“I’m thinking of turning off my Instagram because I get messages every day [about Ayrton Senna], without exception. Occasionally, there’s one with insults, yes, that can happen,” admitted Prost.

Mohammed Ben Sulayem Defends Alain Prost
In defense of the now 70-year-old F1 legend, current FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem, who has long been an advocate for the international motorsport federation’s fight against online abuse, stepped in.

Among the many – and often controversial – stances that Mohammed Ben Sulayem has taken during his tenure, this one is certainly the most commendable. “Former world champion Alain Prost should not be driven away from social media due to online abuse,” wrote the president on his official Instagram account, posting a picture of him with the former Ferrari driver.

“His experience – he continued – highlights the harsh reality faced by men and women in sport at all levels: daily abuse, harassment, and even threats. Under my leadership and that of the FIA, United Against Online Abuse is developing educational, technological, and regulatory solutions necessary to protect drivers, race officials, and fans, to ensure that sport remains a place of fierce competition, but one that is fair and inclusive.” The message was appreciated by former Ferrari driver Alain Prost himself.

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Alain Prost – Ayrton Senna
Between the late 1980s and early 1990s, Formula 1 saw Alain Prost crowned world champion on four occasions with two different teams. It was a magical period for him and especially for McLaren, where the historic battles between the Frenchman and his late teammate Ayrton Senna took place. These duels continued relentlessly even after the ‘Professor’ moved to Ferrari and then to Williams.

These thrilling rivalries only came to an end in 1993 when Alain Prost retired as world champion, celebrating his title on the top step of the podium alongside Senna, thus marking a memorable and symbolic sporting and personal reconciliation between the two. However, from that moment on, the Frenchman’s image has always remained linked to that of the Brazilian, even more so since ‘Magic’ tragically lost his life at Imola in 1994. Ayrton Senna became a legend, appearing again in recent years on the big screen with the documentary *Senna* and more recently in the Netflix TV series, which Prost did not appreciate at all.

The shame of social media
Senna-Prost, Prost-Senna. A pairing that almost overshadows the Frenchman’s achievements, as the 70-year-old reiterated in an interview with *Motorsport Total*, where he also mentioned his possible departure from social media: “I cannot think about Ayrton, for better or worse, if you will – he commented – for example, I am thinking of shutting down my Instagram because I receive messages every day, without exception. From time to time, there is one with insults, yes, it can happen. My largest fan base on social media comes from Brazil, so I am forced to think about him. Indirectly, I have lived with this story for 30 years, and it will probably be this way for the rest of my life.”

A comment that almost sounds like resignation from the Frenchman regarding his image in F1 being exclusively tied to his battles with Ayrton Senna: “Life is made up of many aspects: entering the world of motorsport, my career, and the present. I have achieved a lot, but it is rarely talked about, and it feels as if my life has been only about the Prost-Senna rivalry. I had five world champions as teammates, and there are extremely important people who have meant a lot to me. The part of my life that I am most proud of is the one before Formula 1. The period that shaped me mentally and morally, that allowed me to do what I did, to face challenges, even though at the beginning, I did not have the tools to do so.”

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Over the course of his illustrious career, the Frenchman shared the grid with legendary figures such as Niki Lauda, Keke Rosberg, Damon Hill, Ayrton Senna, and Nigel Mansell—an impressive list that features multiple world champions.

Additionally, Prost partnered with highly capable drivers like John Watson, Rene Arnoux, Jean Alesi, and Stefan Johansson, all of whom displayed exceptional speed and skill during their peaks.

That Alain Prost concluded his career as a four-time Formula 1 world champion, despite competing against such an extraordinary roster of teammates, stands as a testament to his incredible talent and consistency.

Nonetheless, Alain Prost’s relationships with his teammates varied considerably. For instance, after enduring a tumultuous period as Ayrton Senna’s partner at McLaren, Prost actively prevented Senna from joining him at the Maranello team. That decision indirectly enabled Senna to claim another championship with McLaren the following year. Prost’s reluctance to repeat the experience of battling one of his fiercest rivals within the same team was evident. Conversely, Prost began his career content to play a supporting role to Lauda and held deep admiration for the Austrian during their time as teammates at McLaren.

When Alain Prost and Nigel Mansell became Ferrari teammates during the 1990 season, the Frenchman decisively outperformed the Briton, even though the title ultimately went to Senna. Despite this, their partnership was far from harmonious.

In a 2018 interview on the *Beyond The Grid* podcast, Alain Prost shed light on his strained relationship with Nigel Mansell, expressing his belief that the British driver’s feelings of ‘jealousy’ contributed to the tension during their tenure at the Italian side.

The dynamics behind Nigel Mansell’s ‘jealousy’ toward Alain Prost at Ferrari

Prost was asked about his reputation for seemingly forcing his teammates into retirement during his time in Formula 1. He acknowledged that Keke Rosberg had been one of his best teammates, describing him as a true friend and an excellent driver. However, Prost noted that Rosberg may not have adapted well to McLaren’s approach and its philosophy for car setup, despite his skill.

Turning to Nigel Mansell, Prost remarked that Mansell was a different case altogether, stating that he could never fully understand why Mansell had been jealous, even mentioning that it stemmed from something as trivial as Prost being able to speak Italian. He suggested that such an attitude was unproductive.

In contrast, Prost highlighted his relationship with Niki Lauda, emphasizing that the two never had any issues or arguments during their two years as teammates.

Nigel Mansell showed confidence in his rivalry with Alain Prost
The dynamic between Nigel Mansell and Alain Prost during their two seasons together at Ferrari offered a compelling chapter in Formula 1 history.

Mansell ended the 1989 and 1990 seasons in fourth and fifth place, respectively, while Prost claimed the world championship in their debut year as teammates. The following year, Prost narrowly lost out on the title to Ayrton Senna, but he remained the stronger performer within the Ferrari camp.

Despite their time as teammates concluding after those two seasons, the competitive tension between the two drivers continued to linger, keeping their rivalry alive beyond their shared tenure at Ferrari.

Ahead of the brief Grand Prix Masters series, where Prost and Mansell were expected to reunite, Mansell remarked, as reported by Autosport, that the rivalry between them remained strong. He noted that Prost was highly competitive and would do everything possible to secure victory, adding that Prost particularly disliked losing to anyone, especially to him.

Nigel Mansell is convinced he would have dominated Alain Prost in 1993 if he had remained in Formula 1 instead of turning his attention to the CART series in the United States.

Although the showdown between the two never materialized, Mansell appeared determined to prove himself against Prost, who had once suggested that Mansell harbored ‘jealousy’ over his rapport with the Ferrari team. The potential clash between them remains one of the great “what-ifs” of Formula 1 history.

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Throughout the 1980s and early 1990s, Formula 1 was brimming with exceptional talent, but Senna and Prost stood head and shoulders above the rest. Together, they claimed seven world championships and engaged in relentless fights for dominance year after year.

Prost secured his first championship in 1985, just one year after Ayrton Senna entered the sport with Toleman and began showcasing his remarkable talent. By the time Ayrton Senna moved to McLaren in 1988, he had already solidified his reputation as a master of Monaco. That same year, the Brazilian clinched his first title, narrowly defeating Alain Prost by three points in one of the sport’s most fiercely contested seasons.

For the following two years, their rivalry intensified. As teammates at McLaren in 1989, the duo’s relationship reached a boiling point during the Japanese Grand Prix. A controversial collision between them led to Senna’s disqualification, ultimately handing the title to Prost. The following season, the feud escalated when they clashed again at Suzuka. This time, Alain Prost, now driving for Ferrari, found himself on the losing end as Senna’s victory secured him the championship.

Behind the scenes, Ferrari’s management had begun exploring the idea of bringing Senna into the fold. In a 2020 interview with *Corriere della Sera*, Piero Fusaro, Ferrari’s president at the time, revealed just how close the Scuderia came to signing the Brazilian for the 1991 season. However, Prost intervened to prevent the reunion of two of the most dominant forces in Formula 1.

Alain Prost blocks Ayrton Senna’s Ferrari move for the 1991 season
Ferrari’s sporting director Cesare Fiorio initiated discussions with Senna early in 1990, testing the waters to see if the Brazilian was open to joining the team. By mid-season, after Alain Prost’s victory at the French Grand Prix, a draft contract to bring Senna onboard was already on the desk of Ferrari’s senior management. The plan was to have Senna replace Nigel Mansell, setting the stage for one of the most formidable driver pairings in F1 history.

But Alain Prost, wary of reigniting the toxic rivalry that had defined their McLaren years, used his influence within the team to halt the move. For the Frenchman, having two such competitive personalities under one roof was a recipe for disaster, especially at Ferrari, a team known for its political complexity. Consequently, the dream of seeing Ayrton Senna in the iconic red car was dashed, leaving fans to ponder what might have been had the two legends shared the same garage once more.

Despite Ferrari’s leadership never officially approving the deal, Fusaro recounted the series of events that led to the decision. He explained that while the contract was in his possession, Alain Prost, circumventing the usual channels, requested a private meeting with Gianni Agnelli. Agnelli, after considering the request, granted the meeting.

Upon exiting the meeting, Prost made an official declaration, announcing that he had been confirmed for the 1991 season with Ferrari. Fusaro was taken by surprise at this announcement. Out of respect for the company’s hierarchy, he felt it necessary to consult with Cesare Romiti, an executive at Fiat, to determine the appropriate course of action regarding Senna’s contract. Fusaro realized that, with Prost’s confirmation, Senna’s potential signing was no longer viable.

Fusaro then tried once more to persuade Ferrari’s management to proceed with their plan to secure Senna, despite Prost’s objections. He noted that his persistent efforts, which included making various arguments to support Senna’s contract, lasted for an extended period but ultimately ended in rejection. The decision to retain Prost was firm and could not be contested, and this choice, whether justified or not, was attributed to Gianni Agnelli, Fiat’s former head, who had officially endorsed the decision.

Ayrton Senna’s failure to secure a move to Ferrari in 1991 may have, in hindsight, been a fortunate turn of events for his career.

By the time the Japanese Grand Prix arrived, a race where he famously collided with Prost to clinch his first world title, Senna likely knew he would be remaining at McLaren for another year. It turned out to be the right decision for him, even if the choice wasn’t entirely his, as he went on to dominate the 1991 season. Meanwhile, Prost, who was a formidable force in F1, could only manage a fifth-place finish in the Drivers’ Championship.

Prost retired from the sport at the end of 1991, but he made a return to Formula 1 in 1993 for one final season, where he added a fourth and final championship to his illustrious career. His departure from Ferrari in 1991 ultimately created an opportunity for Ayrton Senna, and the Brazilian looked set to join the team in 1994. He started the 1994 season strong with three pole positions but was forced to retire in each of the first three races. Tragically, during the San Marino Grand Prix, the Brazilian’s life was taken in an accident that shook the motorsport world.

On the 30th anniversary of Senna’s death, Prost paid tribute to his former rival, emphasizing the mutual respect they shared for each other’s extraordinary talents. However, in the early 1990s, Prost’s primary concern was to avoid another intense intra-team rivalry with one of F1’s most iconic drivers, fearing the conflict that would arise from pairing with Senna at Ferrari.

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David Coulthard’s comments
The Scotsman compared the three world champions as follows: “They had very different personalities. Nigel Mansell was one of the drivers with the most natural talent, very brave and strong in an era when the cars were very physical, without power steering and other aids. He absolutely believed in himself, but this made him seem a bit sensitive, touchy. Another word could be arrogance. I’m a big fan and have great respect for all these drivers, so I don’t say this to offend but simply because it’s what I think.” – he added.

“Alain Prost was introverted, a bit nervous. He was always biting his nails, limiting the number of laps on the track: he wanted to spend time analyzing data with the engineers, and I also believe he measured every lap. For him, every lap was a potential accident and every accident was a potential injury.” – the former Formula 1 driver pointed out.

“And then there was Ayrton, who was a mix of these two drivers,” David Coulthard concluded. “Maybe he wasn’t as arrogant as Nigel; however, he believed in himself and thought he had a higher power guiding him on the track. What united them all, beyond speed, was their intense connection with the team. They were like conductors of a grand orchestra. Then they would get in the car and deliver results.”

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It may not be coincidental that the news of Lewis Hamilton’s move to Scuderia Ferrari starting in 2025, which was made official at the beginning of February, coincided with the worst start to a season in the Briton’s career.

Certainly not helped by a W15 that is clearly struggling compared to its competitors, the seven-time world champion finds himself in only ninth place in the drivers’ championship with just 10 points earned, while his teammate can boast more than double the points after the first four races.

Many think that Lewis is already with his mind and eyes set on the next adventure that awaits him in Maranello in a few months, also aware of having very few opportunities to achieve significant results in his last season with Mercedes.

Former Formula 1 driver Alain Prost also spoke about the issue, commenting in an interview with Sports Illustrated on Ferrari’s move and the prospects for success between the two parties: “I can understand his decision. When you are in a team like Mercedes, which hasn’t won a race for two years and is struggling to get back on top, at his age he might have said, ‘Why not try something different?'” – he explained.

“I’m not sure he had the chance to go to Red Bull, but definitely not with Max. Then he can go to Ferrari, especially with the regulation change in 2026. Then he only has one year to get used to it. After 2026, he’ll be 42 years old, I think, maybe even 43, so it will be another story. But I can understand, if he doesn’t want to stop racing. The question is: Is it a good move? Will it be a good choice? Even for Ferrari, the question might be asked.” – the Frenchman pointed out.

“It’s good for the sport because everyone will watch him. You can have an idea, but the idea or perception you have today will be different next year at the same stage, because he’ll be a year older and will find his motivation being at Ferrari?”

According to the former Ferrari driver, regaining motivation will be possible, but certainly not simple, considering also the media pressure around Ferrari: “It’s possible, because if it’s for a short period and if Ferrari performs well, I think he could regain motivation. Also, the relationship with Leclerc… the environment at Ferrari is important.”

“He has had such a long period at Mercedes, with a certain way of working. Then he moves to an Italian team, especially with a different kind of pressure, a different way of thinking, under pressure from the media. I think it’s not so easy.” – Alain Prost concluded.

Source: f1ingenerale

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Before and after Ayrton Senna
Yet, in an interview for Motor Sport, the Frenchman had the opportunity to relive his career in the sport, divided between pre and post-Senna eras: “I didn’t know how good he was, but we knew, I understood – he recounted, referring to a touring car race at the Nürburgring where he secured the pole while Senna started first – only in 1988, when I saw him in the same car, did I understand how good he was. Then, at our first test together in Imola, I understood that it would be difficult. Before, I enjoyed racing, I enjoyed fighting. I can’t say I had the same fun, I can’t lie. I remember that with Nelson Piquet, we went on vacation together the same year we were fighting for the championship, in 1983. Keke Rosberg was incredible, one of my best teammates. At the beginning of the year, everyone said it would be a disaster. Then, when Ayrton arrived, we reached a performance level that obviously makes you enjoy a little less. I suffered a lot, so you can’t enjoy it the same way.” – he pointed out.

An ‘Underestimated’ Career
But what were the main differences between Senna and Prost? A question to which the Frenchman replied, making a consideration: “Ayrton represented more flair. I was the ‘professor,’ clinical. He was ‘mystical,’ and people liked that – he added – I have to say that sometimes he really impressed me in qualifying, I don’t remember exactly when, but never in race conditions. In the race and warm-up, most of the time, I was faster. Sometimes I wonder how I will be remembered. It seems like a joke, but I have been completely underestimated! I know. I see it. I don’t know why, but in a way, it’s my brand.” – Alain Prost admitted.

A consideration about his characteristics compared to Senna’s that adds to others: “It seems that it will be like this forever, it’s part of history – he concluded – look at my other teammates: Watson, Arnoux, Cheever, Lauda, Rosberg, Johansson, Mansell, Alesi, and Hill. No one talks about them. I had five world champions as teammates, so it’s a bit of a shame, but that’s how things go. Today there are social media, and everyone goes back to watch videos of our battles. Sometimes I don’t understand. My career didn’t last only two or three years.” – the former Ferrari driver concluded.

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Despite being the fastest car in the world at the time, Prost Prost never used the luxurious 1980s supercar and sold it shortly after receiving it. Nevertheless, the fact that the four-time world champion briefly owned the vehicle adds an extra layer of prestige to its already impressive pedigree. This iconic car, among many other loud, ostentatious, and expensive vehicles owned by F1 drivers, is up for grabs with a starting price of €2.5 million. Don’t miss this opportunity to own a unique and jaw-dropping piece of Ferrari art!

Here is the official announcement posted by Sotheby’s Sealed on their website:

“Sotheby’s Sealed is thrilled to offer this very special F40 at no reserve. Delivered new to four-time Formula 1 World Champion Alain Prost during his first season as a Scuderia Ferrari Formula 1 driver, this is a highly desirable ‘non-cat, non-adjust’ specification example of Ferrari’s vaunted supercar. Ferrari Classiche certified and retaining its original chassis, engine, gearbox, and bodywork, this F40 was awarded second in class honours at the Ferrari 70th Anniversary Concours in Maranello in 2017. A spectacular example of its breed having been delivered to one of Formula 1’s most successful drivers, this F40 is not to be missed.”

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The most affected teams
The Frenchman, interviewed by his compatriots from L’Equipe, highlighted the main difficulties of various teams in this start to the championship, which are decisive in blocking any attempt to come back: “It’s a strange start to the season – explained the Professor – everywhere if you look at it, you can see that things aren’t going well and that, in a certain sense, is already a crisis at all levels, both for the top teams and for the smaller ones. There are, of course, the historic teams that are suffering, such as McLaren, which is not only not rebuilding itself but, year after year, is going downhill. There is Alpine, whose recovery is still slow. There is Mercedes, which persists with its innovative concept, but which obviously does not work. Ferrari, deciding instead to bring in a new vision and new personnel, especially from outside Italy, today does not have the results we would have liked to see” – the former Maranello driver pointed out.

Beware of Red Bull
Curiously, although it is the absolute force of this first phase of the championship, Alain Prost did not exempt Red Bull from the teams at risk, explaining in detail the reasons why the Milton Keynes side could face a crisis during the next rounds: “Their system of favoring just one driver, Max Verstappen, which has worked so well, is showing the first signs of breaking down – added the 68-year-old – Sergio Perez, now established in the team, is discovering that he can win and is no longer willing to compromise his ambitions just to stay in the team. Even if Red Bull’s dominance continues, the next few weeks will be crucial for the reigning world champions. It is clear that anything can quickly throw a spanner in the works and that, even at the top, a crisis is never far away.” – the Frenchman added.

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The single case
The only exception, for the former Ferrari driver, is represented by Aston Martin, a team seen as an example of how things should be done: “Last year it decided to put a stone on its 2022 car and agreed to reinvent itself – he concluded – first they decided to change one of their drivers, without thinking twice, going from Sebastian Vettel to Fernando Alonso. They took the time needed to figure out and understand the best options to go forward and now they are at the top, away from the slump others are going through. A lesson for all the other teams.” – Alain Prost concluded.

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