Four-time F1 world champion praises Verstappen’s dominance but warns of the challenges ahead in a grueling 2025 season.
Alain Prost, one of Formula 1’s most legendary figures, has heaped praise on Max Verstappen as the Dutchman equaled his tally of four World Championships. Known as “The Professor” for his methodical and analytical racing style, Prost sees no issue in Verstappen joining him in the exclusive club of four-time champions.
“Verstappen is a great champion. He has shown that he is the best,” Prost said.
“Sharing four titles with someone like him doesn’t create any problems for me. I’m sure he can surpass me, and in the next few years, he certainly will.”
With Red Bull still a dominant force, Verstappen’s path to a fifth title in 2025 looks strong—but Prost believes consistency will be key in a season that promises to be even more competitive.
“Max is Like Lauda”: Berger’s Comparison Gets Prost’s Nod
Former Ferrari and McLaren driver Gerhard Berger recently compared Verstappen’s no-nonsense, laser-focused approach to that of Niki Lauda. Given Prost raced alongside Lauda at McLaren, he was asked whether the comparison holds weight.
“Max is like Niki in terms of being direct, no doubt about that,” Prost agreed.
“When you asked Lauda something, the answer was always honest. Verstappen is a very catchy guy, as the English say—he gets a grip on what he says.”
While Prost avoids direct comparisons between different F1 eras, he acknowledges that Verstappen’s mental clarity and work ethic mirror those of the late Lauda, one of the sport’s most disciplined and strategic drivers.
The 2025 F1 Title Fight: Consistency Will Be Crucial
Looking ahead to the 24-race 2025 season, Prost warns that maintaining peak performance will be tougher than ever.
“It was a very long championship last year,” he reflected.
“We saw it divided into two or three parts—at the beginning with Verstappen’s domination, then McLaren’s comeback, and Ferrari’s victories. The fight for the constructors’ title was very interesting.”
With McLaren and Ferrari closing the gap, Verstappen won’t have it all his way in 2025. Prost believes that minimizing mistakes and maximizing every opportunity will decide the title.
“This season, it will be important to be very consistent, make few mistakes, and maximize every opportunity. But it won’t be easy in a season with 24 Grands Prix to maintain high concentration and performance.”
Prost on F1’s Bloated Calendar: “Too Many Races”
Prost has long been critical of Formula 1’s ever-expanding calendar, and he isn’t holding back when discussing the brutal 24-race schedule for 2025.
“For me, it’s always too many. Even 17 or 18 races were already a lot,” Prost stated.
“Some might say that in our time we did many test days as well. I’ve always had the same idea: I prefer test days to too many races.”
Prost argues that extensive testing was far more beneficial than the current simulator-heavy era, particularly for young drivers.
“For young drivers, test days allow them to learn without relying on simulators. And for sponsors, test days provide more time for engagement rather than rushing through a packed race schedule.”
Can Verstappen Join the Five-Time Champions Club?
With Prost backing Verstappen to win more titles, the Dutchman could soon surpass Sebastian Vettel, Alain Prost, and himself to join Juan Manuel Fangio (5 titles), Lewis Hamilton (7), and Michael Schumacher (7) in the all-time rankings.
But with Ferrari’s resurgence, McLaren’s rise, and Red Bull’s rivals sharpening their weapons, 2025 could be the toughest season Verstappen has faced yet.
Can he match Fangio’s five? Or will McLaren and Ferrari finally stop Red Bull’s reign?