Rubens Barrichello is refusing to give up on his formula one career.
After 19 consecutive seasons on the grid, the Brazilian veteran finally bowed out at the end of last year, when Williams signed countryman Bruno Senna to replace him.
40-year-old Barrichello rescued his open-wheeler career in the US-based Indycar series, but he has told Brazil’s Arena Sportv this week that he considers F1’s door to be still open.
"I had 19 years of great excitement and pure adrenaline," he said. "For me, I would have been there (in 2012).
"You can never say never. Michael Schumacher and Kimi Raikkonen went back.
"I think in life you have to have the dream of wanting to improve every day, so I cannot say no.
"When I saw Raikkonen come back I thought he would have the same difficulties as Schumacher, but he had a sensational year. He is third in the championship.
"He has not fought for wins but he got six podiums.
"I say this because I didn’t stop and go to a completely different category; I’ve been more active. Physically and mentally, I would be prepared (for F1)," added Barrichello.