Born in France in 1955, Alain Prost originally dreamed of becoming a professional football player. His life changed at the age of 14 when he discovered karting, a chance encounter that set him on a path toward motorsport.

Prost quickly established himself as one of Europe’s leading kart racers. After winning the European Junior Kart Championship in 1972, he claimed further titles in higher karting categories before moving into single-seater racing.

In 1976, he entered the French Formula Renault Championship and dominated the series, winning 12 of 13 races to secure the title. He stepped up to the European Formula Renault Championship in 1977 and again emerged champion, claiming six victories.

Prost moved into the European Formula 3 Championship in 1978. Although his first season produced modest results, he returned in 1979 to win nine of 13 races and secure the championship, opening the door to F1.

Initially hoping to join the French Ligier team, Prost instead signed with McLaren and made his F1 debut in 1980. Despite scoring points in his first race, McLaren was going through a difficult period, prompting Prost to move to the Renault factory team.

Driving for Renault in 1981, Prost secured his first F1 victory at the French Grand Prix. He won three races that season and stood on the podium six times, although reliability problems resulted in numerous retirements. During his three years with Renault, Prost established himself as a title contender but fell just short of championship success.

During this period he also experienced personal and professional challenges. His close friends Gilles Villeneuve and Didier Pironi became embroiled in a bitter rivalry at Ferrari that ended in tragedy, with Villeneuve losing his life and Pironi suffering career-ending injuries. The events are widely regarded as having had a profound influence on Prost’s outlook on both life and racing.

Returning to McLaren in 1984, Prost partnered two-time World Champion Niki Lauda. The championship quickly became a duel between the pair. Prost often displayed superior speed, while Lauda accumulated points through relentless consistency. Ultimately, Lauda claimed the title by the narrowest margin in F1 history, and Prost finished runner-up. The experience shaped Prost’s approach, encouraging him to become an even more calculated and strategic driver.

In 1985, Prost’s refined and intelligent racecraft earned him his first World Championship, making him the first French driver to win the title. He successfully defended the crown in 1986, becoming the first driver since Jack Brabham to win consecutive championships. His tactical mastery earned him the nickname “The Professor.”

Prost pursued a third consecutive title in 1987, but McLaren struggled to match the pace of the dominant Williams Honda team. Even so, his consistency kept him in contention until late in the season, and he ultimately finished fourth in the standings. In September, McLaren announced that it would switch to Honda power for 1988 and that Ayrton Senna would join the team.

The arrival of the Honda-powered McLaren MP4/4 in 1988 transformed the competitive landscape. The car became one of the most dominant machines in F1 history, winning 15 of 16 races. Within the team, however, a fierce rivalry developed between Prost and Senna. McLaren struggled to manage two drivers determined to establish supremacy.

Although Senna won eight races to Prost’s seven, Prost’s consistency allowed him to score more points over the season. Nevertheless, the championship’s drop-score system awarded the title to Senna, who became World Champion for the first time.

In 1989, F1 switched from turbocharged to naturally aspirated engines, but McLaren Honda remained dominant, winning 10 of 16 races. Relations between Prost and Senna deteriorated further throughout the season.

At the San Marino Grand Prix, Prost accused Senna of breaking a pre-race agreement concerning the run to the first corner. Although the dispute appeared to be resolved after Senna apologized, tensions continued to grow. During the championship battle, Prost announced that he would join Ferrari for 1990, a move that further complicated the atmosphere within the team.

The title fight reached its climax at the Japanese Grand Prix. Prost and Senna collided at the chicane and both cars stopped. Prost immediately exited his car and lodged a protest with race officials, while Senna rejoined the race and took the checkered flag. Senna was subsequently disqualified, sparking a controversy that extended well beyond the season’s end. At the rain-soaked Australian Grand Prix, Prost chose not to start due to safety concerns, while Senna retired after an accident. Prost secured his third World Championship.

In 1990, Prost joined Ferrari and renewed his title battle with Senna, who remained at McLaren Honda. After winning five races, Prost arrived at the Japanese Grand Prix still in contention for the championship. Once again, the rivals collided, this time at the first corner immediately after the start. Both cars retired on the spot, securing the championship for Senna.

The Ferrari package was less competitive in 1991, leaving Prost unable to challenge for victories consistently. Increasingly critical of the team’s performance, he found himself at odds with Ferrari management. His contract was terminated before the season finale, and he did not compete in the Australian Grand Prix.

Although Prost explored the possibility of forming his own team, those plans did not materialize. He instead took a sabbatical in 1992 before returning in 1993 with the dominant Williams team.

The comeback proved successful, as Prost captured his fourth World Championship. However, believing it was the right time to leave the sport while still at the top, and with his motivation beginning to fade, he announced his retirement at the end of the season.

After retiring from driving, Prost remained determined to build his own F1 team. He purchased Ligier and launched Prost Grand Prix in 1997. The team attracted significant attention, including the signing of Japanese driver Shinji Nakano in its debut season. Although Prost Grand Prix enjoyed some early success, its fortunes declined over time, and the team ultimately ceased operations after the 2001 season.