“My career is often summed up by my fight with Senna”
What made you decide to tell yourself like this?
Alain Prost : For me, people are more important than racing. My career is often summed up by my fight with Senna. We have forgotten the basics a little. However, I have a special journey, from the start. My accession to F1 is the part I am most proud of. I wanted people to know this story a little better.
A journey so special that you initially wanted to be a footballer…
I had all the AS-SaintÉtienne posters. The motor sports enthusiast was my brother, Daniel. And then, at the beginning of the 70s, I accompanied him to karting to please him. And, as has often happened in my life, I saw a star, a light that made me make a decision, not necessarily rational at the time. So I say to myself: “This thing is for me. »
An obsession that pushes you to deprive yourself of leisure activities, in order to save money to buy a kart… Did those around you think you were crazy at the time?
Everyone asked me questions, but for a year and a half, no one knew why I was doing this. Not even my parents… Besides, when my brother went to the bistro to play pinball, or to the cinema, I waited outside. I wasn't unhappy at all. On the contrary, I was proud!
Alain Prost talks about his brother who died of cancer: “I was embarrassed to be in the place he had always dreamed of”
In 1986, your brother was struck down by illness at a young age. Ultimately, wasn't it for him that you made your career?
I always knew my brother was sick. It was not one, but two illnesses that he had to face: a brain tumor, then lung cancer. It was a tragedy for him to see that he could not satisfy his passion. So he transferred it to me. But I was very uncomfortable… Especially when he first came to see me race, in 1980, in Monaco. I was very happy that he was there, of course, and at the same time, I was embarrassed to be in the place he had always dreamed of… It has always been a constant, in my career, to race for him , constantly thinking about him. Indirectly, yes, I ran a little by proxy.
Through this documentary series, you also pay a moving tribute to your grandmother, who inspired you…
Honestly, when I talk about it, I can get tears in my eyes right away. She inspired me with her courage, having seen her family massacred during the Armenian genocide. And by her kindness, always with this positive side, despite what she has experienced. He is the most incredible person I have met in my life.
“I knew Senna admired me”
You mentioned Senna. He was also an incredible character…
…And atypical, with whom I experienced surreal scenes. After he passed away, I was invited to the family farm, where I saw photos of myself. Despite our intense struggle on the circuits, I knew he admired me. He told me about it. A real bond united us. I understood, after his death, that this bond was stronger than I thought. My biggest community, on Instagram, is in Brazil.
Prost, Sunday December 8 at 9:10 p.m. on Canal+
