Riccardo Patrese has made his choice on who to back for the 2026 Formula 1 World Championship: the winner, in his view, will be a driver with outstanding adaptability.
The 2026 Formula 1 World Championship is just around the corner, and Riccardo Patrese has already identified his favourite. Winning will require a huge ability to adapt to the new cars, on top of unquestionable skill behind the wheel. The new technical regulations introduce fresh challenges not only for the manufacturers, but also for the drivers who will have to race this innovative new generation of single-seaters. For this reason, the choice can only point in one direction.
There are many storylines that will intertwine as the new season approaches. According to paddock opinion, the pre-season favourites are the Mercedes drivers. The Brackley-based team is believed by some observers to have put together the strongest overall package, and George Russell could be in a position to take advantage. The British driver, now a seasoned figure in Formula 1, may have a golden opportunity that cannot be wasted.
In Maranello, work continues with confidence. The SF-26 is delivering positive sensations, and the smiles on the faces of Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton are an encouraging sign. Their future with the Prancing Horse will depend heavily on the competitiveness of the new Ferrari. And then there are the reigning champions, McLaren and Lando Norris, who cannot be overlooked. However, according to Riccardo Patrese, the true favourite is someone else.
Riccardo Patrese backs Max Verstappen for 2026
In an interview given to BetVictor, the former Italian driver puts all his faith in Max Verstappen: “He is certainly the driver who is most ready to adapt to the new regulations. He feels completely at ease in this environment. He is always on the simulator and works extremely effectively with all the controls.”
“But he is not the only one; all drivers of the new generation are capable of doing this. Then it is up to the team to explain how to make the best use of every tool available. As far as I am concerned, Max Verstappen will probably be the one to win the title.”
The upcoming 2026 season promises to be one of the most unpredictable in recent memory, as the shift in power unit regulations could completely reset the competitive order. While Patrese’s endorsement of Max Verstappen highlights the importance of driver adaptability, the real test will come when the lights go out in Melbourne and we see which team has truly mastered the new technical puzzle.
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