Williams impressed with Barrichello

Sam Michael is impressed with Rubens Barrichello, after working alongside the Brazilian veteran for his first two races at the wheel of a Williams.

The 37-year-old outqualified his teammate Nico Hulkenberg, the reigning GP2 champion, at Bahrain and Australia, scoring points in both races with faultless drives.

"Why was Rubens never world champion?" Australian Michael, referring to Barrichello’s longest-ever career spanning 290 grands prix, wondered to Germany’s Auto Motor und Sport.

"For us he is the best possible driver," Michael added. "He brings the car home, does not make mistakes, takes every opportunity coming his way and is an incredibly good car developer and despite his age is still extremely fast."

As for 22-year-old rookie Hulkenberg, whose formative career was even more impressive than Lewis Hamilton’s, Williams is giving the youngster more time to impress.

"I know he’ll deliver," said Michael.