Four-time Formula 1 World Champion Alain Prost has insisted that he enjoyed the 2023 F1 campaign, following several views that Max Verstappen’s dominance made the season “negative”.
There is no doubting that Verstappen has been in a complete league of his own in 2023, with the Dutchman having won 86.4 per cent of the races – a new record.
Obliterating one record wasn’t enough for the 26-year-old, as he also claimed the record for most consecutive victories (10), most wins in a season (19) and highest points tally (575).
Verstappen has been beaten just three times this year, twice by Sergio Perez and once by Carlos Sainz.
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The vast majority of his wins have come in sensational fashion, with him often being victorious by several seconds.
Just last Sunday, Verstappen won the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix by 18 seconds, despite the fact Red Bull haven’t developed the RB19 since August.
Verstappen has just been phenomenal, something Prost has actually enjoyed watching given that he understands the work that is put in to win so often.
“I watched as a fan as I’m no longer involved with any team,” said Prost, as reported by GrandPrix.com.
“Many people have said it’s been negative because one team and one driver dominate. But I always recognise when there are performances like Red Bull and Max.
“When someone dominates like that, it’s the sum of the work that is necessary that you are seeing. And all you can say is congratulations.
“If you want to get to that level, you have to work better. I understand if it is frustrating at times, but on a personal level I thought it was great.”
The new three-time World Champion is tipped by many to dominate at least until the new power unit regulations are introduced in 2026, with him having the chance of entering the new regs as a five-time World Champion potentially.
Prost certainly thinks Verstappen is only going to get faster as he gets older, given that he’s still only 26.
The Frenchman can see that there is something “very special” about the Dutchman, which makes him virtually unbeatable every Grand Prix.
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“As drivers, we all have our driving styles and approaches,” Prost added.
“Max is still very young, but the focus he had on his career from the start and the passion for motorsport are very important.
“He always says what he wants and thinks. You don’t often see someone so dedicated to their sport. There’s something very special about him – he’s always getting faster and gaining more and more experience.”