Rubens Barrichello cleared by court to join new Stock Car team

A court in São Paulo has suspended an exclusivity clause in the contract between driver Rubens Barrichello and Scuderia Bandeiras. This ruling allows the driver to negotiate with other teams and compete in the 2026 Stock Car Pro Series season without facing contractual penalties.

The legal action was initiated by Barrichello and B11 Marketing Esportivo against A51 Marketing e Eventos and Scuderia Bandeiras. The dispute arose after Scuderia Bandeiras abruptly withdrew from the championship mid-season, leaving the driver without a team. The judge ruled that maintaining the exclusivity clause posed a risk of professional harm to the driver.

While the injunction permits Barrichello to seek a new team, the court has not yet ruled on financial claims. Barrichello is seeking approximately R$ 2.4 million in contract payments, as well as compensation for moral and image damages. The legal process regarding these financial obligations remains ongoing.