F1 News
Why Barrichello missed out on his big chance at the world title in 2009
- GPblog.com
Rubens Barrichello was Michael Schumacher's aide for years, but in 2009 he got the chance of a lifetime to take a world title. According to Jock Clear, the old fashioned approach of Rubens was the reason why Jenson Button would take the world title.
In 2009, BrawnGP came out of the starting blocks like a rocket. Honda had stopped working with the new team, but Ross Brawn saw possibilities. Even without a sponsor, he decided to continue the project with a Mercedes engine and it turned out to be a success. Brawn's diffuser was a miracle solution that allowed the two drivers to win every race.
Button Seizes His Chance
But it was Button, not Barrichello, who won six of the first seven races. Barrichello would not take his first win until the European Grand Prix in Spain, the eleventh race of the season. By then, his teammate had already disappeared on the horizon in the championship and would not be caught up either.
''At the time it was needed, Jenson was more ready than Rubens. I don't think Rubens realised in time that this was a huge opportunity. In the end, it's about psychology, with the new generation outpacing the old generation. In 2009, the older drivers were not used to the new technology, which allowed the younger generation to take the points at the beginning of the season,'' states race engineer, Jock Clear, according to Motorsport.com.