Rubens Barrichello
The Brazilian who pushed Schumacher and set the podium record for a non-champion.
Rubens Gonçalves Barrichello (; born 23 May 1972) is a Brazilian racing driver and broadcaster, who competes in the Stock Car Pro Series for Scuderia Bandeiras. Nicknamed "Rubinho" (), Barrichello competed in Formula One from to , and twice finished runner-up in the World Drivers' Championship in and with Ferrari; he won eleven Grands Prix across nineteen seasons. In stock car racing, Barrichello is a two-time champion of the Stock Car Pro Series in 2014 and 2022 with Full Time Sports.
- Role
- Teammate to Michael Schumacher
- Affiliation
- Scuderia Ferrari (2000–2005)
- Nationality
- Brazilian
- Notable Achievement
- Five consecutive Constructors' World Championships with Ferrari
- Status
- Retired from Formula One
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Barrichello contributed to five consecutive World Constructors' Championships for Ferrari with 51 podium appearances in 85 Grands Prix. The source does not specify the exact years of these championships, only that they were consecutive and occurred during his time at Ferrari from 2000 to 2005. In his debut season at Ferrari in 2000, Barrichello achieved his first Grand Prix victory at the German Grand Prix at Hockenheim, when he and the team chose to stay on dry-weather tyres while it rained on part of the circuit.
In Their Own Story
The atmosphere at the Hockenheimring in 2000 was thick with tension as rain began to fall on part of the circuit. Barrichello, starting from 18th place, watched as his rivals pitted for wet-weather tires. He made a bold decision to stay out on dry rubber, navigating the treacherous conditions with precision. As the McLarens ahead lost time in the pits, he surged forward, eventually taking the lead and crossing the line first. The victory was not just personal; it ignited Ferrari's era of dominance. Later that season, at the San Marino Grand Prix, a different kind of drama unfolded. While driving for Jordan previously, Barrichello had survived a terrifying crash that threatened his life, an event that left him deeply affected by the deaths of Roland Ratzenberger and Ayrton Senna. At Ferrari, he channeled this resilience into consistent performance. In 2001, he achieved ten podium finishes but narrowly missed victory at Monza due to a poor pit stop. By 2005, after enduring a winless season, he prepared to leave the team that had defined his career, having secured five Constructors' Championships alongside Schumacher.
Reader's Guide
Barrichello's Formula One career included stints with Jordan, Stewart, Ferrari, Honda/Brawn GP, and Williams. He achieved eleven wins, fourteen pole positions, seventeen fastest laps, and 68 podiums, the latter of which remains the record for a non-World Champion.
Did You Know?
- Barrichello's nickname 'Rubinho' is derived from sharing his father's birthday, 23 May.
- He won five karting titles in Brazil before moving to Europe.
- His 68 podiums are the most for any driver who never won the World Championship.
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