Remember this guy? Rubens Barrichello returns to the F1 paddock

A familiar face graced the Formula 1 paddock today as Rubens Barrichello returned to his old stomping ground. This time around the ever-popular Brazilian wasn’t in the cockpit but instead behind the microphone for Brazilian broadcasting giant, Globo TV. Barrichello will share the commentating duties with former F1 driver Luciano Burti and Reginaldo Leme.

As opposed to several cheeky ex-drivers-turned-pundits Barrichello said that he would err on the side caution. “That’s not my style, never was,” Rubens stated. But don’t expect him to gloss over anything either he says.

Barrichello’s record-breaking Formula 1 career of 19 seasons came to an end at the conclusion of the 2011 as Williams announced that they would not be extending the Brazilian’s contract.Determined to keep on racing Barrichello opted to compete stateside in the IndyCar Series for 2012 with the KV Racing Technology team. He completed fifteen IRL races but with no drive for 2013 made good on his promise to race ‘at home.’ That translates into a full time driver for Full Time Sports in the 2013 Stock Car Brasil season.

Commentator, racer, pundit. Whichever role Rubinho takes he is certainly very welcome in the F1 paddock.