Sebastian Vettel got behind the wheel of Michael Schumacher’s iconic Ferrari F2002 at Monza before the 2026 Italian Grand Prix, but this wasn’t just some ceremonial lap. The four-time world champion admitted the whole experience, after doing donuts near the second Variante, made him feel a huge longing for his old friend.
Schumacher’s Legacy, Front and Center
Ferrari went all out, building the entire weekend around Schumacher’s incredible legacy. It’s been 30 years since he first joined Ferrari back in 1996, and they pulled out all the stops for this one. We’re talking a special Monza livery, racewear details that screamed “seven-time champion,” and seven stars proudly representing his titles. They showcased some of Schumacher’s most legendary cars, too, including the 1996 F310, the F2002 from 2002, and the 2006 248 F1. The F2002 itself? That machine was pure dominance, helping Ferrari to 15 victories, 10 pole positions, and 27 podium finishes in 2002, with Schumacher snatching that year’s championship with 144 points. He clinched five titles with Ferrari and took home five Italian Grand Prix victories for the team over the years.
Vettel’s Emotional Reunion
Rubens Barrichello, Schumacher’s teammate in 2002, drove the F2002 on Saturday, but Sunday was Vettel’s moment. He reconnected with the Ferrari team and the tifosi he raced for from 2015 through 2020, a period where he secured 14 race victories and finished second in the championship standings in both 2017 and 2018. Vettel even won his first Formula 1 race at that very circuit for Toro Rosso in 2008. But this run was different. Schumacher had been an early hero for Vettel, then later a true friend who always encouraged his career. Vettel, who shared the track with Schumacher during his Mercedes return from 2010 to 2012, has 53 career wins himself.
After the drive, you could feel the emotion. “I’m caught in mixed up in feelings because, on the one hand it’s such a beautiful car to drive, such a beautiful piece of machinery, but much more it’s Michael’s car and he’s not here today, but I felt him a lot in these laps and I hope you heard him and felt him as well,” Vettel said. “And you know we used to joke when one of us started to cry or be emotional that you have some pee pee in your eyes. I think now I’m the one with pee pee in my eyes, so yeah, it’s incredible. Thank you for the opportunity and thanks for the tifosi.” He described piloting the F2002 as “so exciting,” feeling its soul screaming “Go, go, go” right away. The audience’s response to his donuts was “the cherry on top.” He added, “I love racing. I know that I quit racing, but in my heart I’m still a lover and I do deeply care for this sport, for these cars, for these people, for the tifosi, for the fans that make this sport so special.” Today, he said, was Michael’s moment, sending all love and emotions to him.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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