Barrichello backs Hamilton: “He has not forgotten how to drive”
The Formula 1 season resumes this weekend in the Netherlands after the long summer break, and with it comes renewed attention on the difficult moment that Lewis Hamilton is currently facing. The seven-time Formula 1 world champion, who joined Ferrari this year with the ambition of chasing an historic eighth title, has so far struggled to fully extract the potential of his SF-25. In 14 Grands Prix, Hamilton has not managed to secure a single podium finish, while his Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc has already claimed five top-three results and sits 42 points ahead of the former Mercedes driver in the standings.
These disappointing results, combined with some controversial remarks made to the media, have led to a wave of criticism directed at Lewis Hamilton from pundits, analysts, and even respected former drivers. Yet, standing in defense of the British driver is a man who knows Ferrari from the inside: Rubens Barrichello. The Brazilian driver raced for the Scuderia Ferrari during its golden era between 2000 and 2005, playing a crucial role in helping the team secure five Constructors’ Championships in six years. Barrichello himself twice finished runner-up in the Drivers’ World Championship, in 2002 and 2004, while partnering with Michael Schumacher during Ferrari’s period of dominance.
Rubinho defends Lewis Hamilton
Speaking in an interview with the British newspaper Mirror, Rubens Barrichello expressed his support for Lewis Hamilton, stating that he is rooting for the British star to return to the front of the grid. Barrichello explained that he does not find it unrealistic to imagine Hamilton fighting for the 2026 Formula 1 World Championship, provided Ferrari builds the right car at the beginning of the new regulatory cycle. “Hamilton is an exceptional driver, who deserves everything he has achieved in the past,” Barrichello said. At 53 years old, the Brazilian has recently proven he still has racing spirit by winning the championship in the NASCAR Brasil Series.
Barrichello underlined that Hamilton’s talent remains intact despite the recent setbacks. “It is not as if he has suddenly forgotten how to drive,” the former teammate of Michael Schumacher remarked. He went on to emphasize that he is “absolutely sure” Hamilton will be capable of returning to winning ways if Ferrari delivers a competitive car under the upcoming 2026 regulations. In his view, the seven-time world champion still has the skills, the determination, and the racecraft required to compete at the very top of Formula 1 once again.
This public show of support from Rubens Barrichello adds a valuable perspective to the ongoing debate around Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari. The Brazilian, who knows the pressures of driving for the Scuderia and experienced both triumph and challenge in red, highlighted that even in a difficult transition year, a driver of the Briton’s caliber should never be underestimated. As the Formula 1 grid prepares to dive into the second half of the season, the focus will inevitably remain on whether Ferrari can give its new star driver the tools he needs to fight not just for podiums, but eventually for victories and championships once again.
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