Rubens Barrichello still holds hope of competing in his 20th season, and believes there is no reason why he cannot make a comeback after a one or two year absence.
The Brazilian was dropped by Williams in favour of Bruno Senna for the 2012 season, leaving F1’s most experienced driver without a seat.
Despite his age, 39, Barrichello believes a comeback isn’t impossible given his experience, and highlighted Michael Schumacher, 43, and Kimi Raikkonen, 32, as examples.
“No,” he replied when asked if his F1 career was over. “Today F1 is a more open place. A massive opportunity could arise, the dream of competing in my 20th season in F1 is still very much alive,” he told Livio Oricchio.
“You never know. Sometimes things change, with my speed and experience, I could be called upon. Kimi Raikkonen and Michael Schumacher have returned, there is no reason why I could not as well.”
Barrichello also revealed that team co-owner Frank Williams called him to confirm the bad news that he woudn’t be at Williams in ’12.
“Frank Williams personally called me,” he said. “He began by saying that he didn’t have good news and explained that they had decided to sign another driver.
“It’s public knowledge that Williams now has difficulties with the budget, has lost some of its main sponsors, and was forced to choose a contract that could collaborate more with their needs.
“It’s understandable. The decision was solely financial, no doubt, no demerit to anyone. Let’s see how they will now develop the car with these difficulties.”
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