Sebastian Vettel delivered one of the most emotional moments of the Italian Grand Prix weekend at Monza by taking Michael Schumacher’s legendary Ferrari F2002 back onto the circuit before the start of the race. The four-time Formula 1 world champion drove the car that became one of the defining symbols of Michael Schumacher’s extraordinary 2002 title campaign, turning the demonstration into a deeply personal tribute to his childhood hero, mentor and friend.
For Ferrari, the occasion formed part of the celebrations marking 30 years since Michael Schumacher arrived at Maranello in 1996. For Sebastian Vettel, however, the significance went far beyond Ferrari history. The German accepted the honour with enormous pride, having shared a close personal bond with the seven-time world champion after growing up idolising him.
Sebastian Vettel becomes emotional before Schumacher Ferrari F2002 run
Only minutes before taking to the track, Sebastian Vettel struggled to contain his emotions as he reflected on Michael Schumacher and the importance of the moment. The occasion brought back memories of the man who had inspired Vettel long before he became a Formula 1 world champion himself.
“It is dedicated to my friend and to his memory. Schumacher was my childhood hero, and later we also developed a deep friendship. I think today everyone, myself included, would much rather see him driving here instead of me.”
Those words underlined why this was far more than an opportunity for Sebastian Vettel to experience one of Ferrari’s most famous Formula 1 cars. He had already spoken at length about what driving Michael Schumacher’s Ferrari F2002 at Monza meant to him, describing the demonstration as an enormous privilege.
Michael Schumacher’s Ferrari F2002 returns to Monza
Seeing the F2002 back on track, 24 years after the season in which it became one of Formula 1’s most celebrated cars, was an emotional sight for Ferrari supporters. Sebastian Vettel was visibly moved as he climbed into Michael Schumacher’s historic machine.
The F2002 helped Michael Schumacher secure the fifth Formula 1 World Championship of his career in 2002. It remains inseparably linked to one of the most dominant periods in Ferrari history and to the partnership that transformed the German into one of the defining figures of the Scuderia.
The extraordinary qualities Michael Schumacher brought to Maranello are still remembered by people who worked alongside him, including former engineer Rodi Basso, who recently explained what made Michael Schumacher so exceptional at Ferrari.
Ferrari celebrates 30 years since Michael Schumacher’s arrival
Thirty years have now passed since Michael Schumacher made his Ferrari debut, and the Monza weekend has provided the Scuderia with an opportunity to celebrate that important anniversary. The commemorations have extended beyond the F2002 demonstration, with Ferrari also revisiting visual elements connected to the German champion’s first season with the team.
Michael Schumacher joined Ferrari in 1996 and went on to become the central figure in one of the most successful eras in the team’s Formula 1 history. His achievements and influence remain deeply connected to Ferrari and its supporters three decades later.
At Monza, one of his most important cars therefore returned to the track with a driver who shared an equally important personal connection with him. Sebastian Vettel was often described during his own career as a potential successor to his German hero, particularly after joining Ferrari himself.
But on this occasion, Sebastian Vettel did not climb into the F2002 as Michael Schumacher’s successor. He did so simply as his friend.
Sebastian Vettel driving Michael Schumacher's Ferrari F2002 at Monza ❤️#ScuderiaFans #ForzaFerrari #ScuderiaFerrari #essereFerrari 🔴 #Ferrari #Scuderia #PrancingHorse #Seb5 #Vettel #KeepFightingMichael #MSC #MichaelSchumacher pic.twitter.com/rOh2YkJqkf
— Scuderia Fans (@ScuderiaFansF1) September 6, 2026
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