Rubens Barrichello says he is confident that the 2011 season finale in Brazil, won’t be his final race in Formula 1.
The Brazilian is looking increasingly likely to lose his seat at Williams to the returning Kimi Raikkonen, who will reportedly attend the Abu Dhabi GP to announce his return after a two-year absence.
Barrichello, who’s in his 19th F1 season, says he hopes to know the outcome of his contract for 2012 before his home race on November 27th.
“Emotionally speaking, it would be great to know before Interlagos,” he told TotalRace.
“I do not believe it [Brazil] will be my last race. On the weekend of the Indian GP, I had a better understanding of the situation. I understand a little why it is taking so long, and unfortunately we will have to wait.”
The 39-year-old, who is keen to race next season, hinted that life away from F1 might not be so bad, adding that a party would be required for him to say goodbye to the many friends he’s accumulated during his 20-year-tenure.
“I really want to race, 100%. But if not, I also have options on the other side. Many people tell me – Luciano Burti himself and Olivier Panis – that life post-F1 is even better.
“I will do a party to say goodbye to people. I think my relationship with the people is too good to finish one hour to another. It will be the way it has to be, but God willing we will be on the grid next year,” he added.
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