Ferrari stands as essentially the most profitable crew in System 1 historical past, and a good portion of their achievements might 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 enduring Italian crew.
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 quick interval, Mika Salo, the crew struggled to compete with the may of Williams and McLaren.
Though the crew secured their first championship in 1999, it wasn’t till 2000 that Schumacher’s period of dominance actually started. That yr 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 shifting to compete in British System 3 in 1991. His efficiency there was outstanding as he claimed the championship, defeating future System 1 drivers David Coulthard, Pedro Diniz, and the extremely revered Gil de Ferran.
In 1993, the Brazilian made his System 1 debut with the Jordan crew, embarking on an distinctive season. Over the course of the yr, he had 5 totally 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 finally 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, ultimately signing with Ferrari in 2000 to exchange 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 crew and loved a extremely profitable tenure with them.
How Michael Schumacher Noticed Rubens Barrichello as His ‘Finest’ 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 pressure throughout this time, and with Barrichello’s assist, 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 the most effective, and the quickest, team-mate I’ve ever pushed with.” His sentiment was echoed by Stefano Domenicali, Ferrari’s crew principal on the time, who described Rubens Barrichello as “outstanding” throughout his years with the Scuderia.
Ferrari’s dominance in System 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. Nonetheless, it was not the tip of his System 1 profession.
Rubens Barrichello’s Profession After Ferrari: A New Chapter in System 1 and Past
After leaving Ferrari, Barrichello joined BAR in 2006, the place he discovered himself competing within the midfield of System 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 strengthened this notion. Nonetheless, a brand new alternative arose with the formation of Brawn GP.
Initially, it appeared that Bruno Senna could be the driving force to affix Brawn as an alternative of Barrichello, however the Brazilian’s persistence paid off. He performed a vital position in securing yet another title for the crew, whereas additionally contributing to Jenson Button’s solely world championship victory. When the crew was acquired by Mercedes, Barrichello’s place was ultimately 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 System 1 profession with Williams, retiring from the game with a 14th-place end at his residence 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 outstanding milestone by successful the championship on the age of fifty. Rubens Barrichello’s legacy continues to thrive as he at present competes alongside his son, Eduardo ‘Dudu’ Barrichello, within the sequence, becoming a member of the ranks of different former System 1 drivers corresponding to Felipe Massa, Ricardo Zonta, and Nelson Piquet Jr.
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