Barrichello confirms he is considering retirement

Whether it’s because of the clearly deteriorating relationship with Brawn GP or because he’s disappointed with his form in 2009, Rubens Barrichello admitted for the first time that he was considering retiring from F1.

For a long time in uncertainty this winter, when the Honda team was looking for a buyer, Barrichello finally extended his contract with the Brackley team and is currently in 4th place in the championship, with 44 points.

Confiding in the media during the Hungarian Grand Prix, he revealed that he was weighing the pros and cons of retiring from the sport, but the balance still largely tipped towards the desire to continue racing in F1.

I love this sport, I’ve been doing it for 17 years. 95% of my thoughts tell me to keep going. I love it, I have a lot of speed in me, but 5% tell me ‘why do you need this?’

Rubens Barrichello participated in his 278th Grand Prix in Hungary, with his first race dating back to the South African Grand Prix, the opening round of the 1993 championship. By comparison, Jaime Alguersuari, who started his career last Sunday, was not even 3 years old at that time! So far, he has achieved 9 victories for Ferrari between 2000 and 2004 and has finished on the podium 66 times. Since his departure from Ferrari at the end of 2005, rumors about his retirement have circulated, without him ever commenting on them… until now.

« It’s something I have in mind, even if it’s only 5%, but next year is too far away for me to decide anything. » continued the Brazilian veteran.

Regarding his chances of becoming world champion this season, Barrichello admitted that it would be difficult to catch up with his teammate Jenson Button but remains optimistic despite Brawn GP’s dip in form.