Ex-F1 star proves 'people didn't know me' after claiming two NASCAR wins
Despite having last raced in Formula One back in 2011, Brazilian driver Rubens Barichello still feels the need for speed in NASCAR Brazil
While he may have made his name racing for Ferrari alongside Michael Schumacher, former Formula One driver Rubens Barrichello still feels the need for speed.
After having raced his last Grand Prix, which also happened to be the 2011 season-ending Brazilian Grand Prix at Interlagos, Barrichello got back behind the wheel earlier this year for his debut season in NASCAR Brazil at the age of 52.
And last weekend also saw the Brazilian, who won 11 Grand Prix's during his F1 career, return to the top of the podium at Interlagos for the first time since he competed in South American Formula 3 back in 1990.
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"When I stopped racing in Formula 1, I was 39 years old," said Barrichello, who won both races during NASCAR Brazil's third round, via Motorsport.
"I heard some people saying that I had already shown everything I had to show. And, for me, that showed that people didn't know me."
Rubens Barrichello (Ford Mustang #91, Full Time) gabaritou na terceira etapa da temporada 2025 da NASCAR Brasil, disputada neste final de semana, no Autódromo Internacional José Carlos Pace, em Interlagos na Capital Paulista. pic.twitter.com/0oQYZWKa6M
— NASCAR Brasil Series (@NASCARBrasil) May 18, 2025
Barrichello added, "Interlagos, for me, is a joy.
"I've been driving here since 1990, when I won the race. The tow here [in NASCAR Brazil] has a big impact. Roger Penske couldn't see the race [because of Indy 500 qualifying], otherwise he'd call me to race on a little oval. Stay tuned, Mr. Penske!"
After his time in Formula 1, Barrichello had a stint in IndyCar, which then led to him racing stock cars. The former Ferrari driver now races in NASCAR Brazil and Stock Car Pro, with Barrichello having won two titles in the latter in 2014 and 2022.
"The truth is that it's a great joy to be able to fight with all your strength for a victory you've always dreamed of, and this weekend it came in double doses," Barrichello continued.
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"We saw [Nico] Rosberg, for example, who was a champion and retired. But I really like what I do, it's a gift, it is with gratitude that I compete, battling younger and experienced drivers. I am a very grateful person for all the situations.
"When Thiago [Marques, NASCAR Brazil CEO] and Maurício [Ferreira, team principal] from Full Time Team showed me the perspective [for NASCAR Brazil], I only had a problem with dates, because there are some rounds that I can't race. For example, I won't race the next NASCAR round because I have to be at Le Mans."
While Barrichello himself is not racing at Le Mans, he will be in attendance to watch his son, Eduardo Barrichello, in action. However, Barrichello Snr also admitted he may take his helmet along, just in case.
"I'll take my helmet and if something happens," said the Brazilian.
