Alain Prost Discusses Influence on Oscar Piastri’s Career in 2025 Championship Bid
Former four-time Formula 1 champion Alain Prost has opened up about his instrumental role in guiding Australian driver Oscar Piastri’s career. In a recent conversation with Karun Chandhok at Goodwood House, Prost revealed his early advocacy for Piastri’s inclusion in the Alpine Academy.
"I know Oscar much better because I was the one to push Renault to bring him in the academy a long time ago," Prost stated. "They did not want to. I saw him driving in Formula 3 or even 4, and then Formula 2."
Piastri currently leads the drivers’ championship, holding an eight-point advantage over his McLaren teammate Lando Norris. After joining the Alpine Academy in 2020, Piastri’s contract dispute with the team led to his signing with McLaren for the 2023 season, a situation that became public through his notable social media post in August 2022.
Prost sees parallels between himself and Piastri, praising his racecraft: "I like the way he behaves, thinking about when to execute the right manoeuvre for overtaking and being a little bit more clever."
He noted, "This type of driver can make a progression," while remaining neutral about Norris’s capabilities. The championship dynamics have intensified, especially after the two McLaren drivers collided in Canada, resulting in Norris’s retirement.
McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown expressed confidence in allowing both drivers to compete freely, stating, "It’s the same rules: race each other hard, race each other clean, and try to secure as many points for the team." He emphasized the chemistry built within the team, believing it will allow for a healthy rivalry. "May the best man win, and I’m sure they’ll shake hands and congratulate each other."
With 12 races completed in the season, the battle for supremacy between Piastri and Norris is set to continue as the series progresses.
