If there was ever a case of ‘always the bridesmaid, never the bride’ it would be Rubens Barrichello.  

Having made his debut with Jordan in 1993, ‘Rubinhio’ is one of the most experienced drivers on the Formula 1 grid. After playing second fiddle to Michael Schumacher for six years at Ferrari, then surviving the failed promise of Honda, Rubens had as much claim as team-mate Jenson Button to the 2009 title in the phoenix-from-the-flames Brawn GP squad.

Despite a mixed start to the season, Rubens delivered the goods – two wins and point-scoring consistency keeping him in contention right to the end of the 2009 year. Delivering such solid results, even at the age of 38, is what has kept Rubens so in demand. In many ways, his move to Williams could be the perfect match and, though he may not be in the frame to catch the bouquet, he’ll still look stunning in the middle of the pack.