Prost sad to see French drivers at each other's throat

F1 legend and Renault advisor Alain Prost lamented the antagonistic rivalry that prevails between Formula 1's French drivers.

After their opening lap collision, both Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly retired on the spot in yesterday's French Grand Prix, depriving the country of two thirds of its contingent, while Romain Grosjean was also held accountable for a mishap early on in the race.

Prost believes that pressure and nerves when the lights went green likely played their part in the drivers' on-track clash and subsequent botched up afternoon.

• Ocon and Gasly scolded for first lap clash

"You're never alone in the first few corners of a race," the Professor wisely told French broadcaster Canal +.

"There are positions to gain, with speed differences depending on tyre choices and other factors. One therefore must exert a bit of caution even if it's easier said than done," added the four-time world champion.

Prost hopes the trio won't remain at odds with each other as their encounters will likely be frequent down the road.

"It's just too bad to see two French drivers clash, followed by a war of words, including Romain, given that they will often be racing against each other in the tight mid-field.

"They must put this behind them, because it's just not great!"

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