Former Formula One champion Alain Prost has recently shared his views on preserving the tradition within F1, highlighting concerns over the naming of new teams and the importance of retaining some of the traditional teams and circuits.
In an era of rapid transformation in Formula One, where new circuits and team names frequently emerge, the four-time champion calls for the roots of the sport to be remembered. During an exclusive interview with Lydia Mee via Sports Illustrated, Prost spoke passionately about the rich heritage that some teams bring to the sport, such as Williams.
When asked about the inclusion of more street circuits and the evolving landscape of Formula One, Prost acknowledged the appeal these changes hold for younger audiences but maintained his firm belief in the importance of tradition.
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“I mean drivers of my generation, we have some ideas. And we have some conviction that maybe it’s not good for the present and the future. We have to be honest. It’s more for the young generation. If you ask me the question, I would say yes, we need to keep a part of traditional circuits, a part of tradition in our sport. I think it is very important.
“How much? 80%, 50%, 20%? I don’t know. You have some iconic races and iconic places and it’s very important to keep that. And that is why it’s very important to keep the tradition of big names also.”
One of Prost’s significant concerns is the renaming of established teams. He pointedly criticized the trend, noting, “I mean, for example, I don’t like some names of new racing teams, I don’t like that because you’re losing the tradition of our sport. So everything is important. It’s all in the details.” This statement comes amidst transitions such as Sauber’s name change to Stake ahead of its planned rebranding to Audi in 2026, and AlphaTauri changed to Visa Cash App RB in 2024. These changes, according to Prost, risk diluting the rich heritage that teams like Williams have cultivated over decades.
The Williams team itself celebrates rich F1 heritage, having been a part of the sport since 1977. Founded by Sir Frank Williams and Sir Patrick Head, the team quickly reached championship winning level with its first Constructors’ title in 1980. Throughout its history, Williams has won nine Constructors’ Championships and seven Drivers’ Championships, making it one of the most successful teams in F1.
The debate over maintaining tradition versus embracing change is not new in sports, but it holds particular poignancy in Formula One, where the traditional fan base is deeply invested in the sport’s history and a new era of fans are coming in.
Uncommon Knowledge
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Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.