Sebastian Vettel could barely contain his emotions after driving Michael Schumacher’s Ferrari F2002 around Monza on Sunday (6), before the start of the Italian GP.
The four-time Formula 1 world champion took the legendary Ferrari onto the track as part of the Schumacher Legacy Celebration Run, a tribute organized during a weekend dedicated to the German driver. Rubens Barrichello had previously driven the same F2002 on Saturday, while Ferrari also brought other cars from Schumacher’s career to Monza.
For Vettel, however, the experience was about much more than driving one of Ferrari’s most iconic cars.
“Yeah, I am mixed up in feelings because, on the one hand, it’s such a beautiful car to drive. It’s such a beautiful piece of machinery, but much more, it’s Michael’s car and he is not here today,” Vettel said after climbing out of the F2002.
“But I felt him a lot in these laps and I hope you heard him and felt him as well.”
The emotional significance of the moment was particularly clear when Vettel recalled the jokes he and Schumacher used to make about how they would react if one of them became emotional.
“You know, we used to joke, what if I started to cry or be emotional, that you have some pee-pee in your eyes. I think now I am the one with pee-pee in my eyes,” Vettel said.
“So, yeah, it’s incredible. Thank you for the opportunity, and thanks to the Tifosi.”
Vettel: ‘Today is Michael’s moment’
Vettel, who retired from Formula 1 at the end of 2022, also reflected on his enduring connection with racing despite no longer competing.
“I know that I quit racing, but in my heart, I am still a lover and I do deeply care about this sport, and these cars, these people and the Tifosi and the fans that make this sport so special,” he said.
The German also spoke about the importance of preserving the sport’s history while inspiring a new generation.
“And that is why I see there is a real power to propel it forward and inspire the future. So I look forward to whatever is coming. But today is Michael’s moment and we send all of our love and emotions to him.”
Ferrari’s tribute to Schumacher has been one of the defining themes of the Italian GP weekend. The team is running a special livery inspired by Schumacher, including seven stars representing his seven world championships, while Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton are also wearing race suits featuring Schumacher-inspired details.
The tribute carries particular significance at Monza. Schumacher won the Italian GP five times with Ferrari — in 1996, 1998, 2000, 2003 and 2006 — and his final victory for the team came at the 2006 Chinese GP. The 2026 weekend marks 30 years since Schumacher joined Ferrari and 20 years since his final win with the Scuderia.
‘It doesn’t take many laps to sense the soul of a car’
Vettel also described the experience of driving the F2002 itself, saying he immediately understood why the car had become such an important part of Formula 1 history.
“It’s so exciting. It doesn’t take many laps to sense the soul of a car, and you sense immediately it was a special car. And it’s screaming at you like, go, go, go,” he said.
Vettel even performed donuts during the run, including at the second Variante, where the reaction from the Monza crowd added another emotional layer to the occasion.
“I was doing some donuts here, and at the second Variante… yeah, people were excited and so I was torn between I want to push this car and I want to enjoy the moment and make it last, but it’s been absolutely beautiful.”
The former Ferrari driver also spoke about feeling the connection between Schumacher, Ferrari and the Monza crowd.
“And to feel how alive Michael’s spirit is, and how alive Ferrari’s spirit is around here. I experienced it around here, years ago.”
Vettel raced for Ferrari from 2015 to 2020, winning 14 Grands Prix with the Scuderia and finishing runner-up in the championship in 2017 and 2018.
His return to a Ferrari at Monza therefore carried a significance of its own, but Vettel made clear that the day ultimately belonged to the man whose car he was driving.
“There is a bit that I miss but, you know, it’s a different life, and looking after the next generation of drivers, as said, great opportunities ahead. So it’s a very emotional day.”
For Vettel, though, the emotional center of the occasion remained unchanged: Schumacher and his extraordinary legacy with Ferrari at Monza.
GRANDE PRÊMIO follows all the action from the Italian GP, the 13th round of the 2026 Formula 1 season.
FAQ
Why did Sebastian Vettel drive Michael Schumacher’s Ferrari at Monza?
Vettel drove Schumacher’s Ferrari F2002 as part of the Schumacher Legacy Celebration Run during the 2026 Italian GP weekend. The run was part of Ferrari and Formula 1’s broader tribute to Schumacher at Monza.
What did Vettel say after driving Schumacher’s Ferrari?
Vettel said he felt Schumacher’s presence during the laps and became emotional because the F2002 was not simply a historic Ferrari, but “Michael’s car.” He also said the day belonged to Schumacher and sent “all of our love and emotions” to him.
Why is Ferrari paying tribute to Michael Schumacher at the 2026 Italian GP?
Ferrari’s 2026 Monza tribute marks 30 years since Schumacher joined the Scuderia and 20 years since his final victory with the team. Ferrari is running a special Schumacher-inspired livery and has brought several cars associated with his Ferrari career to Monza.
