Four-time Formula 1 champion has praised Charles Leclerc for his impact at Ferrari over the past year.

The Monegasque scored two wins and seven poles, the most of any driver, in his first season in red in 2019, going on to outscore teammate Sebastian Vettel and finish fourth in the Drivers' Championship.

Speaking to France's Auto Hebdo, Prost, who is currently an advisor at Renault, reflected on his relationship with Leclerc and the great success he's achieved during his career to date.

"I speak with Charles a lot," he revealed. "The first obvious thing one can underline was his ability to convince Ferrari to hire him at such a young age.

"Racing for the Scuderia comes with phenomenal pressure. With that in mind, one can say that the first stage of his career has been a complete success."

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Indeed, at 21, Leclerc became the youngest race driver at Ferrari in 58 years but his performances, despite a few errors, particularly impressed Prost.

"Charles has already earned his stripes," he claimed.

"One can almost consider him an equal number one at Ferrari. To be able to race as Vettel's equal in his maiden year with Ferrari is something extremely positive.

"Looking ahead, it doesn't really matter if he's a little faster or slower on occasion. Charles showed great maturity and he didn't hesitate to get his elbows out a few times."

Leclerc's challenge to the Ferrari establishment wasn't just limited to results either as he vocally questioned decisions he felt disadvantaged him.

"When I listen to his radio messages, I sometimes say to myself: 'That kid has guts!'," Prost concluded.