Patrese on "exceptional" and "medium" drivers in Formula 1

Several drivers on the Formula 1 grid are probably among the best Formula 1 has ever seen, led by this era's benchmark Max Verstappen. But there are also several drivers on the other end of the spectrum, marking time as money pays their way, and others that, for too long, tick the journeyman box.

Speaking ahead of this weekend's Singapore Grand Prix, six-time Grand Prix winner Riccardo Patrese said: “Let's say that there are some medium drivers in Formula 1 at the moment. I don't know if there are some exceptional drivers coming in.

"Everybody expected [Kimi] Antonelli, but [Isack] Hadjar is doing better than Antonelli this year for consistency. Even when Verstappen first came in he did make mistakes and there were doubts Verstappen could be outstanding.”

Patrese pointed to Racing Bulls' French driver Hadjar as the most intriguing talent. “If I have to say two drivers that I'm waiting to see where they can be, the first is Hadjar. Next year he has already a big test because he is going to be number two to Verstappen in the Red Bull.

"Verstappen measures the temperature of his teammates very well. The other name after Hadjar is Kimi to see whether they can be in the "exceptional" league," added the 71-year-old Italian motorsport veteran.

Antonelli has been under close scrutiny in his rookie season with Mercedes. Patrese urged patience but warned that time is limited. “My heart, I repeat, is with Kimi. And I hope that next year he can prove to be on the same level as Russell, because then nobody can say anything about Kimi.

"People have said it’s only his first year and it’s early in his career, but when the train comes, you have to jump on. Let's give him at least one year to see how good it can be when he puts everything on focus," Patrese added.

Gabriel Bortoleto also earned recognition from the veteran: “When Bortoleto came to Formula 1, I really didn't notice him but now he’s doing very well. He is consistent, he is quick. We know Hulkenberg is a good driver. So Bortoleto staying on the same level or doing even better than Hulkenberg means that he's doing a good job.”

For Patrese, George Russell remains the safe choice for |Mercedes despite the delays in confirming a new contract extension. “If I want to have the best team possible, I would keep George Russell.”

Patrese’s comments underline the hierarchy that still defines Formula 1. Verstappen sets the standard, while the likes of Hadjar, Antonelli and Bortoleto must now prove they belong in the exceptional category rather than among the “medium” drivers.