Rubens Gonçalves Barrichello (born May 23, 1972) is a Brazilian racing driver who began his Formula 1 career in 1993 with Jordan Grand Prix, a team he raced for until 1996. His first Grand Prix podium came in his second season, one round before losing compatriot and mentor Ayrton Senna at the San Marino Grand Prix. Barrichello next raced for Stewart Grand Prix from 1997 to 1999 during their only three seasons as a Ford works-supported team.
Jordan
Barrichello made his Formula 1 debut in 1993, driving for Jordan alongside veteran Thierry Boutsen. He would score the team’s only points that year at Suzuka with a fifth place finish. His and Jordan’s first podium finish came the following year at the 1994 Pacific Grand Prix. He remained with the team until the end of 1996.
Stewart
After leaving Jordan, Barrichello signed with Stewart in 1997 and remained with the team until 1999. His performances in his third year with Stewart caught the attention of Ferrari boss Jean Todt.
Scuderia Ferrari
The popular Brazilian was signed by Scuderia Ferrari in 2000 to race alongside Michael Schumacher, a seat he retained until 2005. Barrichello scored nine Grand Prix wins along the way, and finished runner up twice in the Drivers’ Championship.
Honda and Brawn GP
Barrichello joined Jenson Button at Honda in 2006 and raced for the Japanese manufacturer until their withdrawal in 2008, with mixed results. Having already signed for the 2009 season, Brawn GP and the BGP 001 provided a career resurgence for Barrichello with two more F1 wins and four further podiums.
Williams
The Brazilian closed out his Grand Prix career with Williams, racing for the legendary British team in 2010 and 2011. After an unceremonious exit from the team in early 2012, a Caterham deal that failed to materialize meant the end of Barrichello’s F1 career.
Audemars Piguet
Barrichello has previously been an Audemars Piguet ambassador, with several Royal Oak Offshore limited edition timepieces released in his honor in 2005, 2006, and 2008. They were appropriately named the Royal Oak Offshore ‘Rubens Barrichello’, Royal Oak Offshore ‘Rubens Barrichello II’, and Royal Oak Offshore ‘Rubens Barrichello III’.
Artisans de Genève
Barrichello teamed up with Artisans de Genève in 2019 to create two bespoke chronographs based on the Rolex Daytona. The unique La Barrichello in stainless steel was first announced in June of 2019 as a private commission by the Brazilian driver. A month later, the La Barrichello Gold was unveiled as an unspecified limited edition.
Related Pages
References
https://quillandpad.com/2023/09/04/30th-anniversary-of-the-audemars-piguet-royal-oak-offshore-roo-f1s-high-octane-fairy-tales-of-super-star-racing-drivers/
https://www.classicdriver.com/en/article/rubens-barrichello-chronograph-audemars-piguet
https://monochrome-watches.com/artisans-de-geneve-la-barrichello-skeletonized-rolex-daytona-price/
https://watchesbysjx.com/2019/06/artisans-de-geneve-rolex-daytona-rubens-barrichello.html
https://www.classicdriver.com/en/article/sponsored-content/artisans-de-geneve-and-rubens-barrichello-gild-a-new-rolex-daytona