Alain Prost is disappointed how the news of his departure from Alpine F1 Team was leaked before a mutual announcement could be made.
Following the exit of Marcin Budkowksi from Alpine last week, European/British media along with the F1’s own site reported of Prost also leaving the team after the end of his contract. His deal with the team was said to have ended in 2021 with a new offer not taken up.
Prost joined the team in its Renault guise in 2015 and was given a non-executive role in 2019. A new deal was chalked up for 2022 and beyond but the Frenchman decided to not take it up when it was discussed in Abu Dhabi in 2021 during the final weekend.
The news seemingly got leaked before a mutual announcement could be made which disappointed Prost, who noted that the decision to not take the offer was more on personal lines than anything to do with Alpine and or its management.
“I am very disappointed how this new has been announced today (January 17),” wrote Prost. “It was agreed that we would announce together with Alpine! 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.”
While the future of Budkowski was linked to Aston Martin, but the team has since announced Mike Krack as its new team principal. Otmar Szafnauer, though, is still poised to join Alpine while the future of Davide Brivio is unknown at the moment too.
Here’s Marcin Budkowki leaving Alpine
Here’s Marcin Budkowski on Alpine drivers
Here’s Esteban Ocon clarifying promo video
Here’s Marcin Budkowski on three-year Alpine run
