Former F1 driver Alain Prost revealed that Alpine showed him “no respect” while announcing his departure from the team.
Prost’s departure was confirmed on Monday when it was announced that the four-time world champion was no longer part of the former Renault team. He was non-executive director of the team since 2019 before taking up the role of team advisor.
Even as a racer, the F1 legend and the team go back a long way. His association with the Alpine began in the 1980s when he was racing for them. He drove for the team for three seasons before retuning in an administrative role as consultant and ambassador.
However, after his departure was confirmed, Prost revealed that Alpine showed him “no respect” in the process, and said that he was very disappointed with his former employers.
The official F1 website revealed that Alpine senior management decided to veto renewing Prost’s year-by-year deal. However, the man had a different version of events, one that he posted about on his Instagram account.
Bitter disappointment
“I am very disappointed how this news has been announced today,” Prost wrote, as quoted by the Race.
“It was agreed that we would announce together with @alpinef1team! No respect sorry!
“I have refused the offer made to me in Abu Dhabi for the 2022 season because of a personal relationship and I was right!
“To the Enstone and Viry team, I will miss you.”
The 66-year-old’s departure came in the wake of another shock exit from Alpine. Team Executive Director and team principal Marcin Budkowski also announced his split from the French team. There are more departures in the works, so this is only the beginning.