Monoposto

Nº 21

Alain Prost

1985–86, 1989, 1993 World Champion

Overview

Alain Marie Pascal Prost, born in Lorette, France, on 24 February 1955 and known as the Professor, won four World Drivers' Championships, three with McLaren and one with Williams.1 When he retired he held the records for wins, fastest laps and podiums.1

1985

Five wins, 20 points clear of Michele Alboreto

Only a driver's best results counted in 1985. He scored 76 points in all, and 73 counted.

France's first

He became the first French champion, with five wins.1 He also won at San Marino, but was disqualified because his car was 2 kg underweight.1

Every Grand Prix finish, 1985

Numeral size follows the result. Round 1 at left.

1986

Four wins, 2 points clear of Nigel Mansell

Only a driver's best results counted in 1986. He scored 74 points in all, and 72 counted.

Adelaide

He retained the title on the last lap of the Australian Grand Prix, after Nigel Mansell's tyre failed, the first driver to do so since Jack Brabham in 1960.1

Every Grand Prix finish, 1986

Numeral size follows the result. Round 1 at left.

1989

Four wins, 16 points clear of Ayrton Senna

Only a driver's best results counted in 1989. He scored 81 points in all, and 76 counted.

Suzuka

He won his third title at the Japanese Grand Prix, after a collision with his teammate, Ayrton Senna.1

Every Grand Prix finish, 1989

Numeral size follows the result. Round 1 at left.

1993

Seven wins, 26 points clear of Ayrton Senna

Back from a sabbatical

After a year out in 1992, he returned with Williams, clinched the title in Portugal with two races left and retired at the end of the season.1

Every Grand Prix finish, 1993

Numeral size follows the result. Round 1 at left.

Image plates

5 photographs, in season order

Helmet

His helmet was based on the blue, white and red of the French flag, with his name along the side.1

1985

Auge=mit · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons · Background removed

1986

Auge=mit · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons · Background removed

1989

Auge=mit · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons · Background removed

1993

Auge=mit · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons · Background removed

Four title cars

Three titles came with McLaren and one with Williams, in the FW15C.1

The Williams FW15C at Silverstone, 1993.

Martin Lee · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons
1985
McLaren MP4/2B
1986
McLaren MP4/2C
1989
McLaren MP4/5
1993
Williams FW15C

Road to the title

  1. 1980Formula One debut in Argentina, with McLaren.1
  2. 1981First win, at his home race in France, with Renault.1
  3. 1985–89Three titles with McLaren.1
  4. 1992Sabbatical.1
  5. 1993Fourth title with Williams, then retired.1

Records

  • Most wins, fastest laps and podiums at his retirement1
  • First French World Drivers' Champion1
  • First driver to retain the title since Jack Brabham in 19601

Sources