The most difficult part of the winter of 1984-1985 was the frustration of being the fastest driver and yet not being able to secure the championship. Despite being the number two driver at McLaren, there were challenges with the team dynamics, such as disagreements over testing and development. However, overall, the year was good for the team, but losing the championship by half a point was a disappointment. The most difficult part was reading negative press and doubting the ability to become champion. Despite setbacks and challenges, the driver worked differently, was cautious, and eventually succeeded in becoming champion in 1985.
Season 5 of F1 Beyond The Grid starts with a brand-new episode on Wednesday 16th March.
Alain Prost is a four-time Formula 1 World Champion, star of one of the sport’s most thrilling eras, and Ayrton Senna’s great rival. In this 2018 interview from the Beyond The Grid archive, Alain tells Tom Clarkson the story of his rise to the top of the sport, the championships he missed out on, the titles he won, and the dazzling drivers he raced along the way. Prost v Senna was the duel which dominated F1 in the late 1980s and early 90s. You’ll hear Alain’s take on their relationship, and memories of their heart-to-heart phone conversations which finally helped him understand Senna as a driver and as a person.