The British motorsport world has rallied behind Formula 1 icon Alain Prost after he was attacked and injured during a home invasion in France. The four-time world champion, 69, was targeted by a masked gang at his residence near Paris on Tuesday night, leaving him with minor injuries. The raid, which police say involved multiple assailants, has shocked the racing community and reignited concerns over the safety of high-profile figures.
Prost, known as `The Professor` for his strategic brilliance, was reportedly tackled and struck during the ordeal. He was treated at a local hospital for bruises and shock but has since been discharged. His family, present at the time, escaped unharmed. Local prosecutors have launched an investigation, with early reports suggesting the gang may have been after valuables.
The news hit hard in the UK, where Prost is revered for his epic rivalries with British drivers Nigel Mansell and Ayrton Senna. Tributes poured in from teams and drivers past and present. Lewis Hamilton, speaking ahead of this weekend`s British Grand Prix, said: "Alain is a legend. To hear this is awful. We stand with him." McLaren, where Prost won three of his titles, called the attack "cowardly" and wished him a swift recovery.
The incident underscores a worrying trend of burglaries targeting sports stars. Just last year, Manchester United players had homes broken into while playing matches. But for a figure like Prost, revered as a giant of the sport, the invasion feels especially violating. The French ambassador to the UK, Hélène Duchêne, expressed "solidarity with Sir Alain and his family," praising his contribution to motorsport.
As the sport gathers at Silverstone, the mood is sombre but defiant. Team principals have called for increased security at drivers` homes. For now, the focus is on Prost`s recovery. His son, Nicolas, a former racing driver, said: "Dad is tough. He`ll bounce back." The UK motorsport community, bound by a shared love of speed and competition, has sent a clear message: the Professor is not alone.
