Alain Prost: "We need new rules, not only in one area" of Formula 1

Alain Prost has added his voice to those of other former drivers like Stefan Johansson and Gerhard Berger that F1 needs a root and branch reform; the Frenchman says the sport should not abandon the V6 power units to try and solve all its problems, but that the stakeholders should instead work on improving the whole package.

The four times F1 champion said: “I know that many fans wish the V8 era back. But that would be the wrong signal [as] F1 has to show new technology. Perhaps a compromise is possible between what want the fans and what the producers want and need.

“We need new rules, but not only in one area. There must be an overall concept for chassis, engine, sporting laws. If we only change the engine, which would be dangerous, for one week, we’d argue about motors, one on tyres, one on the car. That will not do. We need to work on the whole package.”

Prost also believes that Mercedes deserves its dominant position in Formula 1 as he described Renault’s plan to get back to the front of the sport.

The Frenchman - who is a Renault ambassador, but holds no more senior executive role with the team than that - explained to Auto Motor und Sport that the sport’s switch to V6 turbo engines had been requested by the manufacturers and that Mercedes should not be blamed for producing the best power unit.

He said: “Let's go back a few years, [when] all major automakers had more or less the same engine. Then, the car companies said, ‘we stop when we cannot show our competence with something that is relevant to the automotive market.’

“They want to prove that they are better than the competition. Many complain about the dominance of Mercedes. But let's be honest, [they] have done the best job [and] they deserve to win. You have to accept that someone else is better in F1 sometimes.”

Prost also reiterated Renault’s ambitions for its renewed motorsport initiative, which were revealed at a 2016 launch event in Paris last week, as he explained that having the full support of the company’s board and CEO, Carlos Ghosn, was an important part of the latest works F1 effort.

He said: “For the first time there is a full support from the board [and] our president Carlos Ghosn is behind the project. You have noticed in the presentation [last week], how much he identifies with the project. That was not so in the past.

“This time is also a master plan behind it. All countries [and] divisions of Renault stand behind it, marketing is coordinated fully [and] there is a logical sport program with access to the serial production.”

When asked if the technical challenge of F1 was greater than Renault had faced in the past, Prost explained that the team was welcoming the challenge as it aimed to improve its understanding of the hybrid technology. A key part of Renault’s motorsport plan is for its technical developments to have a direct impact on its road car technology and drive sales as a result.

Prost said: “[The technical challenge] is larger than in the past but that is intentional. Renault wants to move ahead in the hybrid technology. Therefore there is also a collaboration with Infiniti in this area.

“Catching up has become more difficult because of the rules. If you had a problem in the past, you everything changed in one week and the week after next took to the test track. Now there are too many restrictions.”

Prost, who is the co-founder of Renault’s Formula E team Renault-e.DAMS that is currently leading the second season of the all-electric championship, explained that the French company would have to be patient before it could achieve similar success in F1.

He said: “We have a nine-year plan. Everyone in the company knows that. It is impossible that we [move] forward this year. Everyone knows the story of the team last year [and we must] put a lot of work to bring it back on its feet.

“We do not want to lie to the people. In particular, the beginning of the season will be tough. We're facing a development process that will take two or three years. We have to be patient. And we will do it.”

Channel 4 TV role

Prost has also responded to recent speculation about him appearing as a pundit on Channel 4’s coverage of F1 in the UK, which will begin this season.

The broadcaster took over the terrestrial contract from the BBC and has already confirmed David Coulthard will be part of its on-screen line-up. Ben Edwards and Lee McKenzie from the BBC TV line up are believed to also be signed, while former McLaren boss Martin Whitmarsh told this site he has turned it down. C4 stalwart Guy Martin will be involved. The main presenter looks likely to come from outside the sport; it is understood the channel wants its coverage to be personality led.

Prost said: "There is nothing done with UK TV but it could be nice. I will continue with Canal + as usual for sure.

“I do not know why people are talking so much about UK TV, maybe it is because I am friends with David [Coulthard], but we see what the future holds."