F1 comeback bid ended Barrichello commentary - report
Rubens Barrichello's desire to return to the F1 grid appears to have ended his days as a roving commentator.
Services
We reported on Thursday that the most experienced driver in the history of the sport had "concluded" his commentary contract with Brazil's TV Globo.
Brazil's UOL Esporte is now claiming Barrichello, 42, fell out with the broadcaster due to "relationship and contract" problems, and also because he allegedly used his role to "offer his services to F1 teams".
The report said the former Williams and Ferrari driver had trouble following some instructions, like calling Red Bull 'RBR' instead of the name of the energy drink, for commercial reasons.
Coincidence?
But the real trouble may have begun in Singapore last month, when Barrichello reportedly told Mercedes' Toto Wolff he was "ready and fit" to become the dominant team's reserve driver.
Barrichello reportedly also lobbied last year to make his return to F1 with Sauber.
"According to insiders," UOL claimed, "Barrichello never accepted that he is a former Formula One driver. Coincidence or not, that (Singapore) was his last outing as a broadcaster."
Breaching the conditions
The final straw may have been when Barrichello appeared as an online presenter, breaching the conditions of his exclusive contract with Globo.
"UOL Esporte contacted Rubens Barrichello but received no response," said the report. Barrichello's co-pundit and friend Luciano Burti also declined to comment.
Globo denied that its relationship with Barrichello had broken down, insisting the contract was concluded "amicably".
Share Or Save This Story
The season is still very long - Rosberg
Jules Bianchi's father speaks of family's continued hopes
Sauber under no illusions about constructors' position
Which modern Formula 1 driver raced for the most teams?
How ex-F1 racer Rubens Barrichello is still winning races at 52
Why illustrious racing dads aren't always an advantage for F1 hopefuls
F1 Spanish GP at Madring: Sunday schedule, weather forecast and how to watch
Anthony Davidson warns young drivers not to follow Lewis Hamilton's Madrid FP3 example
Lewis Hamilton and Fred Vasseur recall GP2 title and 'most impressive race ever', 20 years on
Lando Norris praised for firm response to Coca-Cola request after Spanish GP: "Highlight of the Madring"
Jesse Love honors his word and the NASCAR O'Reily Chase gets tighter
Nico Rosberg: Carlos Sainz must share blame for Madring overtaking issues
Marc Marquez: MotoGP rivals gave me a “present” - and it tastes “sweet”
How Norris unfurled a surprising - and "unrepeatable" - Spanish GP pole lap
Audi’s long road back to the top of grand prix racing
What we learned from Friday practice at the 2026 F1 Spanish GP
What F1's risky Madrid bet needs to get right in order to pay off
Subscribe and access Motorsport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
Top Comments