Federation Internationale de l'Automobile

Feature

Mattia Colnaghi: My Ultimate Driver

1 April 2026
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Mattia Colnaghi takes on the challenge of building his ideal racing driver. Combining multiple elements of World Champions and fan favourites, here is what the MP Motorsport driver came up with.

WET WEATHER ABILITY

“Definitely Max. I think he's proved time and time again that he's just the best in the wet especially, he has a different feeling for the car.”

QUALIFYING PACE

“I would probably go with Lewis Hamilton. Looking at his qualifying performance in 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021, he's definitely proven that he can pull out a really good lap.”

INTELLIGENCE

“I think I would go with Sebastian Vettel. I think his championships in the 2010s - he's proven that he's able to think while he's in the car and do different things, multitasking really well.”

CORNERING STYLE

I'm tempted to go with Max again because the past few years he's been dominating.”

Colnaghi is racing in his maiden Formula 3 campaign in 2026
Colnaghi is racing in his maiden Formula 3 campaign in 2026

TYRE MANAGEMENT

“I think probably Sebastian again. To be honest, once you get to that level, they're all quite equal in terms of their abilities, especially the champions, they're quite equal.

“So, I'm going to go with Sebastian just because his multitasking can probably help with that aspect.

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SMOOTH DRIVING STYLE

“I think I would go with Kimi Antonelli.”

AGGRESSIVE STYLE

“Fernando Alonso, a lot. He has a bit understeer driving style, from what I understand, but that means he likes to attack the corner. I think, one of the differences compared to Fernando for me is that I do like a bit more pointy car. I think I'm more the type of guy that would prepare an exit rather than push the entry. But, it really depends on the day, to be honest.”

The Italian scored a first point in his first Feature Race back in Melbourne
The Italian scored a first point in his first Feature Race back in Melbourne

OVERTAKING ABILITY

“Max again.”

ANYTHING ELSE?

“I think Kimi's mentality, how he's able to stay cool, even in high-stress situations.”

DREAM TEAM

Two drivers, Max and Lewis. Easy. Although that could end in a Nico Rosberg situation. It could be entertaining. Max and Lewis as two drivers.

As Team Principal, if we're talking about design, I would definitely go with Adrian Newey. So I would go with him in general. The car… Any car in F1 history? I think the 2010 Red Bull, just because of the sound. I’m missing that a bit and wish it came back.”