GPBlog's Top 50 drivers in 50 days - #42 - Riccardo Patrese

In today’s era of Formula One, long careers are pretty normal, with several drivers being in the sport for a decade or longer.

But throw back 30 or so years, and Patrese’s career of 17 seasons was almost unheard of.

Whilst not always in a team capable of fighting for wins, the Italian’s sheer consistency makes him one of F1’s best.

He made his debut with the Shadow team in 1977 and stayed with the team as they became Arrows in 1978. He had the option to join Williams but turned it down to stay with Arrows, a decision that would turn out to be the wrong one a couple of years later.

However, Patrese nearly ended up taking a shock victory in Arrows’ second race, overtaking Niki Lauda and Jody Scheckter on his way to the lead before engine failure forced him to retire.

A first podium finish was achieved later that year in Sweden but he retired more often than not and moved to Brabham for 1982.

In a tough season for Brabham, Patrese grabbed his first race win in Monaco, eventually finishing the season ahead of his teammate and world champion of the previous year, Nelson Piquet.

Brabham’s car in 1983 was quick, but unrealiable, especially on Patrese’s side of the garage. Reliability problems in eight of the first nine races meant he didn’t score any points until the German Grand Prix, whilst Piquet already had 33.

He won the final race of the season in South Africa, overtaking Piquet on the way as the Brazilian became champion.

Now 30 years old, Patrese made another bad career decision, joining the Alfa Romeo team. Two disappointing years followed before a return to Brabham, which was just as bad.

After plenty of seasons in the lower midfield, Patrese opted to make another move, joining Williams, the leading team at the time.

It was just Patrese’s luck for McLaren to become the dominant team in 1988, with Patrese manging just eight points across the season.

1989 was more encouraging as Patrese scored six podiums, finishing ahead of his new teammate Thierry Boutsen.

He won the San Marino Grand Prix the following season as McLaren and Ferrari continued to control F1, but his luck changed in 1991 as Williams were able to challenge McLaren.

Victories followed in Mexico and Portugal as he came home third in the championship, but he was now past his best and joined by a determined Nigel Mansell.

Mansell ran away with the championship in 1992 with Patrese left to pick up second in six races, winning just once in Japan as he came second in the standings, with 56 points, his best ever.

Patrese retired after a solitary season with Benetton, being outperformaed by Michael Schumacher.

Patrese was a talented driver, who unfortunately made a string of bad team choices. His record of 256 race starts held up until 2008, showing his extreme longevity in the sport.