Barrichello Refuses To Rule Out F1 Return

Former F1 driver Rubens Barrichello has refused to rule out a return to F1 in the future, saying that there is still a way back in coming seasons. The Brazilian, who drove his last F1 race for Williams, was dropped by the team at the end of last year and is currently competing in the IndyCar series.

Speaking to Auto Motor und Sport, the Brazilian said: "I think there is still a way back, I'm not using IndyCar as a last resort. I drive because I love racing. My heart bleeds that I cannot be there. I am happy that I can drive here, I do not see myself as a victim. I think it's just a shame for Williams, it would have been a big year. Not just for me, but also for them."

Barrichello says Williams would have greatly benefited from his services in this season, with the Brazilian confident that he could have tamed Venzuelan Pastor Maldonado's controversial on-track personality.

"Williams would benefit from me. I would have been a good team-mate for Senna, Bottas and Maldonado. Next to me, they would go much better than they do now. Look at Maldonado. He had fewer accidents last year than this season. Pastor is super fast, but he is a lot more controlled with me."

When he was asked to describe the team's relative success so far this season, Barrichello said that the FW34 was always going to be a substantial step up from 2011.

"We already recognised the problems last year," he added. "The move to Renault engines has been making a big difference. The big plus of this engine is its excellent driveability."

Barrichello sits 15th in the standings with a personal best finish of seventh place and 164 points to his name, having driven nine races so far in the IndyCar series with KV racing.