Grosjean accident reminds Prost of “what we experienced dramatic” in his time – Fil Info – Formula 1

The “dramatic” memories that Romain Grosjean’s accident reminded him of, his satisfaction to see Mick Schumacher in F1 next year, the “total control” of Lewis Hamilton: Alain Prost gives his impressions of the 2020 season.

On Romain Grosjean’s accident

“It gives goosebumps,” says the four-time world champion (1985, 1986, 1989 and 1993). But I see things in a slightly different way because it reminds me of what we experienced that was dramatic in our time. It is obvious that it remains a very dangerous sport. (…) But we knew we were risking this kind of thing, we saw it more regularly, we were more prepared. ” For him, Grosjean is “heroic”. “The fact of wanting to get back in the car (for the last GP of the season in Abu Dhabi on December 13, editor’s note) is a completely natural feeling,” adds Prost. The former driver finally takes “a big tip of the hat to the International Automobile Federation and to all the people who have worked directly or indirectly in safety and to those who participate in it” on the track. “It’s very difficult to predict accidents. What is needed is to limit the risks as much as possible and this is what has been done for years, ”he says.

On Mick Schumacher’s arrival in F1

“Personally, I am very happy. He deserves it ”, assures Prost, according to whom“ Mick is really a great boy ”. Wearing this name, “it’s been heavy and for quite a while, plus his dad’s accident,” he said. But “he has understood so far how to manage this association”. The 65-year-old driver still calls for “to let him live a bit at the start because it’s certainly complicated”.

On the domination of Lewis Hamilton

“I do not see a reason for it to stop” despite the change in regulations in 2021, sweeps the French. The recipe according to him: “a pilot-team-organization-management combination with incredible stability” and a “teammate who is a help”, even if he salutes the “quite exceptional” performances of Valtteri Bottas. For Prost, “Lewis is at the top of his game. In this situation, you have a psychological peace of mind when it comes to piloting that makes you stronger than you might think. You would like to slow down but the times are still there. You are in a state of euphoria but with a lot of control and this is where Lewis has been very strong for a few years. He has total control. ”

On Renault’s balance sheet

“We did not expect to be so good,” admits the non-executive director of Renault. “The objective was more for 4th place and we have fought so far for 3rd, even if it will be a bit complicated,” he continues. “All the little things that we brought on the car worked, although it’s not easy to quantify. This bodes well and allows us to have a plan for 2021 and 2022, which remains the priority objective, with a little more serenity. ” As for the two drivers (Daniel Ricciardo 4th with 102 points and Esteban Ocon 12th with 42 points), Prost affirms that they “are not in their place in terms of the standings and in terms of number of points because Esteban had more technical problems ”. The difference in performance, however, does not surprise him. “Daniel is having one of his best seasons, he really pulled the team to the max,” he explains. “Esteban arrives after a sabbatical in a team that is still looking for itself and where Daniel’s position is more obvious, but he has caught up a lot in terms of performance, especially in qualifying. He still has to be a little more regular in the race ”during the last two GPs of the season this weekend in Bahrain and the following in Abu Dhabi.

On Fernando Alonso’s return to the team in 2021

The manager of Renault (which will become Alpine next year) regrets not knowing the level of “pure performance” of Alonso after two seasons without racing in F1, for lack of being able to organize private tests with the Renault of 2020. For the Spaniard’s state of mind “is intense, he has an incredible commitment, all the time to get information from the engineers. It can be confusing for the other pilot, concludes Prost. Esteban will have to be totally confident to have the best possible relationship with him. ”