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McLaren driver Oscar Piastri, 23, has said he is flattered by the parallels with four-time Formula 1 champion Alain Prost that more and more people in Formula 1 are drawing – such as Bernie Ecclestone. And he explained why he does not consider this comparison unfounded.
Ecclestone, Brabham’s team principal in the 1970s and then F1’s commercial director until 2017, has repeatedly expressed the view that he regards Prost as the greatest driver in the sport’s history.
“The Australian, I believe, is a magical guy.” said Ecclestone. “He can be a champion, no doubt, within the next two years if the car continues to perform as it has. It stands out clearly among all the others”added the 93-year-old Briton.
German magazine Auto Motor und Sport asked Piastri to comment on the fact that many in F1 are comparing him to the Frenchman – who he had teamed up with two years ago when they were both in Alpine F1.
“It’s a comparison I’m honored by, especially given that Alain has been one of the most successful drivers in our sport.”said the Australian.
“I wasn’t even born when he was fighting so I don’t have the full picture, but from what I hear or read about him I do see some similarities between us.
Prost had a fairly smooth and accomplished driving style. He was very precise in his work. I can see these in me, too.
I spoke to him a few times when I was still in Alpine. He was incredibly interesting to talk to, and he also gave me some advice.”the 23-year-old continued.
Alain Prost in the McLaren MP4/4-Honda in 1988
MCLAREN MEDIA CENTRE
Prost, the infamous “Mr. Professor”, he had acquired this designation because he was famous for the “mathematical” way in which he calculated how he would drive. In fact, the Frenchman himself has admitted that he never drove at a speed above 99.9% of the car’s capabilities.
“That’s not exactly how things are now, in this day and age you always have to drive to the limit.” Piastri said. “When Prost was racing the cars were less reliable, and not correspondingly safe.
So going over the limit had much bigger implications than it does today. Again, though, you still can’t go over curbs every lap.
Today you have to find the limit accurately. If you’re a tenth down (in the lap) you’re too slow. If you go over the limit, the tires will punish you. It’s a very fine line.”Oscar Piastri concluded.
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