At the Circuito Estoril in Portugal, one of the legendary tracks, CryptoProcessing by CoinsPaid hosted a special event where its CEO, Max Krupyshev, talked with young racing driver Fernando Barrichello and his father, the legendary Formula 1 racer Rubens Barrichello.
Fefo is a professional racing driver competing with the Motopark team in Euroformula and recently made his Formula 3 debut with AIX Racing at the Monza round. Next season, he will continue his career in this championship. Alongside his racing journey, Fefo also represents CryptoProcessing by CoinsPaid as a brand ambassador.
The full interview is available on YouTube:
The CP Media editorial team has prepared a brief overview of the key points discussed during the conversation.
A New Team, A New Set of Challenges
Moving up to Formula 3 means not only changing categories but also working with a new team, mechanics, and management. Fefo Barrichello pointed out the progress of AIX Racing, which has already shown strong results, including pole positions, meaning the fastest times in qualifying. He’s confident that next season he’ll be able to fight for places among the leaders. Sprint races with a reversed grid play an important role in this, where the starting order for the top group of drivers is flipped compared to the qualifying results. This approach increases the chances of success and makes the racing more exciting.
Fernando got his first experience with the car branded by CryptoProcessing by CoinsPaid at the Monza round. Right from his debut, he began collaborating with the engineers, learning the mechanics, and building communication with the team. He believes this experience is crucial for the upcoming season.
Euroformula vs. Formula 3: Key Differences
The main difference between the series is speed and dynamics. In Euroformula, the top speed is around 255 km/h, while in F3 the cars reach 300 km/h. Acceleration feels sharper, especially thanks to the DRS (Drag Reduction System), which opens part of the rear wing, reduces air resistance, and creates a noticeable “kick” for the driver. All of this makes driving more thrilling, but it also demands maximum concentration.
Fernando admitted that joining Formula 3 was a true dream come true. For his family, it was an emotional milestone — they cried with joy and celebrated the moment together.
Discipline, Physical Demands, and Preparation
Formula 3 puts enormous physical demands on drivers. The car generates up to three Gs, which is the equivalent of carrying 3 times your own body weight. To handle this, drivers train their neck, core, legs, and arms, and even prepare their internal organs, which shift under such forces. Fernando pointed out that someone without training wouldn’t be able to get through even two corners at that speed.
He stressed that confidence comes from preparation. Physical fitness is essential to withstand the load and maintain pace during the race. Mental preparation helps deal with challenges and stay focused. In the off-season, he studies race footage, data, and onboard videos to be as prepared as possible for every event.
Rubens Barrichello added that the most important lesson is learning to overcome difficulties and to see racing as a competition with yourself: “The problem is, they only happen because we think that we race against others. But life is about racing against us. It’s always the race against yourself and preparing just to be better than you were yesterday.”
Cryptocurrency and CryptoProcessing by CoinsPaid
A separate part of the conversation focused on cryptocurrency and the partnership with CryptoProcessing by CoinsPaid. Fefo first heard about the company from his father, who wanted to explain cryptocurrency to his sons, even though they already knew what it was.
Fernando noted that crypto is easy to understand if you spend a little time learning about it, and he described using digital assets as simple and convenient. According to him, the partnership with CryptoProcessing by CoinsPaid has significantly expanded his knowledge in this area.
The Barrichello Name: Pressure and Challenges
A racing career requires sacrifices. At 16, Fernando had to leave Brazil, saying goodbye to his family and friends, to compete in Europe. It was a tough step, but it helped him mature more quickly. He admitted that he’s not a party person, preferring sports and video games instead.
Rubens Barrichello added that one of the hardest things for drivers is loneliness and the tendency to overthink. According to him, the key is to focus on the present and not let thoughts about the past or the future stand in the way of progress.
Fernando’s dream is to reach Formula 1. That goal is what drives him to work on himself every single day. At the same time, he’s also involved in various projects at the Barrichello Institute that focus on helping people in different areas, e.g., fighting hunger.
The young driver admitted that carrying the Barrichello name always comes with pressure. On the one hand, it brings constant attention, but on the other, it creates opportunities and gives him valuable experience from his father. However, he believes success depends only on his own efforts: “My father can open the door, but I’m the one who has to keep it open.”
The strength of their bond was clear at the event, as Fefo gave his father his first-ever ride on the racetrack. He stressed that the support of family and partners plays a huge role. Fernando described the partnership with CryptoProcessing by CoinsPaid as not only professional but also personal, since it helps him feel calm and confident about the future.
