Rubens Barrichello says his future “is wide open” and a return to competitive motorsport is inevitable, but he will likely spend the next year enjoying his family.
The Brazilian was left without a seat for the 2012 season, despite being the most experienced driver in the sports history, having started 322 races over 19 consecutive seasons.
Williams announced on Tuesday that fellow Brazilian Bruno Senna would take the final seat at the Grove based outfit, forcing the 39-year-old out.
“I think at first I won’t look for anything,” Barrichello told the O Estado de Sao Paulo newspaper.
“Perhaps I’ll just enjoy my family for a year. After that I believe my passion for speed will not allow me to stand still.”
Though he says he will honour a promise made to his wife not to race on ovals, something many expected him to do considering one of his closest friends is Indycar driver Tony Kanaan.
“For sure I will not race on the American ovals — I have promised that to my wife and I will honour that,” he added.
Meanwhile, Barrichello’s replacement, Senna, said he hadn’t had the chance to talk to his fellow countryman yet, but was certain there would be no hard feelings.
“I haven’t talked to him,” said Senna. “We are good friends and that’s the way motorsport is.
“There is nothing personal, and Rubens is a pro. He will understand. Rubens knows even better than I do that sometimes it’s part of the sport that someone comes in and someone has to go.
“We have a great relationship and I’m sure it will stay that way.”
