 1980s, which serves as the direct predecessor to the current Alpine brand. His legacy remains a key part of the manufacturer's historical identity today.
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