When the Professor Approves the Smooth Operator

FARIDATUL RIZKA (30802300010)

From Ferrari Exits to Williams Revival, Formula 1 Fans are Seeing History Rhyme Between Prost and Sainz

Figure. 1

Source: williamsf1.com

Carlos Sainz’s victory for Williams last week was more than just a win. For many Formula 1 fans, it felt like history repeating itself. The idea of the “Prost-Sainz theory” appeared when rumors spread that Sainz would move to Williams, just like Alain Prost once did, leaving Ferrari and finding success there. The talk grew even stronger when Sainz finished third at the baku circuit on September 21.

Figure. 2

Source: Instagram (@a.prost)

And surprisingly, Alain Prost himself, known as The professor for his intelligent and calculated driving style, seemed to agree. He reposted a fan’s post comparing him and Sainz on Instagram. For many fans, that was enough to confirm their “theory.”

Alain Prost’s history in Formula 1 is remarkable. He made his debut with McLaren in 1980, moved to Renault in 1981, returned to Mclaren in 1984 and won three world championship titles starting in 1985. Then, he joined Ferrari in 1990 and finally Williams in 1993, where he won his fourth title before retiring.

Figure. 3

Source: X (@autosport)

Carlos Sainz jr., known as The Smooth Operator, got his nickname after singing Sade’s song the same title on the team radio after finishing fifth in the 2019 Hungarian Grand Prix. The funny moment became a fan favorite, and the nickname stuck. Sainz started his career with Toro Rosso in 2015, then raced for Renault in 2017, McLaren in 2019, and Ferrari in 2021, before joining Williams in 2025. Like Prost, he also ended a bittersweet time at Ferrari before finding new success with Williams.

Fans have joked for a long time about the Prost-Sainz theory: both raced for McLaren, Ferrari, and Williams; both left Ferrari with frustration and rediscovered their strength with Williams. And when Prost himself hit the repost button, the comparison became more than just a joke.

Figure. 4

Source: X (@irdmwmuni)

“Alain prost himself agrees with prost-sainz theory,” wrote a fan.

In fact, Prost has admired Sainz for years. Back in 2017, when Prost worked as an advisor for Renault, he openly said he was a fan of Sainz and even recommended Ferrari to recruit him when he was still racing for Toro Rosso.

For fans, this feels like more than just about records or team transfers. It’s a story that connect two generations: Prost, The Professor of the 1990s, and Sainz, today’s Smooth Operator. Two nicknames, two eras, but one similar Journey.

Still not everyone agrees. Some fans say its only coincidence, many drivers have switched teams and won. Whether Sainz’s story will end with a world title like Prost’s remains to be seen. But with one repost, The Professor showed that he’s still watching, and The Smooth Operator proved that he’s ready to make his own history. For now, Formula 1 has found a rhythm between The Professor and The Smooth Operator, and fans are enjoying it every lap of it.