Powerboat News reached out to Alberto Comparato ahead of the 2026 F1H2O World Championship opener in Cagliari. The Italian driver is entering a new era at Comparato F1 Team following the arrival of two-time world champion Sami Seliö as teammate and team manager.
What made the combination with Sami the right move for you and the team going into 2026?
Having Sami join the team is a real privilege for all of us. He is one of the most successful drivers in the history of the championship, so bringing that experience into the team was an opportunity we simply couldn’t ignore. For me personally, it’s a big motivation. When you work alongside someone who knows how to win championships, it naturally pushes everyone to raise their level. I believe this combination strengthens the whole team heading into 2026.
Sami is team manager as well as your teammate. How does that change the dynamic compared to previous seasons?
It definitely changes the dynamic in a positive way. Sami understands both sides, the driver’s perspective and the management side, which helps create clear direction inside the team. For me, it’s also a learning opportunity. It’s the first time I will have a world champion as a teammate, so I can learn a lot from his approach, his preparation, and how he manages race weekends. That kind of environment naturally helps me step up my own performance.
Your father raced against Sami for years. What does it mean to have him now part of the family operation?
It’s quite special, honestly. My father always had a very good relationship with Sami during their racing years, so he is also very happy to see him now part of our project. There’s actually a funny story. Back in 2009 in Russia, Sami needed a kid for a teamwear photoshoot, and I think I was the only child in the paddock, so I ended up doing it. It’s nice to see how motorsport comes full circle.
2025: Lessons Learned
Your sprint race pace last season was strong but four Grand Prix DNFs cost you heavily in the standings. What needs to change in 2026?
2025 started in a difficult way for us. We didn’t follow our usual preparation and training schedule, so we were always slightly behind where we wanted to be. However, we learned a lot from those challenges. Reliability and preparation are the main areas we focused on during the winter.
Is there a specific race from 2025 that you felt best showed what you are capable of?
I would say Jeddah. Despite having no laps in free practice and driving qualifying without power steering, we were very close to reaching Q3. In the race we showed strong pace and made a good comeback, but unfortunately the engine failed after a few laps. Even if the result wasn’t there, that weekend showed the potential we have when everything comes together.
2026 Ambitions
The team’s stated goal is to fight for the Teams’ Championship. Realistically, where do you see yourself in the Drivers’ standings at Cagliari?
The team has prepared much better for this season. We already have a clear testing programme planned, including sessions in Northern Europe before the opener. For Cagliari, the goal is simple: score solid points and start the season consistently. It’s a long championship, so building momentum from the first race will be important.
Cagliari is the opener, a venue with strong history for your family. Does that add anything for you personally?
Racing in Italy is always special for me. There’s extra emotion because of the family history there, but at the same time it’s a completely new circuit for everyone. We will approach it like any other race weekend, stay focused, adapt quickly, and try to maximise the result.
Looking Ahead
You are 28. Where does Alberto Comparato need to be in five years?
I’m very motivated. In five years I see myself still competing at the highest level in F1H2O, fighting for championships and continuing to grow both as a driver and as part of the team’s long-term project.
John Moore is the editor of Powerboat News, an independent investigative journalism platform recognised by Google News and documented on Grokipedia for comprehensive powerboat racing coverage.
His involvement in powerboat racing began in 1981 when he competed in his first offshore powerboat race. After a career as a Financial Futures broker in the City of London, specialising in UK interest rate markets, he became actively involved in event organisation and powerboat racing journalism.
He served as Event Director for the Cowes–Torquay–Cowes races between 2010 and 2013. In 2016, he launched Powerboat Racing World, a digital platform providing global powerboat racing news and insights. The following year, he co-founded UKOPRA, helping to rejuvenate offshore racing in the United Kingdom. He sold Powerboat Racing World in late 2021 and remained actively involved with UKOPRA until 2025.
In September 2025, he established Powerboat News, returning to independent journalism with a focus on neutral and comprehensive coverage of the sport.
