More than 20 years after their fathers last raced together, the two second-generation drivers will be teammates in LMGT3, driving an Aston Martin.

The Brazilian expressed his excitement about this new adventure, while the German has been chasing (so far unsuccessfully) another chance in Formula 1 for years.

Meanwhile, fans can enjoy the return of a historic duo. Even in a different category and with new protagonists, the excitement is undeniable.

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Another iconic pairing was Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas, who raced together in 100 GPs between 2017 and 2021, helping Mercedes consolidate its dominance in the Constructors’ Championship. Equally significant were Mika Häkkinen and David Coulthard, who shared 98 GPs with McLaren between 1996 and 2001, contributing to Häkkinen’s world titles in 1998 and 1999.

Red Bull also had a successful duo in Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber, who raced together for 94 GPs from 2009 to 2013, marking the team’s golden era with four consecutive Constructors’ titles. More recently, Sergio Pérez and Max Verstappen have strengthened the Austrian team’s success with 90 GPs together since 2021, leading to multiple championship victories.

Ferrari has continued to build its history through notable partnerships, such as Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc, who have raced 86 GPs together since 2021. Before them, Kimi Räikkönen and Sebastian Vettel competed in 79 GPs from 2015 to 2018, bringing Ferrari back into title contention.

Among other memorable pairings, Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg had an intense rivalry between 2013 and 2016, during which they shared 78 GPs and contributed to Mercedes’ success. Looking back at the 1990s, Gerhard Berger and Jean Alesi raced 77 GPs together from 1993 to 1995, representing a key period for Ferrari. Lastly, Felipe Massa and Fernando Alonso also shared 77 races from 2010 to 2013, striving to bring Ferrari back to the top.

These driver pairings have left an indelible mark on Formula 1 history, demonstrating how teamwork and, at times, internal rivalries can push a team toward great achievements. Their legacy is not just in the numbers but also in the emotions they have given to fans of the sport.

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Team orders in F1
Throughout Formula 1 history, there have been numerous and often controversial cases of team orders, where a team instructs its driver to give up their position in favor of their teammate. One of the most criticized examples occurred near the finish line of the 2002 Austrian GP, when Rubens Barrichello slowed down just meters from the line, handing victory to Michael Schumacher. The incident sparked widespread outrage, leading Schumacher to bring Barrichello onto the top step of the podium and hand him the winner’s trophy. Later that year at the US GP, Schumacher returned the favor on track, with the two Ferrari drivers crossing the finish line side by side.

Melbourne 2000
The relationship between the two drivers was always rather cold, with Barrichello consistently in the role of the second driver from his arrival at Maranello until 2005. This period saw Ferrari secure five consecutive Constructors’ titles and Schumacher win five straight Drivers’ Championships. Few people, however, were aware—until Rubens’ recent comments on the *Beyond the Grid* podcast—that the team’s first instruction to stay behind Schumacher came during the 2000 Australian Grand Prix, his very first race with Ferrari after leaving Stewart.

The race ended with a Ferrari one-two finish, which Rubens Barrichello recalled while reflecting on his time at Maranello:
“The hardest part was off the track because there was so much more work,” he began, referring to his transition to Ferrari. “There were a lot more media, a lot more travel. There were documents saying, ‘You can say this, you can’t say that.’ People were watching, but every time I sat in the car, I felt the pleasure and gratitude of driving a really good car, and that made it all worthwhile. Take Australia, the first race. I was in P2, but during that race, I was closing in on Michael. That’s when I heard for the first time on the radio that I had to lower the engine revs or something like that. You see, I was prepared for this, but the real pressure for me was when my father, after work, would come to me and say, ‘Son, we don’t have money to go to this go-kart race.’ That was pressure. Those tough moments prepared me for when everyone was watching.” – he pointed out.

His years with Ferrari and Michael Schumacher
Additionally, Rubens Barrichello reflected on the challenging relationship behind the scenes at Ferrari, despite his gratitude for the opportunities he had during his career. He also shared his thoughts on his talent compared to Michael Schumacher’s:

“Would I have done anything differently in my career? Sure, we might have made some changes along the way, but I’m grateful for everything that happened, even the tough moments at Ferrari,” he concluded. “I would spend an hour with Ross Brawn and Jean Todt saying, ‘Listen, this isn’t how it should be done, and so on.’ Now, I sometimes see people only talking to the press. I was fine with the press, but I had tough conversations with them because, guys, you have to let me be myself. Was Schumacher better than me? I think he was. But was it 51-49? 70-30? I don’t know. We’ll never know because it wasn’t a situation where you could be completely free.” – the Brazilian concluded.

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Ferrari stands as the most successful team in Formula 1 history, and a significant portion of their achievements can be attributed to one individual: Michael Schumacher.

Schumacher made his move to Ferrari at 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 ready for a fresh challenge with the iconic Italian team.

At the time, Ferrari finished the 1995 season in third place in the Constructors’ Championship, trailing behind Benetton and Williams. Although Schumacher was determined to restore Ferrari to its former glory, he faced an uphill battle. Alongside teammate Eddie Irvine and, for a brief period, Mika Salo, the team struggled to compete with the might of Williams and McLaren.

Although the team secured their first championship in 1999, it wasn’t until 2000 that Schumacher’s era of dominance truly began. That year marked the arrival of Rubens Barrichello, a Brazilian driver who had previously competed with Jordan and Stewart. Rubens Barrichello, although never an individual champion, would play an instrumental role in supporting Michael Schumacher and helping Ferrari assert its dominance over the sport for several years.

Rubens Barrichello’s Rise as Ferrari’s Ultimate Number Two Driver

Barrichello’s motorsport career began in Brazil, where he started karting before moving to compete in British Formula 3 in 1991. His performance there was remarkable as he claimed the championship, defeating future Formula 1 drivers David Coulthard, Pedro Diniz, and the highly respected Gil de Ferran.

In 1993, the Brazilian made his Formula 1 debut with the Jordan team, embarking on an exceptional season. Over the course of the year, he had five different teammates, earned 14 points, and finished eighth in the Drivers’ Championship.

Barrichello spent six years with Jordan and Stewart, securing six podium finishes and two pole positions, which ultimately led to his move to Ferrari. Despite Jordan’s efforts to retain him, including a push by Gary Anderson to keep the Brazilian, Rubens Barrichello moved on, eventually signing with Ferrari in 2000 to replace Eddie Irvine.

For Rubens Barrichello, joining Ferrari was the realization of a lifelong dream. He expressed immense pride in joining the team and enjoyed a highly successful tenure with them.

How Michael Schumacher Saw Rubens Barrichello as His ‘Best’ Ferrari Teammate

The Brazilian’s collaboration with the German driver at Ferrari spanned six years, beginning with the 2000 season when Schumacher clinched his third World Championship. Ferrari was an unstoppable force during this time, and with Barrichello’s support, they dominated the Constructors’ Championship, securing the title every year until 2005.

In 2000, when reflecting on his partnership with Rubens Barrichello, Michael Schumacher was unequivocal in his praise, stating: “Rubens is the best, and the quickest, team-mate I have ever driven with.” His sentiment was echoed by Stefano Domenicali, Ferrari’s team principal at the time, who described Rubens Barrichello as “remarkable” during his years with the Scuderia.

Ferrari’s dominance in Formula 1 came to an end in 2005, when Renault, led by Fernando Alonso, clinched their first championship together. This marked the conclusion of Barrichello’s tenure at Ferrari. However, it was not the end of his Formula 1 career.

Rubens Barrichello’s Career After Ferrari: A New Chapter in Formula 1 and Beyond

After leaving Ferrari, Barrichello joined BAR in 2006, where he found himself competing in the midfield of Formula 1. It seemed as though his days in the sport’s upper echelons were behind him. His 2007 season with Honda, where he failed to score any points, only reinforced this perception. However, a new opportunity arose with the formation of Brawn GP.

Initially, it seemed that Bruno Senna would be the driver to join Brawn instead of Barrichello, but the Brazilian’s persistence paid off. He played a crucial role in securing one more title for the team, while also contributing to Jenson Button’s only world championship victory. When the team was acquired by Mercedes, Barrichello’s position was eventually replaced by the returning Michael Schumacher in a surprising twist of fate. Despite this, Barrichello became the first driver in history to make 300 Grand Prix starts. He would spend the final two years of his Formula 1 career with Williams, retiring from the sport with a 14th-place finish at his home race in Interlagos in 2011.

Following his departure from F1, the former Ferrari man made a successful transition to Brazil’s Stock Car Championship, where he enjoyed a flourishing career. In 2022, he achieved a remarkable milestone by winning the championship at the age of 50. Rubens Barrichello’s legacy continues to thrive as he currently competes alongside his son, Eduardo ‘Dudu’ Barrichello, in the series, joining the ranks of other former Formula 1 drivers such as Felipe Massa, Ricardo Zonta, and Nelson Piquet Jr.

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Over the past two years, Barrichello has made a name for himself in the Stock Car Brasil Championship, competing with the Mobil Ale Full Time team. His impressive performance this season culminated in a third-place finish in the drivers’ standings, along with three career victories.

Barrichello’s son joins the WEC: here’s where and with whom he will race

This solid foundation in competitive racing has prepared him for the challenges of the WEC, where endurance racing demands not just speed but also strategy and teamwork.

Next season, Barrichello will be partnered with experienced drivers Derek Deboer and Valentin Hasse Clot, driving the number 10 Vantage AMR LMGT3 EVO car for the team. Racing Spirit of Léman has high aspirations for the upcoming season, aiming to compete for the championship title.

Eduardo’s journey into racing is particularly significant given his father’s illustrious career. Rubens Barrichello, who raced alongside seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher at Ferrari from 2000 to 2005, has a legacy in F1 that includes 11 victories and 322 race starts.

After debuting in F1 in 1993 with Jordan and retiring at the end of the 2011 season, Rubens undoubtedly influenced Eduardo’s path. Thus, the beloved surname among Ferrari fans returns to the world of racing.

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Scuderia Ferrari Monegasque driver Charles Leclerc delivered one of his most impressive seasons with the Maranello team in the 2024 Formula 1 season, narrowly missing out on securing the Constructors’ Championship for the Italian team.

Heading into the season finale, Ferrari trailed McLaren by 21 points. However, their hopes took a blow when Leclerc was hit with a 10-place grid penalty for new power unit components. Starting from P19, Charles Leclerc’s determination shone through with an extraordinary opening lap, surging past 11 cars to move into P8.

By mid-race, Charles Leclerc climbed to third, positioning Ferrari for a potential double podium alongside Carlos Sainz. Yet, with McLaren’s Lando Norris taking the win, Ferrari ultimately fell 14 points short of the Constructors’ title.

Despite the disappointment, the Monegasque driver closed the season within striking distance of a significant Ferrari milestone.

Charles Leclerc nears Sebastian Vettel and Rubens Barrichello’s Ferrari podium record
Charles Leclerc’s podium finish in the finale marked his 13th of the season, bringing his Ferrari tally to 43 since joining the team in 2019. This places him just one podium behind Fernando Alonso (44) and nine behind Kimi Räikkönen (52).

The most notable target, however, is the record jointly held by Sebastian Vettel and Rubens Barrichello, who each secured 55 podiums during their Ferrari careers. Leclerc now needs just 12 more podiums to match that achievement.

Given Ferrari’s upward trajectory and expectations of a competitive, race-winning car for 2025, Leclerc the Monegasque driver well-positioned to reach this landmark.

Charles Leclerc set to challenge Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari in 2025
Charles Leclerc faces another milestone challenge next season as he partners with seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton in what promises to be one of the most exciting intra-team rivalries on the grid..

Ferrari has confirmed equal status for its drivers at the start of the partnership, though Charles Leclerc’s familiarity with the team and history in their junior program gives him an edge. Former world champion Nico Rosberg predicts Charles Leclerc will outperform Lewis Hamilton, citing the Briton’s struggles against George Russell, who outqualified and outraced him in two of their three seasons as teammates.

Martin Brundle shares this sentiment, believing Charles Leclerc will hold the upper hand. However, he also anticipates a constructive dynamic between the two, which could drive Ferrari’s performance to new heights.

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The time when Rubens Barrichello placed a fart box under Michael Schumacher’s chair during a Formula 1 briefing. The Brazilian driver shared this amusing story during the “Flow Podcast.” Rubens Barrichello, Michael Schumacher’s teammate at Ferrari from 2000 to 2005, admitted that he always wanted to present an image of great sobriety to his son but had a lot of fun during his years as a driver.

Sometimes it’s challenging to transpose the Formula 1 heroes into the real world. They are imagined as icy tamers of mechanical monsters, constantly pushing the limits of human capabilities, battling the ever-present danger around the corner. The truth is quite different, often hiding entirely human and even “childish” personalities.

“Once I bought a fart machine,” recounts Rubens Barrichello, a winner of 11 Formula 1 Grand Prix races. “I placed it under Michael Schumacher’s chair during a briefing. That was my level! It was a small thing, the size of a phone, emitting a sequence of farts. Sebastian Vettel liked it a lot; he still talks about that gadget!” – the former Ferrari driver recalled.

Even Michael Schumacher knew how to have fun. “We were at a party; I was talking to Andy Priaulx,” recalls Jason Plato, a legend of British Touring Car Racing, on “The Late Brake Show.” “At one point, he tells me to keep an eye on [Michael Schumacher], who had a peculiar look. After a while, out of nowhere, Michael puts his hands in my pants pocket and rips off one leg!”

The evening continued with Michael Schumacher using Plato’s pants as a bandana, and the entire room ended up tearing their clothes off. An anecdote that would be enough to remind everyone that these guys, after all, aren’t that different from us.

Source: f1ingenerale

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Fernando Alonso, who will turn 43 in 2024, is still capable of giving lessons to his younger colleagues while driving (as he did last year with Yuki Tsunoda) and providing entertainment until the last corner (as in the incredible photo finish in Brazil).

Recently, a former Ferrari driver described the Spaniard as “spectacular,” emphasizing the utmost respect for him.

“How is it possible that Fernando Alonso continues to race at the highest levels? At 42?” wondered Rubens Barrichello in an interview with Mundo Deportivo. “In the end, it’s all inside us. It’s not external. It’s what we love to do. I really love racing.”

According to the Brazilian, when you surpass 40 and head towards 50, physical shape is different. You are no longer a young twenty-something. Some problems with vision may start to arise.

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One thing, however, remains the same: “The mind and all the exercises I have been doing for many years can be maintained over time. I am very well prepared to continue doing it for many more years,” he stated, using Alonso in Formula 1 as an example.

“What Fernando does is spectacular. It’s beautiful to see,” he added. Rubens Barrichello believes that observing what Fernando continues to do on the track is perfect for learning and improving as a driver. Fefo, the son of the former Ferrari driver, admitted to being greatly inspired by the current Aston Martin driver:

“I love seeing drivers like my father, or like Alonso, who is there at 42. He could go home and do nothing, but he really loves what he does. And my father, seeing him at 51 racing in Stock Car because he likes it a lot. They are a great inspiration for me.” – Rubens Barrichello concluded.

Source: f1ingenerale

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There was a time when Ferrari dominated and won race after race. It was the year 2002, one of the seasons of maximum splendor for the Maranello Red Team. The Scuderia could count on a complementary pair of drivers, Schumacher and Barrichello.

At the US Grand Prix in Indianapolis, Ferrari secured the front row. The German started from pole position, and the Brazilian from the second. It was a typical lineup for that year when Schumacher and Ferrari completely dominated Formula 1.

The race was quite straightforward, with the two red cars building a significant lead over their competitors. On the final lap, Michael Schumacher seemed destined to win his eleventh race of the season. However, the driver slowed down to allow his teammate to get significantly closer to him.

It was a parade finish for the two Ferrari cars, crossing the finish line just 0.011 seconds apart. Rubens Barrichello won.

The reason was that Michael Schumacher decided to repay the Brazilian for the gesture he had made at the Austrian Grand Prix. On that occasion, Rubens had received a rather controversial team order (followed by subsequent controversies) in which he had to slow down to let the German win.

To the press, after winning in the USA, Rubens Barrichello admitted that he had no idea how the race would end: “Winning was very nice. I got to the last corner, I didn’t know what to do, and I wasn’t told anything. Michael was very kind in letting us finish evenly.” – he pointed out.

Michael Schumacher expressed happiness for his Maranello teammate’s victory, explaining the race’s dynamics at the finish: “The end of the race was not planned. We tried to cross the finish line together, but we didn’t succeed for a moment. In fact, we didn’t know who had won until we got out of the cars. I felt that Rubens deserved to win.”

As remembered by Luca di Montezemolo, among Michael Schumacher’s qualities, there stood out not only his willingness (he was willing to return to Ferrari in 2009), but also his being a team player.

Schumacher Barrichello

Both drivers crossed the finishing line just 0.011 seconds apart in the 2002 #USGP pic.twitter.com/cCsKZGmbmn

— Scuderia Ferrari (@ScuderiaFerrari) October 18, 2023

Source: f1ingenerale

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— see video above —–

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