Riccardo Patrese

Riccardo Patrese was born on April 17, 1954, in Padua, Italy. He grew up with an interest in motorsport, which eventually led to his successful career as a racing driver. Patrese would go on to compete in Formula One for several teams, becoming one of the most experienced drivers in the sport's history, with a career spanning from 1977 to 1993.

Riccardo Patrese made his Formula One debut on May 1, 1977, at the Monaco Grand Prix with the Shadow Racing team. This marked the beginning of a long and distinguished career in Formula One, spanning from 1977 to 1993. Patrese quickly established himself as a talented driver, known for his technical skill and consistency on the track.

Riccardo Patrese achieved his first Formula One victory on January 17, 1982, at the Monaco Grand Prix driving for Brabham. This win was a significant milestone in Patrese's career, showcasing his driving talent and establishing him as a competitive force in the championship. The victory was characterized by his excellent driving skill and strategic acumen on the challenging Monaco circuit.

Riccardo Patrese claimed victory at the South African Grand Prix on July 17, 1983. Driving for the Brabham team, this victory was notable for the fiercely competitive nature of the race and Patrese's strategic driving. His win in South Africa was his second Formula One win and demonstrated his remarkable ability to outperform the competition under challenging conditions.

Riccardo Patrese joined the Williams Formula One team on April 3, 1988, a move that significantly boosted his career. The Williams team was one of the leading teams in Formula One at the time, and Patrese's decision ultimately led to his most successful period in the sport. With the Williams team, Patrese achieved multiple wins and numerous podium finishes, solidifying his place as a top Formula One driver.

In the 1990 Japanese Grand Prix, held on October 28, Riccardo Patrese secured an impressive victory driving for Williams. The race was notable for its dramatic events, including the infamous collision between Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost. Patrese's win exemplified his skill and determination, capitalizing on the opportunity to claim victory amidst the chaos, solidifying his reputation as a top-tier competitor.

On September 22, 1991, Riccardo Patrese scored a stunning victory at the Portuguese Grand Prix, driving for Williams. This victory was one of his notable performances with the Williams team, coming amidst a season of strong competition. With precision and deft maneuvering, Patrese's win was celebrated as a classic demonstration of his racing prowess and strategic acumen on the international stage.

On July 12, 1992, Riccardo Patrese won the Hungarian Grand Prix while racing for the Williams team. This race marked his last win in Formula One and was part of a successful season where Williams dominated the Constructors' Championship. Patrese's victory was a testament to his enduring skill and adaptability in the sport, competing and winning against the best drivers of his era.

On August 15, 1993, Riccardo Patrese reached a major milestone by starting his 250th Grand Prix at the Hungarian Grand Prix. This achievement underscored his status as one of the most experienced drivers in Formula One history. At the time, Patrese held the record for the most Grand Prix starts, a testament to his enduring commitment, skill, and resilience in the highly demanding world of Formula One racing.

Riccardo Patrese competed in his last Formula One race on November 7, 1993, at the Australian Grand Prix in Adelaide. Driving for the Benetton team, this event marked the end of a distinguished Formula One career that spanned 16 years. Patrese retired with a record 256 race starts at the time, highlighting his longevity and contribution to the sport as one of its most enduring and dedicated drivers.