Rubens Barrichello Still Winning Races at 52 After F1 Retirement

Rubens Barrichello Still Winning at 52

Former Formula 1 driver Rubens Barrichello secured a dominant double victory at the NASCAR Brazil Interlagos round last weekend, more than 13 years after his F1 retirement.

"When I stopped racing in Formula 1, I was 39 years old," Barrichello stated. "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."

Barrichello, a Ferrari and Brawn GP icon, triumphed in NASCAR Brazil's third round at Interlagos, marking his first win at the circuit since his South American Formula 3 days in 1990.

"Interlagos, for me, is a joy," Barrichello shared. "I've been driving here since 1990, when I won the race. The tow here [in this championship] has a big impact. Roger Penske couldn't see the race [because of the 2025 Indy 500 qualifying], otherwise he'd call me to race on a little oval. Stay tuned, Mr. Penske!"

A Career Beyond F1

Since retiring from F1 in 2011, Barrichello has competed in IndyCar, stock cars, and endurance racing. He currently races in Stock Car Pro and NASCAR Brazil, having last won the Stock Car Pro title in 2022, with his first championship in the series in 2014.

Despite challenging seasons in Stock Car Pro in 2023 (7th) and 2024 (14th), the 52-year-old Brazilian has turned his fortunes around in 2025.

Gratitude and Adaptability

"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 expressed. "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."

Barrichello explained that scheduling conflicts were his only concern when deciding to join NASCAR Brazil. "For example, I won't race the next NASCAR round because I have to be at Le Mans." However, he clarified that he will not be racing at Le Mans himself but will be present due to sponsorship ties with his son, Eduardo Barrichello, who will compete in the World Endurance Championship.

Addressing the challenges of aging, Barrichello noted, "What got worse for ‘Rubinho?’ My eyesight. I'm getting older, my eyesight gets worse, but you adapt to it and everything is fine."

Barrichello will celebrate his 53rd birthday on May 23rd, competing in the Stock Car Pro Series' Cascavel round, continuing his passionate motorsport journey.