"I receive really harsh messages": F1 legend Alain Prost considers quitting Instagram after facing online harassment from toxic fanbase

Even after retiring from Formula 1 more than three decades ago, Alain Prost continues to be defined by his legendary rivalry with Ayrton Senna. The four-time world champion recently shared his struggles with the persistent messages he receives about their intense competition, acknowledging that some of them are filled with hate. As a result, he is contemplating stepping away from social media altogether.

Few rivalries in motorsport history have been as compelling and enduring as the one between Prost and Senna. As teammates at McLaren in 1988 and 1989, they dominated Formula 1, winning 25 out of 32 races between them. Their fierce battles on the track, particularly their infamous collision at the 1989 Japanese Grand Prix, cemented their place in racing folklore. That controversial incident, where Senna was disqualified after rejoining the race following their clash, ultimately secured Prost his third world title.

Despite the passage of time, this rivalry continues to follow Prost. "My biggest fan base on social media is from Brazil, of all places, so I’m forced to think of him. Indirectly, I’ve been living around this story for 30 years, and it will probably stay that way for the rest of my life," he admitted. For Prost, the weight of his racing legacy is intertwined with Senna’s name, even though his career spanned far beyond their infamous battles.
The Frenchman also had the privilege of sharing the grid with other world champions like Niki Lauda, Keke Rosberg, Nigel Mansell, and Damon Hill, yet it is his rivalry with Senna that has overshadowed much of his career. Reflecting on this, he expressed his frustration, stating, "In the 30 years [since I retired] I have done a lot, but it is hardly talked about, I get the feeling that my life is just this Prost-Senna duel."
The influence of Senna’s legacy is still deeply felt within the global motorsport community, and his fanbase remains incredibly passionate. Prost acknowledges that this enthusiasm often leads to an overwhelming presence of messages on his social media, some of which are hateful. "I can't not think about Ayrton, fortunately or unfortunately, if you like... For example, I'm considering turning off my Instagram, because I get messages every day, really every day without exception— from time to time there's a hateful one, yes, that can happen," he revealed.
Social media, while offering a platform for engagement, has also exposed athletes to a new kind of stress—one that Prost, despite years of dealing with competitive pressure, finds difficult to endure. "I receive really harsh messages," he added, "It's difficult to endure." This form of online harassment has led him to question whether maintaining an online presence is worth the emotional toll it takes.
With over 322,000 followers on Instagram, Prost is still a significant figure in motorsport discussions. However, the very platform meant to connect him with fans has also become a source of negativity, particularly given that a large portion of his following comes from Brazil, Senna’s homeland. "My largest fan base on social media comes from Brazil, of all places, so I am obliged to consider it," Prost noted, acknowledging the unique complexity of his situation.
For Prost, Formula 1 was never just about his rivalry with Senna. He built a remarkable career with 51 Grand Prix wins and 106 podium finishes, and his contributions to the sport extended beyond his time on the track. After retiring, he took on roles as a team consultant, a presenter, and even launched his own F1 team, Prost Grand Prix, before it faced financial difficulties in 2002. Yet, despite all his accomplishments, it is his battles with Senna that continue to dominate conversations about his legacy.
Also Read: "Completely fictionalised": Alain Prost slams Netflix’s ‘Senna’ series for misrepresenting his fierce rivalry with Ayrton Senna
As he contemplates stepping away from social media, Prost raises an important question: has the digital age amplified the pressures that athletes face, even long after they retire? His experience highlights how social media, while providing a platform for connection, can also become a space where past rivalries never truly fade.