Rubens Barrichello On Records, Schumacher & Senna | Beyond The Grid | Official F1 Podcast

Senna & Piquet

Rubens Barrichello's relationship with Ayrton Senna was marked by mutual respect and camaraderie. Senna, known for his humility, often reached out to Barrichello, offering support and advice during his early career. Barrichello recalls a memorable dinner with Senna, where a playful car prank turned into a lesson about Senna's unpredictable nature:

Don't play with Ayrton. He's dangerous.

--- Rubens Barrichello

His experiences with Senna and Nelson Piquet highlight the divided loyalties in Brazilian motorsport, where fans often chose sides between the two legends 1 2.

   

Schumacher Rivalry

Barrichello's rivalry with Michael Schumacher was intense, both on and off the track. He recounts a near-miss in Canada, where Schumacher's strategic driving left him with few opportunities to overtake. Despite the fierce competition, Barrichello acknowledges Schumacher's skill, noting a particular incident where Schumacher's unexpected move left him in awe:

I closed my eyes.

--- Rubens Barrichello

The infamous Austria 2002 incident, where Barrichello was instructed to let Schumacher win, remains a controversial topic, highlighting the complexities of team dynamics in F1 3 4.

   

Family Legacy

Barrichello's passion for racing is deeply rooted in his family legacy, with his son Eduardo following in his footsteps. Despite personal challenges, including a recent divorce, Barrichello remains committed to supporting Eduardo's racing career. He shares his approach to mentoring his son, emphasizing the importance of independence and decision-making:

I just put something into his thoughts for him to make decisions.

--- Rubens Barrichello

Barrichello's dedication to his family and the sport underscores the enduring influence of racing culture in his life 5 6.