Ferrari stands as essentially the most profitable group in Formulation 1 historical past, and a good portion of their achievements may be attributed to at least one particular person: Michael Schumacher.
Schumacher made his transfer to Ferrari on 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 prepared for a contemporary problem with the long-lasting Italian group.
On the time, Ferrari completed the 1995 season in third place within the Constructors’ Championship, trailing behind Benetton and Williams. Though Schumacher was decided to revive Ferrari to its former glory, he confronted an uphill battle. Alongside teammate Eddie Irvine and, for a short interval, Mika Salo, the group struggled to compete with the may of Williams and McLaren.
Though the group secured their first championship in 1999, it wasn’t till 2000 that Schumacher’s period of dominance actually started. That 12 months marked the arrival of Rubens Barrichello, a Brazilian driver who had beforehand competed with Jordan and Stewart. Rubens Barrichello, though by no means a person champion, would play an instrumental position in supporting Michael Schumacher and serving to Ferrari assert its dominance over the game for a number of years.
Rubens Barrichello’s Rise as Ferrari’s Final Quantity Two Driver
Barrichello’s motorsport profession started in Brazil, the place he began karting earlier than transferring to compete in British Formulation 3 in 1991. His efficiency there was exceptional as he claimed the championship, defeating future Formulation 1 drivers David Coulthard, Pedro Diniz, and the extremely revered Gil de Ferran.
In 1993, the Brazilian made his Formulation 1 debut with the Jordan group, embarking on an distinctive season. Over the course of the 12 months, he had 5 completely different teammates, earned 14 factors, and completed eighth within the Drivers’ Championship.
Barrichello spent six years with Jordan and Stewart, securing six podium finishes and two pole positions, which in the end led to his transfer to Ferrari. Regardless of Jordan’s efforts to retain him, together with a push by Gary Anderson to maintain the Brazilian, Rubens Barrichello moved on, finally signing with Ferrari in 2000 to switch Eddie Irvine.
For Rubens Barrichello, becoming a member of Ferrari was the belief of a lifelong dream. He expressed immense delight in becoming a member of the group and loved a extremely profitable tenure with them.
How Michael Schumacher Noticed Rubens Barrichello as His ‘Greatest’ Ferrari Teammate
The Brazilian’s collaboration with the German driver at Ferrari spanned six years, starting with the 2000 season when Schumacher clinched his third World Championship. Ferrari was an unstoppable power throughout this time, and with Barrichello’s help, they dominated the Constructors’ Championship, securing the title yearly till 2005.
In 2000, when reflecting on his partnership with Rubens Barrichello, Michael Schumacher was unequivocal in his reward, stating: “Rubens is one of the best, and the quickest, team-mate I’ve ever pushed with.” His sentiment was echoed by Stefano Domenicali, Ferrari’s group principal on the time, who described Rubens Barrichello as “exceptional” throughout his years with the Scuderia.
Ferrari’s dominance in Formulation 1 got here to an finish in 2005, when Renault, led by Fernando Alonso, clinched their first championship collectively. This marked the conclusion of Barrichello’s tenure at Ferrari. Nevertheless, it was not the top of his Formulation 1 profession.
Rubens Barrichello’s Profession After Ferrari: A New Chapter in Formulation 1 and Past
After leaving Ferrari, Barrichello joined BAR in 2006, the place he discovered himself competing within the midfield of Formulation 1. It appeared as if his days within the sport’s higher echelons have been behind him. His 2007 season with Honda, the place he failed to attain any factors, solely bolstered this notion. Nevertheless, a brand new alternative arose with the formation of Brawn GP.
Initially, it appeared that Bruno Senna can be the motive force to affix Brawn as an alternative of Barrichello, however the Brazilian’s persistence paid off. He performed a vital position in securing another title for the group, whereas additionally contributing to Jenson Button’s solely world championship victory. When the group was acquired by Mercedes, Barrichello’s place was finally changed by the returning Michael Schumacher in a shocking accident. Regardless of this, Barrichello grew to become the primary driver in historical past to make 300 Grand Prix begins. He would spend the ultimate two years of his Formulation 1 profession with Williams, retiring from the game with a 14th-place end at his house race in Interlagos in 2011.
Following his departure from F1, the previous Ferrari artificial a profitable transition to Brazil’s Inventory Automobile Championship, the place he loved a flourishing profession. In 2022, he achieved a exceptional milestone by profitable the championship on the age of fifty. Rubens Barrichello’s legacy continues to thrive as he presently competes alongside his son, Eduardo ‘Dudu’ Barrichello, within the sequence, becoming a member of the ranks of different former Formulation 1 drivers corresponding to Felipe Massa, Ricardo Zonta, and Nelson Piquet Jr.
Jan 3, 2025
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