P1racenews AI automatic summary:
The 2002 Austrian Grand Prix was a Formula 1 weekend to forget for Ferrari, despite a one-two outcome.
Former Ferrari team principal Jean Todt revealed that Rubens Barrichello ignoring a pre-race agreement led to the “embarrassing” scenes at the 2002 Austrian Grand Prix. Ferrari dominated the 2002 season, with Michael Schumacher winning 15 of 17 races and clinching his fifth world title. Despite the team’s success, controversy arose at the Austrian GP when Barrichello disobeyed team orders and only let Schumacher pass on the last lap. Todt explained that they had agreed on team orders to prioritize Schumacher due to his championship lead. However, Barrichello’s refusal caused a major embarrassment for the team and Schumacher. Ferrari faced penalties for the podium incident where Schumacher swapped positions with Barrichello, further adding to the embarrassment. Additionally, a similar embarrassing moment occurred in Indianapolis later that year when Schumacher waited for Barrichello to cross the finish line together but inadvertently allowed Barrichello to pass him.
