Four-time Formula 1 world champion Alain Prost sees similarities between Max Verstappen and Niki Lauda
Max Verstappen is considered a character among Formula 1 drivers – someone who always says what he really thinks. This reminds Alain Prost of his former McLaren team-mate Niki Lauda.
In an interview with RMC Motori, Prost says: “Max is similar to Niki in that he is very direct. There is no doubt about that. If you asked Lauda a question, his answer was always honest.” It’s a similar story with Verstappen: the Red Bull driver makes an impression with his statements.
On the track, too, action speaks louder than words: in 2024, he became Formula 1 world champion for the fourth time in a row, thus equaling Prost in the number of titles.
For Prost, this does not come as a surprise. Verstappen’s success is “normal when it comes to someone like him – a very fast driver who showed from the first laps that he was special.” What’s more, Verstappen has now proven “to be the best,” says Prost.
He therefore has “absolutely no problem” with being on the same level as Verstappen in terms of titles. “On the contrary,” says Prost: “I am sure that he will surpass me – and he will certainly do so in the years to come.”
Verstappen has a Red Bull contract until 2028
Verstappen has plenty of opportunities to do so: his current contract with Red Bull runs until 2028.
If his winning streak continues, he could celebrate his fifth world championship title as early as 2025, overtaking Prost. In theory, even the records of Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton, each with seven world championship titles, would be within reach by 2028.
But whether Verstappen really wants to stay in Formula 1 that long is an open question. Although he insists on fulfilling his current Red Bull contract, he also emphasizes: “You never know what will happen in the next year or two.” He says only so much is certain for him: “In the end, I’ll go with what I think is best.”
