Alain Prost – Michael Schumacher, Ferrari got here near having an incredible line-up
Many consider that it’s higher to not have two roosters in the identical coop. Alain Prost and Michael Schumacher had been undoubtedly two of one of the best Method 1 drivers in historical past and subsequently their future was to be adversaries, not teammates. Scuderia Ferrari, nonetheless, got here up with the loopy thought of lining them up collectively within the 1996 Method 1 season, which might have been a stellar driver line-up, with six world titles. It was Alain Prost himself who revealed an concept that was by no means heard of or verified till now: as is well-known, Ferrari selected Eddie Irvine, despite the fact that they might have signed the Professor – who at the moment was 40 years outdated and already retired for 2 years – for a second driver function.
Alain Prost’s phrases
“After 1993 (the 12 months of his definitive retirement, ed.) I had the chance to return to Method 1 with McLaren and likewise with Ferrari. I spoke to Jean Todt and Michael was already there. I mentioned that if I signed, we needed to be clear and that what I needed to do was be the second driver, serving to Michael and Ferrari to turn out to be world champions.” – this had been the feedback of Alain Prost in an interview for the Past the Grid podcast. “I didn’t need to have any sort of dialogue. Michael would have been primary and I’d have been quantity two, it will have been an opportunity to return again, nevertheless it didn’t work out. I needed to take part in Ferrari’s success, that was my problem on the time. My function would have been to assist Jean, the crew and naturally Michael, I needed to be clear about that, the human facet has at all times been crucial to me. There was no competing with Michael after a two or three 12 months retirement. What I might do was assist and it could possibly be a great problem: I talked to Jean for a very long time, nevertheless it didn’t go properly. Maybe you must ask Jean Todt in regards to the causes, however possibly it was higher for me.” – the previous F1 driver added.
Prost-Ferrari, it will have been a sensational comeback
For ‘The Professor’ it will have been an incredible return to Maranello that will undoubtedly have generated plenty of curiosity. Alain Prost and Ferrari broke up in a stormy way in 1991: the driving force was even fired earlier than the tip of the Method 1 season following actually not flattering statements in regards to the Ferrari 643. After the second partnership didn’t materialize, Alain Prost moved to the opposite facet of the “barricade”, taking on the constructions of Ligier and based the crew that carried his title in Method 1 from 1997 to 2001.
Show your support for Scuderia Ferrari with official merchandise collection! Click here to enter the F1 online Store and shop securely! And also get your F1 tickets for every race with VIP hospitality and unparalleled insider access. Click here for the best offers to support Charles and Carlos from the track!