Barrichello returning to F1 with Sauber in 2014?
According to the German press, Rubens Barrichello is considering a return to Formula 1 next season, backed by a substantial budget. The Brazilian driver could potentially land at the Sauber team.
The crazy transfer season in Formula 1 continues, indeed after the possible return of Kovalainen at Caterham, another former driver could make his comeback according to the latest rumor suggesting the possibility of Rubens Barrichello returning to Formula 1 in 2014 with the Sauber F1 team.
Nico Hülkenberg is not expected to stay with Sauber in 2014 making way for Sergey Sirotkin. But for now, the identity of the Russian driver’s teammate remains unknown.
Esteban Gutiérrez has the advantage because he knows the Swiss team well, with which he is competing in his first F1 season this year, and his qualification in Q3 in Singapore at the last Grand Prix worked in his favor. However, pairing Sirotkin, who has no experience, with Gutiérrez, who will only have one year of experience at the start of 2014, is a risky bet for Sauber.
The Hinwil team could thus call upon Felipe Massa, recently sidelined by Ferrari in favor of Räikkönen, or even Rubens Barrichello according to *Auto Motor und Sport*. The record-holder for the most Grand Prix participated in left F1 after not being retained by Williams at the end of 2011, but according to the publication, he has substantial financial backing. He could bring over 10 million euros, which could facilitate his return to F1, especially since he has great experience that could be useful to Sauber and Sirotkin.
Barrichello, who has raced in IndyCar since retiring from F1 and who is traveling to Grand Prix this season for the Brazilian channel Globo, believes he is ready to return, as quoted by Auto Motor und Sport: « I would just have to train my neck. Then I could race tomorrow. »
