The British media regularly targets Max Verstappen. Not surprising, because with Lando Norris, George Russell, and Lewis Hamilton, the British have three irons in the fire, who together have won even fewer Grands Prix than Verstappen alone. The French media also sometimes want to be critical, but Alain Prost defends the Dutchman with conviction and indicates that Verstappen is a very honest driver. Prost also compares Verstappen with his old rival, Ayrton Senna.
With his fourth world title, Verstappen is level with Alain Prost and Sebastian Vettel. Verstappen’s past four seasons each give a completely different picture: in 2021 it was a battle from the beginning to the end of the season with Lewis Hamilton; in 2022 next one comeback after a false start; 2023 was a year full of dominance and records; and in 2024 Red Bull fell far back, and Verstappen held out in a mediocre RB20.
‘Now we’re going to see the real Verstappen’
“Only he can answer this question,” Prost says, explaining whether this was the most difficult world title for Verstappen. ‘I don’t know what his car was really worth. However, let’s not forget his controversial title from 2021,” Prost adds, meaning that Verstappen’s title was also incredibly clever. ‘Even now it is difficult to objectively assess how that situation should be handled. Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton both deserved the title then. Max won the title then, as we know. That was his first title, and he made the difference there too.’
“It is always extra difficult to win a first title,” says the 69-year-old analyst. ‘I remember saying the evening after that Grand Prix in Abu Dhabi: From now on we will see the real Verstappen, and we have seen that too,” Prost laughs. ‘He was then freed. He corrected his little mistakes and dealt with his impatience. He has become really, really strong.” Verstappen has already won 42 Grands Prix in the three seasons after 2021.
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Verstappen has now won three world titles.
The Red Bull Racing driver won eight of these in 2024. ‘To come back to this year, he really had to fight and showed a lot of good things. He has so much self-confidence and so much peace. Even when he complains a little, he delivers again and again, and he becomes less and less irritated. He has really shown that he is a true champion,” said the Frenchman, who was also known for his consistent performance.
Opportunities in 2025
Prost can actually no longer think of any criticisms of the 27-year-old driver. ‘It’s hard to find any weaknesses in it at the moment. I don’t know what his future looks like, but even in terms of communication, amid all the rumors about a move to Mercedes and Red Bull’s problems, he made a very strong impression. He is very good in all areas. He is a very hard driver on the track, but you cannot see that as a weakness,” the four-time world champion thinks that is a strong point.
Prost himself won his fourth title at the age of 38 in 1993, after which he retired. Verstappen will continue in 2025 and can then hunt for his fifth title. ‘Next year will be a completely different story. It’s a bit of a special year because this is the last year under the current regulations. We have already seen that the differences between the teams are becoming smaller.’
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Verstappen has to take into account six drivers from three teams.
Prost sees that as an advantage for Verstappen. ‘Max can make a difference in some races with his talent, and that is a big advantage for a team and of course for the championship. So I would always consider him a favorite for next season, but the other teams now know that Red Bull can be beaten.’ McLaren, Ferrari, and Mercedes have won fourteen Grands Prix together, but none of these six drivers have won more than three times.
Comparison with Senna
“Max has a lot in common with Ayrton,” says Prost when asked about the often recurring comparisons between Senna and Verstappen. “That was especially the case earlier in Max’s career, but now it is less so,” says the analyst, who means that as a compliment. ‘He has now really found his own method with everything. He also always follows his own plan in his own way. If you get to know him a little, I think he looks more like Sebastian (Vettel, ed.) or myself.’ Prost means that Verstappen now often works in a calculated manner and, above all, is very consistent.
“He always behaves very respectfully on the track,” said Prost, who was asked to explain that statement by the skeptical interviewer. ‘Yes, in his way. He’s not a cheater. You probably mean that he sometimes pushes people off the track. However, he always drives honestly and as he thinks is right. The proof of this is also that if he receives a punishment, he accepts it. He always pushes the limits,” says Prost, who thinks that is positive.
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Ayrton Senna en Alain Prost in 1989.
Not a cheater
Prost apparently has to deal with an interviewer who is not exactly a fan of Verstappen, because the Frenchman also gets the suggestion that Verstappen is not getting enough opposition. ‘Nowadays the strongest drivers are no longer together in one team, but Max still had to compete against drivers such as Daniel Ricciardo, Pierre Gasly, and Sergio Pérez. They’re not pushovers either. We are talking about Grand Prix winners here.’ In addition, former teammate Carlos Sainz has also won several Grands Prix.
Verstappen’s character is then also discussed. ‘What’s so good about Max is that he is straightforward. He doesn’t cheat, he is who he is, and he follows his own plan. He could just say tomorrow that he will stop in a month. That’s how he’s put together, and that’s his thing. He cares a lot less about his reputation than many other drivers, but he will always be remembered as an incredibly talented driver. Of course he also works hard, but his four titles are completely deserved, and he is also the best driver.’
(clears throat) Ah, the Brits, always having a go at Max Verstappen, eh? Well, I suppose it’s only natural, what with Lando Norris, George Russell, and Lewis Hamilton all flying the Union Jack. But let’s be real, lads, Verstappen’s won more Grands Prix than all three of them combined! (chuckles)
Now, the French media, they’re a bit more…diplomatic, shall we say. Alain Prost, the four-time world champion, has come out in defense of Verstappen, calling him a “very honest driver.” Ah, but of course, Prost would say that, wouldn’t he? I mean, he’s French, and the French are always charming, n’est-ce pas? (winks)
But seriously, Prost makes some valid points. He compares Verstappen to his old rival, Ayrton Senna, and says that Verstappen has “really found his own method” and is now “very consistent.” Ah, but what about all the times he’s pushed people off the track, Alain? (raises an eyebrow) Prost’s response? “He always drives honestly and as he thinks is right.” Ah, well, that’s all right then, I suppose! (smirks)
Now, I know what you’re thinking, “What about the criticism that Verstappen doesn’t get enough opposition?” Ah, but Prost’s got an answer for that too! He points out that Verstappen’s had to compete against the likes of Daniel Ricciardo, Pierre Gasly, and Sergio Pérez – all Grand Prix winners, no less! (nods) Fair point, Alain.
And then there’s Verstappen’s character. Prost says he’s “straightforward” and “doesn’t cheat.” Ah, well, that’s refreshing, isn’t it? A driver who’s not afraid to speak his mind and follow his own plan. (smirks) Although, I’m not sure what’s more impressive, Verstappen’s driving skills or his ability to ruffle feathers. (chuckles)
All in all, it seems like Verstappen’s got a solid fan in Alain Prost. And who can blame him? The lad’s a talented driver, and he’s got the titles to prove it. (nods) But, of course, we’ll have to wait and see how he does in 2025. Will he make it five titles in a row? (raises an eyebrow) Only time will tell, folks!
(smirks) And that’s all for now. Thanks for joining me on this little jaunt into the world of Formula 1. Until next time, stay sharp, and keep on racing! (winks)
Here is the rewritten article:
The British media’s constant criticism of Max Verstappen is no surprise, given the country’s vested interest in the success of its own drivers, including Lando Norris, George Russell, and Lewis Hamilton. With his impressive track record, Verstappen has unwittingly become a target for scrutiny, having won more Grands Prix than his British counterparts combined. Meanwhile, the French media has occasionally attempted to criticize Verstappen, but Alain Prost has consistently defended the Dutch driver, highlighting his honesty and exceptional driving skills. Prost has even drawn comparisons between Verstappen and his former rival, Ayrton Senna.
With his fourth world title, Verstappen has drawn level with Alain Prost and Sebastian Vettel in the record books. A closer examination of Verstappen’s past four seasons reveals a remarkable level of adaptability and resilience: from the intense battle with Lewis Hamilton in 2021 to the stunning comeback in 2022, the dominant performance in 2023, and the gritty determination in 2024, when Red Bull’s RB20 struggled to keep pace. Each season has presented a unique set of challenges, which Verstappen has successfully navigated to emerge victorious.
‘Now we’re going to see the real Verstappen’
“Only Max can answer whether this was the most difficult world title for him,” says Prost, reflecting on Verstappen’s journey to the championship. “I’m not entirely sure what his car was capable of, but let’s not forget the controversy surrounding his 2021 title. That was an incredibly clever victory, and even now, it’s challenging to assess how that situation should have been handled objectively. Both Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton deserved the title, but Max ultimately emerged victorious, making the difference when it mattered most.”
“Winning a first title is always extra difficult,” notes Prost, who recalls saying, “Now we will see the real Verstappen,” after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. “He was then freed from the pressure of not having a championship. He corrected his mistakes, dealt with his impatience, and developed into an exceptionally strong driver.” Since then, Verstappen has won 42 Grands Prix, a testament to his remarkable growth and consistency.
Verstappen’s 2024 season was marked by significant challenges, with the Red Bull driver winning eight Grands Prix despite the team’s struggles. “He really had to fight and demonstrated many impressive qualities,” says Prost. “He possesses immense self-confidence and composure, even when things aren’t going his way. He continues to deliver and show why he’s a true champion.” The Frenchman praises Verstappen’s ability to navigate the complexities of the sport, from driving to communication.
Opportunities in 2025
Prost admits that he can no longer identify any weaknesses in Verstappen’s driving. “It’s hard to find fault in his performance, and even amidst rumors about a potential move to Mercedes and Red Bull’s struggles, he has made a strong impression. He excels in all areas, from speed to communication. He’s a force to be reckoned with on the track, but his reputation as a tough competitor shouldn’t be seen as a weakness.” As a four-time world champion, Prost believes Verstappen’s strengths will serve him well in the coming season.
Prost, who won his fourth title at 38 and retired soon after, knows that Verstappen’s 2025 season will be different. “Next year will be a unique story, as it’s the final year under the current regulations. We’ve already seen the gap between teams narrowing, which could make for an exciting championship battle.” Verstappen will face stiff competition from six drivers across three teams, but Prost believes the Dutch driver has the talent and experience to make a difference in key races.
Comparison with Senna
“Max shares many qualities with Ayrton,” says Prost, reflecting on the often-made comparisons between Verstappen and Senna. “Initially, the similarity was striking, but Max has since developed his own distinct approach. He has his own method, and he sticks to it. If you get to know him, I think he’s more like Sebastian Vettel or myself in terms of his calculated and consistent driving style.” Prost highlights Verstappen’s respect on the track, noting that he drives honestly and accepts punishment when necessary.
When questioned about Verstappen’s reputation for pushing boundaries, Prost responds, “He’s not a cheater, and he doesn’t try to deceive others. He drives to the limit, which is a positive trait. His willingness to accept punishment when he makes a mistake is proof of his honesty.” As someone who has faced similar criticism in the past, Prost appreciates Verstappen’s straightforward nature and dedication to his craft.
Not a cheater
Prost Counters the suggestion that Verstappen has not faced strong opposition, pointing out that he has competed against talented drivers like Daniel Ricciardo, Pierre Gasly, and Sergio Pérez. “These are not easy rivals to beat, and he’s had to fight hard for his victories. We’re talking about Grand Prix winners, not just talented drivers.” Additionally, Verstappen’s former teammate Carlos Sainz has also enjoyed success on the track.
Prost concludes by praising Verstappen’s character, saying, “What’s great about Max is that he’s unshakeable. He doesn’t cheat, and he sticks to his plan. He’s not afraid to speak his mind, even if it means going against the norm. He’s admirable for being true to himself and his values. While he’s naturally talented, he also works incredibly hard, and his four titles are a testament to his dedication.” Verstappen’s reputation as a champion is well-deserved, and Prost expects him to continue pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the world of Formula 1.
