From the top of his 323 Grand Prix career, former Scuderia Ferrari driver Rubens Barrichello is one of those most present in the pitlane in the history of Formula 1. Only Kimi Raikkonen and Fernando Alonso have more races than the friendly and fast Brazilian driver. Native of Sao Paulo, he grew up with the myth of Ayrton Senna, but has never managed to bring home the much desired world title. Rubens has nevertheless consoled himself with 11 victories that place him in 28th place in the ranking of all times, on par with Jacques Villeneuve and compatriot Felipe Massa.
The high point of Rubinho’s sporting career was probably represented by six seasons with Scuderia Ferrari, from 2000 to 2005. Driving for the Maranello team alongside a champion like Michael Schumacher must not have been easy for the Brazilian, however. It does not seem a coincidence, therefore, that in the course of a long interview with the British magazine Motorsport News, the former Maranello driver did not mention Michael among the various teammates to whom he remained most attached during his sporting adventure.
“I really enjoyed my time alongside many people” – said Rubens Barrichello, citing the times of the incredible 2009 adventure with Brawn GP – “with Jenson Button we were probably the most ‘united’ team. Neither of us tried to stick a knife in the other’s back. My friends loved Jenson’s father, John. We loved him because he wasn’t someone set up. That year at Brawn, 2009, was very unexpected for both of us. But I have had good times with many of my teammates. Johnny Herbert was extremely funny.”
However, Rubens Barrichello’s career in F1 began alongside another former Ferrari driver: Eddie Irvine. Rubens probably has the most amusing memories of him, referring to the years in Jordan from 1993 to 1995. “The first time I told him ‘Eddie, what gear do you use in this corner?’. He replied: ‘I don’t know …’. I thought: ‘F ** k, man! How can you not know the gear? ‘ Eventually I understood that for him this came naturally. He didn’t care, he didn’t know, he didn’t count. He really didn’t know the equipment he was using! It was tremendously fun. I had fun with a lot of people.” – former Scuderia Ferrari driver Rubens Barrichello concluded.
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