Former Ferrari F1 star CHAMPION at 53

Barrichello wins at the Hockenheimring — Photo: © IMAGO

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Former Ferrari star CHAMPION at 53

Rubens Barrichello only managed to finish runner-up in his F1 career

Kerry Violet F1 News Editor

F1 editor and journalist covering motorsport since 2024.

Monday 25 August 2025 17:55

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Former Ferrari star Rubens Barrichello has done what he was never able to do in F1 - take a racing championship win.

At the age of 53, the Brazilian star, best known for his six-year spell with the Scuderia alongside Michael Schumacher, wrapped up the 2025 NASCAR Brasil Series Brazilian Championship on Saturday with victory at the Autodromo Velo Citta.

That win meant he lead the championship with 180 points, making it impossible for anyone of his rivals to top that heading into Sunday's second race of the weekend.

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Following the victory, Barrichello sat 28 points ahead of Full Time Sports team-mate Thiago Camilo, who is now looking to secure a championship 1-2 for the squad.

The weekend's racing wrapped up the Brazilian Championship, but the season continues next month with the three-round Special Edition phase to decide the overall champion and Rookie of the Year.

The Brasil Series is one of four international NASCAR competitions outside the US, alongside the NASCAR Canada Series, NASCAR Mexico Series, and the NASCAR Euro Series.

Barrichello raced alongside Schumacher during the F1 legends five consecutive titles at Ferrari

Barrichello claims early NASCAR title win

Speaking after the race, which saw him hit Camilo early on to bring out a safety car, 11-time grand prix winner Barrichello said: "Everyone knows how much I love this competition and how fierce I am. I feel sorry for Thiago, but there was nothing I could do. I was already coming around the outside, saw his engine failing, and ended up going around the inside.

"We're friends off the track, but when we close the visors, we fight for our ideals. In the end, the car handled well, and even with Caca (Bueno, Chevrolet Camaro #0, Team RC) coming strong, I took the win. My heart is in my mouth and I'm very happy."

Team principal Mauricio Ferreira added: "The team's first year was full of ups and downs. Despite setbacks in Campo Grande and Taruma, we managed to keep our drivers and cars competitive. The result was Rubens' title, demonstrating consistency and speed, even at 53.

"The battle with Thiago (Camilo) was intense, and although there was an unfortunate collision, they are both great drivers. Now we remain motivated to win more titles and victories in the remainder of the season."

CAMPEÃO! ??
Rubens Barrichello é o campeão brasileiro da NASCAR Brasil.

A conquista veio no Velocitta. Além do troféu e Barrichello estará no NASCAR Awards (EUA) para ser homenageado junto às lendas da NASCAR. pic.twitter.com/TABR7VfXAg
— NASCAR Brasil Series (@NASCARBrasil) August 23, 2025