Selio Joins Comparato Racing for 2026 UIM F1H2O World Championship
The world of UIM F1H2O racing is set for a significant shift as Finnish racing icon Sami Selio teams up with Alberto Comparato under the newly minted Comparato Racing banner for the 2026 season. This strategic alliance promises to bring a blend of experience and youthful vigor to the championship.
Background Changes in the Racing Line-up
Last season, Alberto Comparato was partnered with Damon Cohen, but Cohen’s unfortunate accident during qualifying at the final Grand Prix in Sharjah forced him out of the competition. This mishap left a vacancy in Comparato’s team, paving the way for Selio’s entrance.
Meanwhile, Selio’s previous partnership with Ferdinand Zandbergen at Red Devil-SMC F1 Team came to an end as Zandbergen retired from F1H2O racing to focus on family business commitments. This opened the door for Selio to explore new avenues within the sport.
Reuniting with Familiar Faces
Joining Comparato Racing is not just a career move for Selio; it is also a reunion with Fabio Comparato, Alberto’s father and a former teammate. Fabio remains an integral part of the team, contributing his expertise as a pontoon mechanic. This collaboration is anticipated to bring synergy and a wealth of shared experience to the team’s strategy.
Selio’s Role and Expectations
Selio, a two-time World Champion, is set to contribute not only as a driver but also as the Team Manager. Bringing along his trusted team of mechanics and radiomen, as well as his favored Sharjah-made boat, Selio’s involvement is expected to enhance the overall performance of Comparato Racing.
His objective is clear: to compete for top honors in the Team Championship and to strive for podium finishes in every race. Selio’s ambition is matched by his confidence in the potential of the newly formed team.
Comparato’s Aspirations
Alberto Comparato enters the 2026 season with renewed vigor and a clear mission. Despite showing promise with strong finishes in last season’s Sprint Races, his campaign was marred by four consecutive DNFs, relegating him to an eleventh-place finish. With Selio’s mentorship and the team’s expanded capabilities, Comparato aims for more consistent performances that could elevate him in the Drivers’ World Championship standings.
The Road Ahead
The partnership between Selio and Comparato is more than a mere change of faces; it represents a strategic alignment aimed at achieving formidable results in the upcoming season. As the F1H2O circuit prepares for the 2026 championship, all eyes will be on Comparato Racing to see if this new alliance can fulfill its high expectations.
The collaboration underscores a pivotal moment for both drivers, as they seek to leverage their collective strengths. With Selio’s extensive experience and Comparato’s determination, the team is poised to become a formidable contender on the F1H2O grid.
