Alain Prost has revealed he was the key figure behind Oscar Piastri’s entry into Formula 1, personally lobbying Renault to sign the young Australian to the Alpine Academy. Speaking at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, the four-time F1 champion recalled how he had to fight internal resistance to bring Piastri in, having spotted his potential early in junior categories.
“I was the one to push Renault to bring him in the academy,” Prost said. “They did not want to.”
Piastri joined Alpine’s program in 2020 and won the F2 title in 2021, before a controversial departure to McLaren the following year. Now, just two seasons later, the 24-year-old leads the 2025 championship by eight points over teammate Lando Norris after 12 rounds.
Prost also praised Piastri’s racing IQ, likening it to his own calm, calculated style: “I like the way he behaves. He’s clever, like I was—timing his overtakes and thinking through moves.”
With McLaren letting their drivers race freely, tensions have flared, particularly after a crash in Canada. But team boss Zak Brown insists the rivalry remains respectful and healthy, saying both drivers “race each other hard and clean” and that team chemistry is strong.
As the title fight heats up, the decision Prost once made behind closed doors is now shaping F1’s biggest storyline.
