#1 · McLaren / Williams
Alain Prost
Four-time World Champion (1985, 1986, 1989, 1993). Known as "The Professor" for his methodical, calculating racing style — a deliberate counterpoint to teammate Senna.
51
Race wins
106
Podiums
33
Pole positions
4
Championships
Why he matters
Prost won four championships across two teams — three at McLaren in the late 1980s and one at Williams in 1993 — and held the record for most career wins (51) until Schumacher passed him in 2001. His rivalry with Ayrton Senna at McLaren in 1988 and 1989 is the defining intra-team rivalry of any era.
How he drove
Where Senna pushed the car to its absolute limit on every lap, Prost optimized — managed tyres, anticipated weather, drove inside the car’s window for as long as possible. His nickname “The Professor” was earned. He was less spectacular than Senna and slightly more successful in the long view.
Why to remember him
- Suzuka 1989 — the championship-deciding collision with Senna. Whether you blame Prost or Senna depends on your country.
- His decade at Renault, McLaren, Ferrari, and Williams — a championship in each car family except Ferrari.
- His deep, ongoing role in French motorsport — he was part of the Renault F1 program for years and remains a cultural figure in France.