Ferrari stands as the most successful team in Formula 1 history, and a significant portion of their achievements can be attributed to one individual: Michael Schumacher.
Schumacher made his move to Ferrari at the conclusion of the 1995 F1 season, bringing with him a wealth of success after securing back-to-back championships with Benetton. The German driver was ready for a fresh challenge with the iconic Italian team.
At the time, Ferrari finished the 1995 season in third place in the Constructors’ Championship, trailing behind Benetton and Williams. Although Schumacher was determined to restore Ferrari to its former glory, he faced an uphill battle. Alongside teammate Eddie Irvine and, for a brief period, Mika Salo, the team struggled to compete with the might of Williams and McLaren.
Although the team secured their first championship in 1999, it wasn’t until 2000 that Schumacher’s era of dominance truly began. That year marked the arrival of Rubens Barrichello, a Brazilian driver who had previously competed with Jordan and Stewart. Rubens Barrichello, although never an individual champion, would play an instrumental role in supporting Michael Schumacher and helping Ferrari assert its dominance over the sport for several years.
Rubens Barrichello’s Rise as Ferrari’s Ultimate Number Two Driver
Barrichello’s motorsport career began in Brazil, where he started karting before moving to compete in British Formula 3 in 1991. His performance there was remarkable as he claimed the championship, defeating future Formula 1 drivers David Coulthard, Pedro Diniz, and the highly respected Gil de Ferran.
In 1993, the Brazilian made his Formula 1 debut with the Jordan team, embarking on an exceptional season. Over the course of the year, he had five different teammates, earned 14 points, and finished eighth in the Drivers’ Championship.
Barrichello spent six years with Jordan and Stewart, securing six podium finishes and two pole positions, which ultimately led to his move to Ferrari. Despite Jordan’s efforts to retain him, including a push by Gary Anderson to keep the Brazilian, Rubens Barrichello moved on, eventually signing with Ferrari in 2000 to replace Eddie Irvine.
For Rubens Barrichello, joining Ferrari was the realization of a lifelong dream. He expressed immense pride in joining the team and enjoyed a highly successful tenure with them.
How Michael Schumacher Saw Rubens Barrichello as His ‘Best’ Ferrari Teammate
The Brazilian’s collaboration with the German driver at Ferrari spanned six years, beginning with the 2000 season when Schumacher clinched his third World Championship. Ferrari was an unstoppable force during this time, and with Barrichello’s support, they dominated the Constructors’ Championship, securing the title every year until 2005.
In 2000, when reflecting on his partnership with Rubens Barrichello, Michael Schumacher was unequivocal in his praise, stating: “Rubens is the best, and the quickest, team-mate I have ever driven with.” His sentiment was echoed by Stefano Domenicali, Ferrari’s team principal at the time, who described Rubens Barrichello as “remarkable” during his years with the Scuderia.
Ferrari’s dominance in Formula 1 came to an end in 2005, when Renault, led by Fernando Alonso, clinched their first championship together. This marked the conclusion of Barrichello’s tenure at Ferrari. However, it was not the end of his Formula 1 career.
Rubens Barrichello’s Career After Ferrari: A New Chapter in Formula 1 and Beyond
After leaving Ferrari, Barrichello joined BAR in 2006, where he found himself competing in the midfield of Formula 1. It seemed as though his days in the sport’s upper echelons were behind him. His 2007 season with Honda, where he failed to score any points, only reinforced this perception. However, a new opportunity arose with the formation of Brawn GP.
Initially, it seemed that Bruno Senna would be the driver to join Brawn instead of Barrichello, but the Brazilian’s persistence paid off. He played a crucial role in securing one more title for the team, while also contributing to Jenson Button’s only world championship victory. When the team was acquired by Mercedes, Barrichello’s position was eventually replaced by the returning Michael Schumacher in a surprising twist of fate. Despite this, Barrichello became the first driver in history to make 300 Grand Prix starts. He would spend the final two years of his Formula 1 career with Williams, retiring from the sport with a 14th-place finish at his home race in Interlagos in 2011.
Following his departure from F1, the former Ferrari man made a successful transition to Brazil’s Stock Car Championship, where he enjoyed a flourishing career. In 2022, he achieved a remarkable milestone by winning the championship at the age of 50. Rubens Barrichello’s legacy continues to thrive as he currently competes alongside his son, Eduardo ‘Dudu’ Barrichello, in the series, joining the ranks of other former Formula 1 drivers such as Felipe Massa, Ricardo Zonta, and Nelson Piquet Jr.
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