Alain Prost, through his years in Formula 1, has experienced in person how the sport has evolved. This also applies to the drivers, whom Prost now sees training in a very different way than in his days as a Formula One driver.
In the past, according to Prost, drivers built up their muscles "naturally" by simply spending a lot of time in the car, but strict regulations mean that this is no longer possible today. Training time has been greatly reduced and private testing is highly regulated.
As a result, according to the Frenchman, drivers have to spend more time in the gym than on the track. "It was a different time," Prost told France 5. "They do 23 races and spend time in the simulator, but they don't test. We tested on average three to four days a week."
Of course, drivers used to have to continue training off the track, but Prost recalls that it was not nearly as extensive as it is today. As an example, he cites a machine used to train the neck muscles. "I realised that wasn't good for me, because as we drove a lot, we had a natural musculature in the car," says the four-time world champion.