“There are so many people that offered to help, and then actually helped,” Barrichello remarked. “But we’re running out of time. We’re already behind on testing. There are so many things to do. One thing is for sure: I don’t want to start the year with half a budget. From everything I’ve done in my life—I don’t care if I’m not going to get any money for my driving—I made a good living for a long time, but I cannot afford to do that to my family and myself by going into a season and not knowing if we’re going to be able to finish. Especially when I have a lot of good offers on the table to do other things.

“I didn’t get paid to drive last season, and I’m willing to do that again if that what it takes, but the full budget for the season needs to be there first. The Brazilian Stock Car races I'm doing have all been for charity. Everything I get paid isn't for me, actually, it goes directly to the IBK (Instituto Barrichello Kanaan) foundation I started with Tony Kanaan to help kids in Brazil, and I think this is fantastic. But we don't have the same luck with sponsor money for IndyCar."

The Brazilian F1 veteran proved to be one of the most popular drivers at each stop on the IndyCar circuit. (Photo: Marshall Pruett)

If you’ve detected a hint of frustration in Barrichello’s tone, it was certainly present during our conversation.

Yet most of the discussion was centered on Barrichello’s desire to continue in the IndyCar Series; he was smitten with his experiences trekking across America and the fierce competition he found among the teams and drivers.

“We know the size of the budget we need and keep working on it because I’m very passionate about continuing [in IndyCar]," he said. "A lot of [sponsors] in Brazil have said it would be a great idea, and I’ve offered to do a lot of things for them to promote things or in exchange for their sponsorship, but when it comes time for the money to come in, that’s quite a difficult task. It’s a shame, really, but that’s the true story.”

And with the sponsorship issues he’s highlighted, Barrichello admitted that after more than two decades spent abroad, choosing the path of least resistance also has its merits.

“I was offered to drive stock cars in Brazil for a really good salary,” he said, “so I’m wondering if it’s the right time to come back to Brazil and have my life over here.”

Unless the missing IndyCar sponsorship can be found rather quickly, Barrichello just might have the answer to where he’ll be driving when the new season gets under way.

Marshall Pruett is SPEED.com's Auto Racing Editor, and covers the IndyCar Series. Before joining SPEED, Pruett worked in open-wheel racing for 20 years as a mechanic and engineer. He also contributes to RACER, Road & Track and Racecar Engineering. Follow him @MarshallPruett.