Prost: Ditch the V6s and pump up the power!

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Four-time world champion and Renault ambassador Alain Prost is impressed with F1's new-spec cars but still believes fundamental changes are necessary to improve the show.

For starters, the French legend would like to see a more powerful engine in the back of the cars, reminding people that 1400bhp were sitting in the back of his McLaren in qualifying trim back in his day.

"I think we need a change because we should have more power," Prost told Autocar's Sam Sheehan.

"We should have an engine that’s a little bit more simple and if it’s possible less expensive, but still with the electrical part for sure.

"When I go back to drive one of the turbo cars [of the 1980s] I cannot believe how I did it.

"The feet are in front of the axle and there was no safety [features] on the tracks. it was really, really mad.

"It was also so difficult to drive. When I recently drove my 1983 [Renault RE40] car, I could not remember what I was doing with this car.

"I was so astonished and thought how could I have ever done that?"

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Prost also recommends a move away from artificial tools such as DRS to help with overtaking.

"We have to stay away from anything artificial in motor racing," he added.

"Artificial things in racing do not work. I don’t like DRS overtaking. The spectators know that if it’s not difficult, if it’s not a special manoeuvre, there’s no point.

"I prefer the way it is in 2017 [where it has less effect]."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.