Since the beginning of the afternoon, the news has been circulating on social networks: Alain Prost is leaving his position at Alpine, which he has held since Renault's return to Formula 1 at the end of 2015. On Monday evening, for L'Équipe, the much sought-after former world champion agreed to talk about this departure, which puts an end to a long collaboration with the French manufacturer. And it was via Zoom that the former non-executive director, like his friend Niki Lauda at Mercedes, gave the reasons for this separation, while answering the numerous messages he received from members of the team.
"Why leave Alpine after so many years with Renault as ambassador and non-executive chairman?
In September 2020, when Cyril (Abiteboul, then team boss) was still there, Luca (De Meo, the president of the Renault group) had proposed that I take on the role of president of Alpine F1. In principle, I accepted, Marcin (Budkowksi, who was dismissed last week) was to take charge of the team and Cyril was to manage the brand. We talked about it again in December, but in January 2021 Laurent Rossi was appointed. I therefore continued in my previous role, as non-executive director and advisor to the president.
Alpine, a mixed record for the 2021 season
But to come back to the question of my departure, the 2021 season was very disturbing for me insofar as I felt that the old ones had to go. I accept the change, because you don't have to do F1 in the same way all the time. You can do it differently, and that's what has been done throughout the last year. But for me it became too complicated. I was no longer involved in the decisions, sometimes I didn't share them, even not at all, but I had to continue to carry the official word. Even as a member of the board, I found out about some decisions at the last minute. You may not be listened to, but at least you should be warned in time. It's a question of respect. Relationships became more and more complicated, I felt that there was a lot of jealousy.
From whom?
Laurent Rossi wants to be alone, not to be polluted by anyone. In fact, he told me himself that he no longer needed an adviser. That was in Qatar, but he still offered me a contract in Abu Dhabi, which I refused. It must be said that it was a project in which I believed and still believe, an ambitious project which has given the group incredible motivation. But now there is a real desire to put a lot of people on the sidelines. Laurent Rossi wants all the light. What interests me is the challenge of being part of a team and being listened to and involved in certain decisions. I was voluntarily very much in the background, but I had a lot of influence in a discreet way despite all the disagreements that I kept to myself.
Many changes for Formula 1 in 2022
You are leaving a week after Marcin Budkowski (executive director). How do you see this season being so important for the brand?
No one is indispensable and, of course, I am no more indispensable than anyone else. But we mustn't forget that everything that is being done here today and for 2022 has been launched two or three years ago. Today's management, as you know as well as I do, will only be judged in one or two seasons, not before. We must be aware of this. Alpine was undoubtedly the first to focus on this objective of regulatory change. So the team will start with new faces, why not? Otmar (Szafnauer), if he comes, I like him. But we mustn't forget all the work done by the guys in Viry or Enstone, who are working hard on this project. Again, I have nothing against change, but what I don't appreciate is the lack of respect towards people. What I like is the human element.
So could Alpine win in 2022?
It's hard to answer that. We wonder about the reliability of the engine. But that doesn't worry me much, because what is most important is the performance. Since the engines are fixed, we have to work on that. But once I've said that, I can't say anything more because we'll have to compare ourselves with the others. And this season is going to be tremendously exciting because of this unknown. I'm extremely interested to see the hierarchy, the fight of Lewis (Hamilton) for an eighth title...
So, for you, Hamilton will be there?
No, I'm not sure. But I hope so much that he will come back...
Lewis Hamilton, a silence that makes people talk
We feel you are still passionate. Freed from your links with Alpine, could we now see you follow the path of Jean Todt?
I'll tell you a secret: I was very close to running for the presidency of the FIA, but it was too late. I have been in Formula 1 for almost forty years, in all positions, from driver to team owner, including board positions (McLaren and then Renault). I also chaired the GPWC (the championship that the manufacturers were threatening to create to counter the influence of Bernie Ecclestone in the late 2000s). So it's a role I might have liked, but I'm not looking for anything in particular. I just want to be happy and work with people I enjoy.
And now you didn't have any?
Not at all. When the team boss doesn't even say hello to you when you arrive at the circuit, there's no more fun.
Translated with
www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)
