Riccardo Patrese, Italian race car driver

Riccardo Gabriele Patrese, born on April 17, 1954, is an acclaimed Italian former racing driver whose illustrious career in Formula One spanned an impressive sixteen seasons, from 1977 to 1993. Hailing from Padua, Italy, Patrese became a familiar and enduring presence on the global motorsport stage, known for his remarkable longevity and unwavering commitment to the sport during a highly competitive era.

A Career Defined by Longevity and Milestones

For nearly two decades, Patrese held a significant place in Formula One history, famously holding the record for the most Grand Prix starts for an impressive 19 years. His career was marked by groundbreaking milestones: he was the first Formula One driver ever to achieve 200 Grand Prix starts, a momentous feat accomplished at the 1990 British Grand Prix. Not content with that, he further extended his legacy by becoming the first to reach 250 starts, which he achieved at the 1993 German Grand Prix. Over his extensive career, Patrese officially entered 257 Formula One World Championship Grands Prix, ultimately starting 256 races. As of the end of the 2021 season, his unparalleled participation places him as the ninth-most experienced F1 driver in the sport's rich history, a testament to his durable presence in one of the most demanding and constantly evolving disciplines.

Championship Success and Triumphant Victories

While often competing against titans of the sport, Patrese achieved notable success, particularly in the later stages of his career. His finest season came in 1992 with the formidable Williams-Renault team, where he secured the runner-up position in the Formula One World Championship, finishing second only to his dominant teammate, Nigel Mansell. This marked a career-best for the Italian veteran. He also demonstrated strong form in previous years, notably with Williams in 1991 and with both Williams and Benetton in 1989, clinching third place overall in both those championships and showcasing consistent performance across different machinery and engine manufacturers. Throughout his F1 tenure, Patrese claimed six Formula One victories. One particularly remarkable aspect of his winning record is the extraordinary gap of over six years between two of these triumphs: his victory at the 1983 South African Grand Prix, driving for Brabham-BMW, and his subsequent win at the 1990 San Marino Grand Prix with Williams-Renault. This extended period between wins underscores his resilience and adaptability, as he navigated various teams and significant technological shifts in the sport.

Beyond Formula One: A Versatile Racer

Beyond the demanding circuits of Formula One, Riccardo Patrese also left his mark in the World Sportscar Championship, a prominent international endurance racing series. He competed with distinction for the venerable Lancia factory team, demonstrating his versatility across different racing disciplines and vehicle types. His efforts culminated in a strong runner-up finish in 1982 in the championship standings, alongside collecting an impressive eight wins during his sportscar exploits. This period further cemented his reputation as a well-rounded and highly capable racing driver.

Frequently Asked Questions About Riccardo Patrese

How many Formula One races did Riccardo Patrese win?

Riccardo Patrese secured six Grand Prix victories during his Formula One career.

What was Riccardo Patrese's best finish in the Formula One World Championship?

His best championship result was runner-up in 1992, driving for the Williams team, where he finished second only to his teammate Nigel Mansell.

For how long did Riccardo Patrese hold the record for most Grand Prix starts?

He famously held the record for the most Grand Prix starts for 19 years, a testament to his remarkable longevity in the sport.

Did Patrese compete in any other major racing categories besides Formula One?

Yes, he also competed successfully in the World Sportscar Championship for the Lancia factory team, achieving runner-up status in 1982 and accumulating eight wins.

Which significant milestones did Patrese achieve regarding Grand Prix starts?

He was the first F1 driver to reach both 200 Grand Prix starts (at the 1990 British Grand Prix) and 250 Grand Prix starts (at the 1993 German Grand Prix).