Kelly Slater Scoffs at Haters as 50-Year-Old F1 Veteran Crosses the Finish Line as a Champion “In a Young Man’s Sport”

Former F1 racer Rubens Barrichello has shocked the racing community with his recent Stock Car Pro Series title win this Sunday. One of his fans and renowned surfer, Kelly Slater, congratulated him on his well-deserved victory. 50-year-old Kelly Slater was proud to see Rubens lift the reputed title who is also of the same age.

He took to his Instagram story with a special wish for the former F1 racer. Rubens joined the Brazilian Stock Car Pro Series in 2013. He retired from Formula 1 in 2011 after competing in his final race at the 2011 Brazilian Grand Prix where he finished 14th.

Kelly Slater congratulated Barrichello for winning in ‘a young man’s sport’

Barrichello had a glorious Formula 1 career from 1993 to 2011. Later, when he joined the Stock Car Series, he claimed his first victory in 2014. Finally, after eight years, the 50-year-old achieved his second victory in the series, proving that age is just a number. As soon as he won the title, the 11-time world champion surfer, Kelly Slater celebrated Rubens’ achievement by congratulating him on Instagram. He posted a story with a special message for him that read:

“Incredible win in a ‘young man’s’ sport. Congratulation @rubarrichello !”

Barrichello secured his second win after competing against the three-time champion Daniel Serra and 2021 champion Gabriel Casagrande. It was a neck-to-neck fight between the three. At the beginning of the race, Barrichello started slowly beside Serra and Casagrande. However, he got spun at crucial a moment, after touching Serra. Due to the struggle between Serra and Barrichello, Casagrande got squeezed.

Later, Casagrande recovered by hitting Serra, ending his chances of winning the title. Eventually, the three-time champion was disqualified for his actions. It ensured that Barrichello would take the title home. After winning the title for the second time, he expressed his happiness by saying,

“I am so happy. We broke a taboo at Interlagos and I just have to thank everyone who cheered for me. I didn’t know there were so many people.”

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Barrichello has been quite passionate about racing even after retiring from Formula 1 in 2011. It was a well-deserved victory for him, uplifting his self-confidence.

Rubens Barrichello’s F1 career

Rubens Barrichello was involved in racing from a young age. He was 19 when he joined the highest level of racing Formula 1. Throughout his career, the 50-year-old has collaborated with teams such as Jordan, Stewart, Ferrari, Honda, Brawn, and Williams.

He made his debut in Formula 1 in the 1993 South African Grand Prix. Barichello claimed his first win in the 2000 German Grand Prix. Throughout his career, he has experienced remarkable highs and lows that continue to inspire him even today.

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