Brazilian · São Paulo, Brazil · Born 23 May 1972Brazilian Formula 1 driver who competed for 19 seasons, winning 11 races and finishing runner-up in the World Championship twice with Ferrari.
Rubens Gonçalves Barrichello was born on 23 May 1972 in São Paulo, Brazil, sharing his birthday with his father and grandfather, both also named Rubens — a coincidence that gave rise to his enduring nickname, "Rubinho" ("little Rubens"). He began karting at ten, winning five Brazilian titles before moving to Europe in 1990, winning the Formula Opel Lotus Euroseries in his first season and the British Formula Three title the following year, beating future rival David Coulthard. Barrichello made his Formula One debut with Jordan in 1993, becoming, at the time, the sixth-youngest driver in the sport's history, before moving to Stewart Grand Prix and then Ferrari in 2000, where he spent six seasons as teammate to Michael Schumacher, finishing runner-up in the World Championship in both 2002 and 2004. Barrichello moved to Honda in 2006, and when the manufacturer withdrew from the sport amid the global financial crisis, its successor team, Brawn GP, gave him one final tilt at the title in 2009; he won at Valencia and Monza but ultimately finished third as teammate Jenson Button claimed the championship. Barrichello retired from Formula One in 2011 as the sport's most experienced driver in history at the time, with 326 Grand Prix entries, and continued racing in Brazilian Stock Car and IndyCar, winning two Stock Car Pro Series titles in 2014 and 2022.
Most experienced F1 driver in history, Ferrari's loyal number two during Schumacher era
How They Played
Consistent, technically skilled, excellent in wet conditions, supportive teammate
Lasting Impact
Holds record for most F1 race starts, respected for professionalism and longevity
Career Honours
- Formula 1 Vice World Champion 2002 (Ferrari)
- Formula 1 Vice World Champion 2004 (Ferrari)
- Brazilian Grand Prix Winner 2009 (Brawn GP)
- Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Winner 2009 (Brawn GP)
- Italian Grand Prix Winner 2002 (Ferrari)
- Chinese Grand Prix Winner 2004 (Ferrari)
- United States Grand Prix Winner 2000 (Ferrari)
- German Grand Prix Winner 2000 (Ferrari)
- British Grand Prix Winner 2003 (Ferrari)
- Monaco Grand Prix Winner 2009 (Brawn GP)
- Constructors' Champion 2004 (Ferrari)
- Constructors' Champion 2002 (Ferrari)
- Formula 1 record holder for most Grand Prix starts (358 at retirement)
| Constructor | Season(s) | Races |
|---|---|---|
| Jordan Grand Prix | 1993–1996 | 64 |
| Stewart Grand Prix | 1997–1999 | 49 |
| Scuderia Ferrari | 2000–2005 | 96 |
| Honda Racing F1 | 2006–2008 | 52 |
| Brawn GP | 2009 | 17 |
| Williams F1 | 2010–2011 | 36 |
| Career Total | — | 314 |
Brazilian Athletes