Friday, October 3, 2025

When the Professor Approves the Smooth Operator From Ferrari Exits to Williams Revival, Formula 1 Fans are Seeing History Rhyme Between Prost and Sainz

FARIDATUL RIZKA (30802300010)


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” emerged when rumors surfaced that Sainz would move to Williams, just as Alain prost had done: leaving Ferrari and then achieving success with Williams. And that idea heated up again when Sainz finished third on the podium at the Baku circuit on September 21.

Figure. 2
Source: Instagram

And shockingly, Alain Prost himself, known as “The Professor” for his intelligent and calculated style on the circuit, seemed to agree. He reposted a Snapgram from a fan showing the comparison. For many fans, that alone was enough to confirm their “theory.”

Alain Prost’s history is truly remarkable. He made his debuted with McLaren in 1980, then moved to Renault in 1981, returned to McLaren in 1984 and won three world champion titles starting in 1985, then joined Ferrari in 1990, and finally William in 1993, where he won his fourth world champion title before retiring. His nickname, “The Professor,” comes from his intelligent and strategic driving style.

Figure. 3
Source: X

Carlos Sainz Jr., got the nickname “Smooth Operator” after singing Sade’s song of the same title on the team radio after finishing fifth in the 2019 Hungarian Grand prix. This initially lighthearted moment quickly became a fan favorite, and phrase struck, becoming his signature in Formula 1. He began his career with Toro Rosso in 2015, the raced for Renault in 2017, McLaren in 2019, and Ferrari in 2021, before moving to Williams in 2025. Like Prost, he ended his bittersweet phase at Ferrari before returning glory with Williams.

Fans have been joking for some time about the Prost-Sains theory. Both: McLaren, Ferrari, Williams, and both: frustrated with Ferrari, and redeemed themselves at Williams. But when a fan posted the comparison on Snapgram last week, it spread like wildfire. And when Prost himself hit the repost button, the comparison became more than just a joke.

Figure. 4
Source: X

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

Back in 2017, Prost, who was then an advisor to Renault, even openly stated that he was a big fan of Sainz. He admitted that he had advised Ferrari into recruit Sainz when Sainz was still racing for Toro Rosso.

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

However, there are also fans who say it’s all just coincidence. After all, many drivers have switched teams and won. Whether Sainz’s story will end up with a championship title Prost’s remains to be seen. With one repost, The Professor showed that he is keeping an eye on things. And Sooth Operator proved that he is ready to carve out his own history. For now, Formula 1 has found a rhythm between The Professor and the Smooth Operator, and fans are still enjoying every lap.

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