Two four-time Formula 1 world champions 20 years apart in Abu Dhabi
It has been 20 years since Alain Prost's last Formula 1 world championship title. In 1993, he won his fourth title in the Williams Renault. Exactly 20 years later, Sebastian Vettel also celebrated his fourth title a few days ago, also powered by a Renault engine. No wonder the French celebrated this birthday with the two multiple world champions last night in Abu Dhabi.
And there was also Niki Lauda, the three-time world champion who contested the 1984 season in the McLaren Tag-Porsche alongside Alain Prost and won the title by just half a point over the Frenchman. That was the closest World Championship decision of all time.
Alain Prost asks Sebastian: "How old were you when I became world champion in 1993?" Seb replies: "Six years old, but I watched it all on TV. Only, I have to admit, I was a Senna fan back then." Prost laughs and says: "How quickly time flies."
Today, the two are on a par. At 26, Sebastian still has big plans, as his biggest goal is surely to beat Michael Schumacher. Alain Prost, who is now 58 years old, only won his fourth title at the age of 38. That still leaves Vettel some breathing space.
For the statisticians: Alain Prost was world champion in 1985, 1986 and 1989 with McLaren and in 1993 with Williams. Niki Lauda won the F1 World Championship with Ferrari in 1975 and 1977 and with McLaren in 1984. And Sebastian Vettel won the highest motorsport trophy in 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013 with Red Bull.
