“There has always been a lack of humanity or humanity in my career, I see”: to remedy this, French champion Alain Prost, nicknamed “the professor” in Formula 1, looks back on his career in a documentary series which was broadcast from Sunday on Canal+. .
“Out of modesty, also out of professional conscience (and) out of difficulty, as it was not always clear with the media, no one knows my life or my childhood,” the four-time world champion explained during the presentation on Monday. , of this series in 6 episodes of 26 minutes.
“I wanted to tell this story outside of certain sporting events,” says 69-year-old Alain Prost. “What? Because if there’s one part of my life I’m most proud of, it’s the beginning.”
Netflix series about Senna
Between archival images and testimonies from the pilot, his relatives and journalists, “Prost” begins in his childhood, between a sunny grandmother who survived the Armenian genocide and an older brother who is seriously ill. Discovering karting by chance will be a highlight for the teenager who is passionate about football.
Then comes the sports career, up to F1, with four world titles (1985, 1986, 1989 and 1993) and 51 Grand Prix victories.
His peak was, without a doubt, one of the greatest competitions in the history of the sport, with Ayrton Senna. An episode that Alain Prost describes as “amazing” and “unbelievable” but sometimes “intricate to live with” because it was “a kind of reduction in my life” that we don’t go a day without being reminded of.
In addition, competition made at the heart of another series, this time fictional: “Senna”, on Netflix, which traces the career of the Brazilian, who died in racing in 1994.
What key life lessons does Alain Prost share from his early influences and experiences in his documentary series “Prost”?
Interview with Alain Prost: Reflecting on a Legendary Career in Formula 1
Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Alain. Your recent documentary series, “Prost,” provides a fascinating glimpse into your life and career. Can you tell our readers what motivated you to share your story, especially the aspects of your childhood and early influences?
Alain Prost: Thank you for having me. I’ve always felt there was a notable lack of understanding about the person behind the achievements. While I’ve had a accomplished career, including four world titles and 51 Grand Prix victories, the most defining moments for me happened before all of that. I wanted to highlight my beginnings, such as my connection with my grandmother who survived the Armenian genocide, and how discovering karting changed my life’s direction. It’s essential to tell thes stories outside the glamor of motorsport to showcase the human side of an athlete.
Editor: That’s a powerful perspective.In the documentary, you mention your rivalry with Ayrton Senna. How did that relationship shape your career and your personal life?
Alain Prost: Our rivalry was, without a doubt, one of the most significant aspects of my life in Formula 1. It was both amazing and exhausting—an “intricate” experience. While it propelled me to perform at my best and created some of the sport’s greatest moments, it also came with a heavy psychological burden. The intensity of that competition is something that stays with you; it’s a part of my identity, and every day I am reminded of it. This documentary attempts to balance that narrative, revealing how those experiences were sometimes reductionist, overshadowing my entire life and achievements.
Editor: You’ve had an extensive career, and now you’ve seen a recent trend of documentaries and films, like Netflix’s “Senna.” How do you feel about the portrayal of racing legends today? Are there risks involved?
Alain Prost: It’s a double-edged sword. On one hand, these films and series like “Senna” beautifully depict the intense emotions and challenges of racing. They can inspire new generations by showing the greatness and tragedy in our sport. On the other hand, there’s a risk of oversimplifying complex stories or focusing solely on rivalries. I believe it’s essential to portray the human aspect of these athletes—how perseverance, sacrifice, and even personal struggles shape their careers and legacies.
editor: Now that you have this documentary under your belt, what practical advice can you offer to young drivers and aspiring athletes looking to carve out their own legacy?
Alain Prost: The most crucial piece of advice is to stay grounded and remember your roots. Always revisit the motivations that brought you to this sport and hold onto your values. Alongside skill and determination, embracing humility and understanding the importance of teamwork can set you apart. It’s also vital to manage your public persona, especially in today’s media landscape. Your story is unique, and owning it is essential in the long run.
Editor: Thank you, Alain, for sharing your insights.Your documentary not only enriches the history of Formula 1 but also emphasizes the human stories behind the trophies and accolades.
Alain Prost: Thank you for having me.I hope viewers find inspiration in “Prost” and that it resonates with those not just in racing, but in any pursuit of excellence.
Keywords: Alain Prost, Formula 1, documentary series, Ayrton Senna, racing career, sports legacy, childhood influences, inspiration for young athletes.