MONZA, Italy — Sebastian Vettel has returned to the cockpit of a Ferrari at Monza, driving Michael Schumacher’s legendary F2002 before the 2026 Italian Grand Prix.
The four-time Formula 1 world champion is taking part in Ferrari’s emotional tribute to Schumacher, bringing one of the team’s most dominant cars back onto the track in front of the Tifosi.
Vettel drives Michael Schumacher’s Ferrari F2002
Vettel is driving the Ferrari F2002, a car closely associated with Schumacher’s dominant 2002 championship campaign. Schumacher secured that season’s drivers’ title with six races still remaining, while Ferrari won 15 of the 17 Grands Prix contested during the year.
The unmistakable sound of the F2002’s naturally aspirated V10 engine provides a dramatic contrast to the current generation of Formula 1 machinery. For supporters at Monza, the demonstration is also a rare opportunity to see one of Schumacher’s most successful Ferraris moving at speed again.
Vettel’s involvement carries particular significance. The German grew up idolising Schumacher, later became a four-time world champion and then raced for Ferrari between 2015 and 2020. He won 14 Grands Prix for the Italian team during those six seasons.
Vettel has frequently spoken about Schumacher’s influence on his career, making his selection for the demonstration more meaningful than a conventional historic-car appearance.
Rubens Barrichello, Schumacher’s former Ferrari teammate, drove the same F2002 at Monza on Saturday. Barrichello has a direct connection with the car after winning the 2002 Italian Grand Prix for Ferrari.
According to Ferrari’s official announcement, the F2002 is running on an advanced sustainable fuel developed by Shell using knowledge connected to Formula 1’s 2026 fuel regulations.
Ferrari’s Michael Schumacher tribute at Monza
The demonstration forms part of Ferrari’s wider “Sunday Rituals” celebration, marking 30 years since Schumacher’s first season with the team in 1996.
Three important cars from Schumacher’s Ferrari career are being presented during the Italian Grand Prix weekend: the 1996 F310, the championship-winning F2002 and the 2006 248 F1. Together, they represent the beginning, dominant peak and final season of Schumacher’s Ferrari journey.
Ferrari has also introduced a special Schumacher-inspired appearance for its 2026 cars. Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton are racing with retro design elements based on the F310, including white and black details, gold-tinted wheels, Schumacher’s personal logo and a seven-star reference inspired by his helmet.
Schumacher joined Ferrari in 1996 and went on to win five consecutive drivers’ championships between 2000 and 2004. He recorded 72 Grand Prix victories for the team and helped transform Ferrari into the dominant force of that era.
His relationship with Monza remains especially powerful. Schumacher won the Italian Grand Prix five times, including his emotional 1996 victory—the first home win of his Ferrari career.
Formula 1 fans can check the official 2026 Italian Grand Prix results and timing for the latest competitive updates from Monza.
For more Schumacher coverage, read how Ralf Schumacher described the difficult personal cost of carrying Formula 1’s most famous surname. Motorsport readers can also revisit the Turn 1 crash that caused chaos during the GT World Challenge at Monza.
Update: The video may remain available as a replay after the live broadcast concludes.
Watch the live broadcast below:
Make Swikblog your go-to source on Google for reliable updates, smart insights, and daily trends.
