Alain Prost breaks silence on Max Verstappen-Ayrton Senna comparison
Alain Prost shared his piece of mind over the recent claims of Max Verstappen being similar to the late legend Ayrton Senna in performances.
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Max Verstappen and Ayrton Senna (via IMAGO), Alain Prost (via F1 Oversteer)
Max Verstappen‘s recent championship triumph in the 2024 season placed him alongside the likes of Sebastian Vettel and Alain Prost. The Dutchman has continued to receive massive applause from the entire grid amidst his achievement. Hence, Prost broke silence over the reigning world champion’s comparison with the late legend Ayrton Senna.
Alain Prost had previously downplayed Max Verstappen‘s achievements in Formula 1 due to lack of competition. However, the four-time champion doubled down on his words and praised the Dutchman. Prost reckoned that Verstappen had a lot in common with Ayrton Senna during the start of his career. In recent times, the resemblances were less due to the 27-year-old’s ‘own way of being’.
Max has a lot in common with Ayrton, especially at the start of their careers. Today, less so. He has his own way of being. He has always followed his own path, in his own style.
Alain Prost told L’Equipe
Verstappen showcased some more resemblances to Sebastian Vettel or even Prost for that matter rather than Senna. The Frenchman liked a lot of personality traits while racing on track. Regardless of the Dutchman’s on-track antics, Prost found the former ‘very respectful’ during races.
In that sense, when you get to know him a little, I find him closer to Seb [Vettel] or even myself. Those are traits I really like about him. On the track, I find him very respectful.
Alain Prost added
Alain Prost asserts Max Verstappen ‘not a cheater’ amidst aggressive driving style
Max Verstappen’s overly aggressive driving style had witnessed the driver receive massive penalties during races. However, Alain Prost wasn’t mincing his words while talking highly of Verstappen’s driving style. When questioned further, Prost reckoned that the Dutchman was ‘not a cheater’ despite recent penalties including track limits. The reason for this was that the 27-year-old was ‘brought up’ as such since the early days.
Yes, in his own way. He’s not a cheater. You might bring up track limits, but that’s just his driving style, it’s how he was brought up in the sport. For him, it’s the norm. The best proof is that when he gets penalized, he accepts it. He always pushes the boundaries of what he can do.
Alain Prost noted
The 2024 season has witnessed why Verstappen deserves the championships in the recent seasons. The reigning world champion has showcased the difference in his driving style on the grid multiple times. Hence, the coming seasons are highly likely to witness the 27-year-old achieve more such notable feats in Formula 1.
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Aditya Pandya
(1440 Articles Published)