Alain Prost Celebrates F1 Anniversary at Goodwood Festival of Speed
Four-time Formula 1 champion Alain Prost made a nostalgic return to the Goodwood Festival of Speed, reuniting with his championship-winning McLaren MP4/2B and MP4/4. The event commemorates the 75th anniversary of the Formula 1 World Championship and brought together several legendary drivers, including Mario Andretti and Nigel Mansell.
Prost, dressed in his original 1985 race suit, reflected on the significant evolution in racing technology. "It’s very, very strange," he commented. "Every time you go into these types of cars, you remember very quickly all the [memories]." Despite the advancements, Prost emphasized the challenges posed by the mechanical gearboxes and clutches of the era. “Going back to that… is much harder compared to modern F1 cars,” he noted.
Prost took a measured approach during the hillclimb, prioritizing preservation over speed. "I prefer to go slow and wave to the crowd," he stated, highlighting respect for the vehicles’ historical significance. Earlier, he shared the stage with fellow champions at Goodwood House, reinforcing the camaraderie that persists among the drivers.
This year’s Festival not only showcased the heritage of Formula 1 but also paid tribute to the dedication of the teams and mechanics behind the sport. Prost’s appearance serves as a reminder of the skill required to master high-horsepower vehicles during a transformative era in racing.
