An F1 team showing preference to one of their drivers is nothing new, as this tradition has been in the sports for years. Even during the early 2000s when Ferrari dominated F1 with Michael Schumacher, there was another driver besides the German legend who helped the Reds establish the dominance they had. It was Rubens Barrichello.

Although the Sao Paulo-born never lifted any world championship, he significantly contributed to Schumacher lifting five out of his seven championship titles. Further, Rubinho also helped the Prancing Horses win five constructors’ titles.

The Brazilian joined the Maranello base in 2000 and was there for six years. However, he was never the leading man for then Ferrari chief, Jean Todt. Rubens doesn’t regret his time in the Maranello base, but the 50-year-old believes he could have competed against Schumacher for the titles then.

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“If there had been freedom, I could have beaten him. Let’s be clear: he was stronger than me, but we will never really know how much.” said the former Ferrari driver. “The Zeltweg (Austria) 2002 order? I remember it, but not with hatred because even bad things have taught me a lot. I am happy at 50.”

The driver hierarchy continues in F1

It’s not like Rubens Barrichello was the last driver to face this hierarchy system in F1. But this continues even in the present day. The Finnish F1 driver Valtteri Bottas took the supportive role in Mercedes during his five-year stay at Brackley. At the Silver Arrows, he helped the German constructor and their ace Lewis Hamilton win multiple constructors and drivers’ championships.

Even Red Bull has a similar concept as the Austrian base prioritizes their Dutch prodigy Max Verstappen. This has led to the Milton Keynes base looking for a suitable ‘Number 2’ driver for a few years before they chose Sergio Perez for 2021. The Mexican veteran has been a massive addition to the team and helped Max win the 2021 title. This season, we witnessed Checo giving up his win in the Spanish GP to help Verstappen take the lead in the drivers’ standings.

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Further, fans speculate that Carlos Sainz might soon play the present-day Rubinho in the Maranello base. As things stand, the Spaniard is not able to compete against his Monegasque teammate, Charles Leclerc, who is a contender for the 2022 drivers’ championship. Although we have only had six races so far, let’s see if a hierarchy order sets in the Ferrari camp as the season continues.