4 May in Ferrari history: The F2003-GA wins on its race debut

On 4 May 2003, Michael Schumacher won the Spanish Grand Prix on the Ferrari F2003-GA’s race debut. Rubens Barrichello finished third, giving the new car two podium finishes on its first competitive Sunday.

A new Ferrari starts with victory

Ferrari had contested the opening rounds of 2003 with its previous car before introducing the F2003-GA at Barcelona. The Spanish Grand Prix therefore marked a significant transition in the team’s championship campaign.

Schumacher completed the 65-lap race ahead of Fernando Alonso, whose Renault finished 5.716 seconds behind. The home favourite provided a strong challenge, ensuring that Ferrari’s debut victory was not an uncontested procession.

Barrichello completes a double podium

Barrichello took third, 18.001 seconds behind Schumacher. First and third delivered 16 points for Ferrari and demonstrated the new car’s immediate ability to compete at the front.

The result also gave Schumacher consecutive victories after his success at Imola. Ferrari had won with its outgoing car and then repeated that achievement with its replacement.

Explore the driver’s wider achievements in our Michael Schumacher records, and discover further car debuts and race milestones in the Ferrari On This Day calendar.