What future for Brazilian driver Rubens Barrichello in 2009?

Following the announcement of the withdrawal of the Japanese team Honda, the question on everyone’s mind is: What will be the fate of Rubens Barrichello?

Rubens Barrichello is currently the oldest F1 driver. He began his career in 1993 and has participated in 268 Grand Prix and raced in 16 world championships.

In 2002 and 2004, he achieved his two best performances by finishing in second place at the World Championship with Team Ferrari.

It was in 2006 that he joined the Japanese firm Honda, and today, if the team does not find a buyer for the 2009 season, the Brazilian driver will likely have to take early retirement.

The record of the three years spent with the Honda team is not very glorious. His best result will come in 2006 when he finishes 7th in the world drivers’ championship, but the following season will be disastrous, with Rubens Barrichello scoring no points in the standings.

To finish in 2008, he ended in 14th place in the world championship with 11 points.

The only consolation for the Brazilian if he were to leave Formula 1 is that he would be the driver who has raced the most Grand Prix during an entire career.

Record far from being matched since his pursuer is the Italian Giancarlo Fisichella with 212 Grand Prix contested.