Barrichello admits it was "difficult to adjust" after F1 exit

Rubens Barrichello found it difficult to adjust his life after ending his lengthy period of racing in Formula 1 at the end of 2011. The veteran lost his seat at Williams to compatriot Bruno Senna for the 2012 season, ending a 19-year relationship at motorsport's pinnacle.

The Brazilian made his debut in 1993 for Jordan. After so many years in Formula 1, Barrichello holds the record for most Grand Prix entries and starts, racing for six teams throughout his stay. His most successful season was 2002, where he picked up four victories for Ferrari.

After F1, he got a seat at IndyCar but placed most of his efforts in Stock Car Brazil becoming the series champion in 2014. Last month, he competed in the 24 Hours of Le Mans for the first time, racing in the LMP2 category.

"It was difficult to adjust because I wasn't expecting it to be honest with you," he said. "It is the story of Formula 1 nowadays. There are just drivers there that are using their balloon and package of money to get in. This is a little bit less romantic in my opinion. Whenever I lost my place, it was to that. 

"It was difficult for the first couple of days. I ended up signing for IndyCar and it was a good decision. I should have waited another 10 days to actually talk to all of the teams, because I just went in, boom, I got the first offer and I said OK I'm racing. It's almost like it was the girlfriend just gives you a no and then you just get the next one that gives you a yes. 

"I'm not sad about anything. I think life is there for you to learn. For me the best moment I had in Formula 1, it took so long for me to sign as well, if you remember 2008 to 2009, I didn't have a job for four months and then I had that call. Life is a rebirth every day."

Fergal Walsh