Italian Grand Prix 2026: Sebastian Vettel pays tribute to Michael Schumacher

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Former four-time Formula 1 world champion Sebastian Vettel paid an emotional tribute to his childhood idol and former F1 legend Michael Schumacher on Sunday by driving the legendary Ferrari F2002 around the Monza circuit ahead of the Italian Grand Prix.

The experience proved to be emotional for Vettel, who grew up idolising Schumacher before eventually following him into Formula 1 and racing for Ferrari himself.

“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 stepping out of the F2002.

“But I felt him a lot in these laps, and I hope you heard him and felt him as well,” he added.

Vettel, who retired from Formula 1 at the end of 2022, said the occasion reminded him of his enduring love for motorsport and the people who make it special.

“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.

Tifosi honour Schumacher’s legacy at Monza

The F2002 is regarded as one of the most successful cars in Formula 1 history and carried Schumacher to his fifth consecutive drivers’ championship in 2002. Vettel said he could immediately understand the significance of the car once he got behind the wheel.

“It’s so exciting. It doesn’t take many laps to sense the soul of a car, and you immediately sense it was a special car. And it’s screaming at you like, go, go, go,” he said.

The German admitted he was torn between pushing the historic Ferrari and simply enjoying the moment.

“I was doing some doughnuts 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,” he said.

Ferrari has dedicated the Italian GP weekend to celebrating Michael Schumacher‘s legacy, with the team running a special uniform featuring seven stars representing his seven world championships. Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton are also wearing Schumacher-inspired race suits.

Schumacher won the Italian Grand Prix five times with Ferrari, in 1996, 1998, 2000, 2003 and 2006. The 2026 Monza weekend also marks 20 years since his final victory with the Scuderia.

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