Alain Prost believes Lewis Hamilton still has the potential to succeed amidst ongoing criticism of his performances.
The seven-time Formula 1 World Champion faces a significant challenge adapting to Ferrari as he aims to become a title contender once more. Despite the prevailing narrative on social media suggesting he’s past his prime, Prost remains confident in Hamilton’s abilities.
Alain Prost: Media Claims Hamilton Has ‘Lost His Edge’
Aside from an outstanding performance in the Chinese Grand Prix sprint, Hamilton’s start at Ferrari has been lackluster. The seven-time F1 champion is tackling a new challenge in his pursuit of an unprecedented eighth title, while teammate Charles Leclerc has consistently outperformed him, having secured the only podium finish so far in Saudi Arabia.
Hamilton has candidly shared his difficulties adjusting to the new car and team, suggesting a “doom and gloom” year as the scale of change becomes apparent. His performance in Miami was relatively stronger, finishing just behind Leclerc but engaging in a competitive race towards the end.
Frustration arose for Hamilton due to Ferrari’s indecisiveness regarding team orders. Over the team radio, he criticized the situation as “not good teamwork,” even sarcastically questioning whether he should also let Carlos Sainz pass when instructed to allow Leclerc to overtake.
With the initial period of adjustment seeming to come to an end, Hamilton faces increasing scrutiny from the media and public alike. Prost, a four-time F1 World Champion who has experienced similar challenges, understands the frustrations that come with Ferrari. He was famously dismissed from Ferrari in 1991 following remarks about the car’s performance.
Prost attributes the current negative portrayal of Hamilton to social media influences, arguing that this image is largely shaped by external commentary. “Listening to the media today, people claim ‘Lando Norris has no chance, Lewis Hamilton has lost his level,’” he stated in an interview with France’s l’Equipe.
Prost Considering Cutting Social Media Ties
Recently, Prost reflected on how social media narratives impact the perceptions of drivers and has considered deleting his own accounts due to the hostility he has experienced. He shared that despite the animosity he faces, he still thinks of his long-standing rivalry with the late Ayrton Senna, which eventually transformed into friendship.
“I’m contemplating turning off my Instagram, as I receive daily messages, some of which are hateful. Interestingly, my largest social media following comes from Brazil, making me continually think of him,” Prost shared, noting that the legacy of the Prost-Senna rivalry remains a significant part of his public identity.
