Categories: F1 News, Reports and Race ResultsOpinion

F1 not as bad as it seems - Prost

Four-time F1 World Champion Alain Prost believes the sport's current state of affairs is being exaggerated, while also acknowledging that change is necessary.

"Formula 1 as a product is not so bad," said the Frenchman.

"People complain constantly about Mercedes dominating, but hasn't this always been the case in F1?"

Prost also underlines the role played by the media in generating negative feedback and the ensuing adverse perception.

"The journalists always pick out one thing and criticise it, as everyone has their own opinion. But this is very bad, because from the outside if then appears as if everything is wrong.

"It is far from that. The situation in F1 is more positive than it seems, even if we do need to analyze and adapt some things."

However, Prost did express his doubts regarding the benefits of changing F1's qualifying format, and is still not convinced the adjustments will come into full effect in spite of the Motor Sport Council giving the new format a green light.

"I hope the changes don't come. I don't want to criticise something that I don't have a complete picture of.

"It seems that everybody wants to change something in F1, but if you change in only one area, it does little for the whole package."

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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.