Prost praises Verstappen's F1 approach: 'He says what he thinks'

Four-time Formula 1 World Champion Alain Prost has praised Max Verstappen for his no-nonsense approach to the sport.

Verstappen has long spoken his mind and was particularly critical last year, taking aim at the sprint format and pre-event festivities in Las Vegas.

The Dutchman dominated the campaign en route to his third F1 title as he won 19 out of the 22 races staged.

Prost has hailed the 26-year-old for his dedication to F1 and not allowing himself to become distracted.

“I like him very much because he’s a little bit different in the way he thinks and speaks,” he told MotorSport Magazine.

“Even in Las Vegas he was focused on racing and winning. People can like him or not, but at least you must recognise you are not obliged to have the same approach.

“For me it’s good to see a driver like him. I was very pleased to listen to what he also said about not liking the sprint races.

“At least he says what he thinks and is not afraid by the political game. I like that.”

Praise for Alonso

Prost also offered kind words to Fernando Alonso who starred for Aston Martin during his first season with the team.

Alonso scored eight podiums with the Silverstone-based outfit having made the transfer from Alpine, departing one year after Prost left his non-executive director role with the French squad.

“He really impressed me in the first year he came to Alpine [in 2021]. Not only on the track but outside, by the way he was handling things.

“I was very worried before he came and he really surprised me in a good way. He was really good, no problems, no politics.

“This past year at Aston Martin for sure he did a fantastic season.”