Barrichello reveals critical brain tumor surgery

Rubens Barrichello has revealed the reasons he underwent emergency surgery earlier this year, insisting he was lucky to still be alive.

The 45-year-old former F1 driver, a veteran of 323 Grands Prix, said he was rushed to a Florida hospital back in January after collapsing in his shower. A diagnosis revealed a brain tumor and the necessity for an immediate surgical procedure.

"Suddenly I felt a sharp pain in my head," explained Barrichello in an emotional interview with Brazil's Globo.

"It seemed to be exploding, I had to fall on the ground and only after a few minutes I managed to reach my wife Silvana to ask for help.

• When will 'troubled' Hamilton wake up, asks Villeneuve?

"I immediately realised that it was a serious problem.

"Then we called a doctor we're friends with, and fortunately he immediately recognised the seriousness of the situation. I had incredible luck.

"Shortly afterwards I was already in the operating room. Later, the doctors told me that, on average, only one in seven patients recover from this problem.

"I was afraid that I would not be allowed to race again, but fortunately that's not the case."

Barrichello hinted at the ordeal when he posted a picture from his hospital bed on social media, but without offering any details on his plight.

Fortunately, the 11-time Grand Prix winner is now fit and well, and out of harm's way.

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter