Ferrari will bring one of the most iconic cars from the Michael Schumacher era back onto the Monza circuit during the 2026 Italian Grand Prix weekend, with Rubens Barrichello and Sebastian Vettel both set to drive the F2002 as part of the Scuderia’s tribute to the seven-time Formula 1 world champion.
The demonstration runs will add another special element to a weekend already dedicated to celebrating Michael Schumacher’s extraordinary chapter with Ferrari. The Maranello team has recently revealed its intention to commemorate the successful period that began when the German champion joined Ferrari 30 years ago, with the special Schumacher-inspired Monza livery forming a central part of those celebrations.
Ferrari celebrates 30 years since Michael Schumacher arrived at Maranello
Michael Schumacher joined Ferrari in 1996, beginning a partnership that would eventually create one of the most successful eras in Formula 1 history. That first campaign marked the start of a remarkable chapter that later delivered five Drivers’ World Championships and six Constructors’ titles to the Scuderia.
Ferrari has therefore chosen the 2026 Formula 1 season, exactly three decades after Michael Schumacher’s arrival, to celebrate that period at its home Grand Prix. A special livery has already been prepared to recall the beginning of the German driver’s Ferrari career, but fans at Monza will also be able to see machinery from the Schumacher era back in action.
Rubens Barrichello to drive the Ferrari F2002 on Saturday
One of the major surprises for spectators at the Autodromo Nazionale di Monza will be the return of the Ferrari F2002. Rubens Barrichello will take the car onto the circuit for several demonstration laps on Saturday afternoon.
The choice carries particular significance because Rubens Barrichello raced the F2002 during that season and won the 2002 Italian Grand Prix at Monza with the car. More than two decades later, the Brazilian will once again drive the famous Ferrari at the same circuit as part of the Michael Schumacher tribute.
Sebastian Vettel takes over the F2002 before the Italian Grand Prix
On Sunday, it will be Sebastian Vettel’s turn to climb into the F2002. The four-time Formula 1 world champion, who grew up admiring Michael Schumacher and Ferrari, is scheduled to complete laps in the car shortly before the start of the 2026 Italian Grand Prix.
The appearance will give fans attending the Italian Grand Prix weekend at Monza the opportunity to see one of Ferrari’s most memorable Formula 1 cars running again, first with Rubens Barrichello and then with another former Ferrari driver in Sebastian Vettel.
Ferrari to display three cars from Michael Schumacher’s career
The F2002 will not be the only significant Michael Schumacher-era Ferrari present at the circuit. Two other single-seaters representing the beginning and the end of the German champion’s time racing in red will also be on display at Monza.
The Ferrari F310 from 1996 will represent the start of Michael Schumacher’s career with the Scuderia, while the 248 F1 from 2006 will recall his final season as a Ferrari Formula 1 race driver. Together with the F2002 demonstration runs and the special 2026 livery, the three cars will form part of Ferrari’s broader celebration of one of the most successful periods in the team’s history.
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