War is declared between Schumacher and Barrichello!

Michael Schumacher, seven-time world champion, and Rubens Barrichello have one thing in common; having driven for Ferrari in Formula 1. The two drivers indeed worked together and supported each other from 2000 to the end of 2005. Unfortunately, for some time now, their relationship seems to have seriously deteriorated.

In fact, everything started last week; Barrichello announced to the press his intention to publish a book about his years at Ferrari. He added that he had quite a few revelations to make: « People can’t know what I went through during those five years at Ferrari. Maybe they will find out in my book… »

Barrichello then left people guessing, creating a real buzz (understand ‘publicity’) about his intention to release a book… What was he talking about? Michael Schumacher? Jean Todt? The 2002 Austrian Grand Prix? We indeed remember the farce orchestrated by Ferrari to order Barrichello to let Schumacher win. The Brazilian was initially reluctant but eventually complied just meters from the finish line. Paradoxically, Schumacher did everything he could to get Barrichello on the top step of the podium that day.

The fact remains that since then, the relationship between the two drivers was completely different. In response to these vague criticisms, the seven-time F1 world champion retorted in a German newspaper: « No one can ask you to be slow… » Implying Barrichello’s seasons spent as No. 2 in the Maranello team.

This week, the ‘compliments’ from afar have resumed with vigor. As a guest on the Brazilian show ‘Fantastico,’ the 34-year-old driver continued his revelations, focusing more specifically on the 2002 Austrian GP.

Barrichello shared the radio conversations with his engineers during the last laps of the race: “Michael is behind you, he is fighting for the championship…” he recalled. “You should let him pass,” the team was telling me every lap with an increasingly authoritative tone. And then in the last lap, they started mentioning my contract with Ferrari! he exclaimed to the presenter.

« For me, I didn’t have a choice! Either I let him pass, or I was no longer a Ferrari driver! »

The journalist also took a closer look at Michael Schumacher. According to Barrichello, he was fully aware of what was happening: « He assured me he did not know what was happening in front of him, but I have documents proving that he was aware of everything. »

However, caution is necessary. Even if the relations seem complicated at the moment between the two men, the media likely play an overly significant role, exaggerating the intensity of the words.

Barrichello and Schumacher will indeed be teammates again in a few days. They will participate in a kart race organized by Felipe Massa in Brazil and do not plan to race with bodyguards…‍