McLaren was family to Alain Prost

The story between Alain Prost et McLaren took place in two episodes. The Frenchman, who was coming off a full year in F3 (title in France and Europe), began in F1 with the British team in 1980 for one season before leaving for the clan Renault for three years between 1981 and 1983.

Returning to Woking in 1984 after his period with the Losange, Alain Prost quickly showed himself at the level of his teammate Niki Lauda, ​​failing in the quest for the world title by half a point.

A simple “setback” for the “Professor” who won two consecutive titles in 1985 and 1986, before winning a third crown in 1989 after a now legendary duel with the Brazilian Ayrton Senna. On the occasion of our file dedicated to 50 years of McLaren Grands Prix, we spoke about these years with the current co-owner of the Renault e.dams in Formula e.

“[When I returned in 1984] we had gone from 40 to 70 people, but it remained a small team, much more professional and structured. I found the same state of mind with Ron Dennis, Mansour Ojjeh, John Barnard and Alan Jenkins. It was a family. I formed very strong friendships with these people.

I loved working with John Barnard, despite his strong character. It was sometimes complicated with Ron, but above all I keep the positive aspect […] I have never seen such a warm team, in such a sincere way. You can also find passion in Ferrari, but not in the same way. I still find this sincerity today at McLaren. »

Find our interview with Alain Prost and our file dedicated to 50 years of McLaren Grands Prix, in issue 2076 of AUTOhebdo, available in digital version, and on newsstands.