With the 2026 Italian Grand Prix at Monza approaching, Ferrari is preparing to celebrate Michael Schumacher with a special livery inspired by the historic F310 from 1996, the car that marked the beginning of the rebuilding process that would eventually lead to five consecutive Formula 1 world titles for the German. Against that symbolic backdrop, NewsF1 spoke to Rodi Basso, the former Ferrari and Red Bull engineer who experienced one of the most extraordinary periods in the Scuderia’s history from the inside.
During the conversation, Rodi Basso shared revealing memories of Michael Schumacher, explained the profound differences he encountered between Ferrari and Red Bull, assessed the current Ferrari team and offered his view of the complexity of the 2026 Formula 1 regulations. His recollections are particularly timely as Ferrari prepares a special Michael Schumacher tribute for Monza, three decades after the German began his career in red.
Michael Schumacher was different from everyone: ‘On the first lap he was already at the limit’
One of the most fascinating parts of Rodi Basso’s interview concerns Michael Schumacher himself. The Italian engineer worked directly with the seven-time Formula 1 world champion during Ferrari testing and remembers one characteristic in particular that separated the German from other drivers.
According to Rodi Basso, Michael Schumacher could arrive at a circuit and, within his first few laps, already be extremely close to the maximum lap time the car was capable of producing. There was very little need for a lengthy process of gradually finding the limit because Michael Schumacher appeared able to understand where it was almost immediately.
Rubens Barrichello approached the task differently. The Brazilian tended to build his performance progressively, improving lap after lap until he reached the car’s potential.
It is a seemingly small technical detail, but one that says a great deal about Michael Schumacher’s driving style and his ability to extract performance from Ferrari’s cars during that period. The German’s relationship with the Scuderia would ultimately become one of the defining partnerships in Formula 1 history, turning him into the central figure of one of Ferrari’s greatest eras.
Ferrari and Red Bull followed completely different philosophies
After five years at Maranello, Rodi Basso moved to Red Bull and discovered an environment that was fundamentally different from the organisation he had known at Ferrari.
Ferrari was already a highly structured operation, developed over the years under Jean Todt and Ross Brawn. Roles, processes and working methods had been established as part of a system that was increasingly capable of fighting consistently at the front of Formula 1.
Red Bull, by contrast, was effectively a blank sheet of paper. Engineers had arrived from different teams, bringing different experiences and approaches, while new methods of working still had to be developed and brought together.
For Rodi Basso, the experience demonstrated that there is no single correct formula for designing, organising and operating a successful Formula 1 team.
“I discovered that there are so many different ways to design and manage the same car.”
The contrast between the two organisations gave Rodi Basso a particularly broad perspective on how successful Formula 1 operations can be built, even when their internal cultures and engineering philosophies are very different.
Is today’s Ferrari really heading in the right direction?
The former Ferrari engineer also devoted a significant part of the discussion to the current situation at Maranello. While acknowledging the progress made by Ferrari in recent years, Rodi Basso believes the Scuderia must inevitably be judged against a different standard from most other Formula 1 teams.
In his view, there are two possible ways to assess Ferrari’s progress. The first is to compare the present team with the dominant Ferrari of the early 2000s, when Michael Schumacher, Jean Todt, Ross Brawn and the wider technical organisation established an unprecedented period of success.
The second is to compare today’s Ferrari with its more recent past. Viewed from that perspective, Rodi Basso believes the improvements are clear.
“The trend is the right one, but the question is how long it will take to return to glory.”
That question has followed Ferrari into the new Formula 1 era. Maranello committed substantial resources to the major regulatory reset, having previously shifted its attention towards the 2026 Ferrari project and its radically different technical requirements. The challenge is now to convert that work into the sustained success expected from the Scuderia.
Formula 1 2026: too much technology or too much business?
Rodi Basso also discussed the 2026 Formula 1 technical regulations at length, raising concerns about the increasing complexity of the championship, particularly in relation to hybrid technology and energy management.
In his view, Formula 1 has to find the correct balance between technological innovation and the spectacle presented to fans. Modern F1 cars have become extraordinarily sophisticated machines, and the new generation places even greater emphasis on how electrical energy is generated, stored and deployed alongside the internal combustion engine.
The 2026 rules represent one of the biggest power unit changes of the hybrid era, with substantially greater electrical output and a different approach to energy recovery and deployment. The regulatory framework was designed partly to increase road relevance and attract new manufacturers, with Audi among the companies entering Formula 1 under the new generation of rules. The foundations of the 2026 Formula 1 power unit concept were established years before the regulations finally reached the track.
Among the subjects discussed by Rodi Basso were:
- the influence manufacturers have on shaping Formula 1 regulations;
- Mercedes and the experience accumulated through Formula E;
- Audi and the beginning of a new technical cycle;
- Liberty Media and Formula 1’s continuing global expansion.
For Rodi Basso, these different influences raise a broader question about what Formula 1 ultimately wants to be. Technological development remains fundamental to the championship’s identity, but he believes that complexity must coexist with a sporting product capable of engaging its audience.
Ferrari celebrates Michael Schumacher at Monza
The 2026 Italian Grand Prix is set to be one of the most emotional weekends of the season for Ferrari supporters. The Scuderia will race with a special livery dedicated to Michael Schumacher, celebrating 30 years since the German joined Ferrari and 20 years since his final victory for the team.
The SF-26 will draw on elements of the 1996 F310, incorporating white, black and gold details alongside references to Michael Schumacher, including the “MS” logo and seven stars representing his seven Formula 1 world championships.
The symbolism goes far beyond the appearance of the car. Michael Schumacher joined Ferrari in 1996 when the Scuderia was attempting to rebuild itself into a championship-winning force. What followed was a transformation that ultimately produced five consecutive Drivers’ Championships for the German from 2000 to 2004 and established one of the most successful periods any team has enjoyed in Formula 1.
Rodi Basso’s memories therefore arrive at an ideal moment to explain what Michael Schumacher represented inside Ferrari. His influence was not limited to what happened behind the wheel. He became part of a wider transformation of the team’s culture, standards and approach to competition.
Three decades later, as Ferrari brings the visual identity of that period back to Monza with the SF-26, those memories also provide a reminder of the level the modern Scuderia continues to pursue. Michael Schumacher’s Ferrari was built into a dominant force over several seasons; for Rodi Basso, the question now is whether today’s team can continue its progress long enough to create another successful era of its own.
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