One of the most respected Brazilian drivers in the Formula 1 paddock, Rubens Barrichello had to live for many years with the debauchery and tasteless humor of a large part of the Brazilian public, even with a consolidated and exalted career outside the country. The pilot himself has already reported several times about his hurt at the way he was treated in Brazil. The criticism also reverberated to his son Eduardo Barrichello, or simply Dudu, who decided to follow in his father’s footsteps in the profession, but revealed that he dealt with the acid jokes directed at his father in a different way. He revealed that he “cursed back” every time someone criticized Rubinho.
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In a question and answer session on the social network Reddit, the Aston Martin IMSA SportsCar driver was frank when answering questions from internet users. Asked about his interest in returning to compete in Brazil, in categories such as Stock Car, he also revealed that he does not miss motorsport competitions in the country and that he is fulfilling a dream that was “frustrating” him by not being fulfilled, which was to return to racing in Europe.
— I was always very frustrated with some of the results I had in Europe, and I promised myself that the first opportunity I had to leave Brazil and try to “enjoy” myself, I would do it — said Dudu. And he continued: — Everyone’s dream is always to be a fulfilled person. I wasn’t. I left Brazil to try everything, to risk a little of my career. And thank God, until today, I have been successful. So no, I don’t miss it (Brazil) and I don’t want to compete in any other category.
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The driver also said that his famous surname had no bearing on racing, although he recognizes that it was important in opening doors — even though he made his own decisions in conducting his career.
— It’s a huge privilege to carry that name, but it’s just my surname, it’s helped me open many doors, but I’m the one driving the car — he said.
Barrichello’s frankness touched fans. A user shared his discomfort with the jokes made with Rubinho, saying that “I’m a fan of your father, and to this day I get angry when some idiot makes a joke with Rubinho. Nowadays it’s very rare, but there are still some idiots who have no idea about car racing.”
Currently 24 years old, Dudu also spoke about building his career and the hardships he went through at a very young age.
— Our entire life is difficult to explain, but it starts very early, right from school. parties, bedtimes, school trips, friends’ trips, etc. — says Dudu.
These factors, combined with difficult moments, such as those experienced in the European Regional Formula Championship (Freca), when there were no good results, even affect mental health.
— It made me question life, sport, my friendships, everything. It was an extremely difficult time for me, I had a lot of difficulty with mental health, but I also believe it made me the man I am today. I haven’t achieved exactly everything I want yet, but I believe that one day, with a lot of work, I will, and a lot is due to these moments of evolution and self-knowledge — he concluded.
