Four-time Formula 1 world champion Sebastian Vettel delivered an emotional tribute to Michael Schumacher at the Italian Grand Prix, piloting the legendary Ferrari F2002 during pre-race demonstrations at Monza. The demonstration coincided with Ferrari’s celebration of the 30th anniversary of Schumacher’s 1996 debut with the Scuderia.
Schumacher’s Dominant F2002 Returns to Monza
The Ferrari F2002 stands as one of the most successful cars in Formula 1 history. Developed during the peak of the Jean Todt and Ross Brawn era, the chassis powered Schumacher to 11 victories and teammate Rubens Barrichello to five wins in the 2002 season. Ferrari won all but two races that year, with Schumacher never finishing off the podium. He clinched his fifth world title—and third consecutive with Ferrari—by the end of July after just 11 rounds.
Vettel Overcome with Emotion During Demo Laps
For Vettel, a Ferrari driver from 2015 to 2020 who long sought to replicate Schumacher’s glory years, the experience transcended the car’s historic statistics. Schumacher has not appeared in public since a skiing accident in December 2013.
“I’m caught and mixed up in feelings,” Vettel said after the demonstration as he was on the verge of tears. “On the one hand it’s such a beautiful car to drive. It’s such a beautiful piece of machinery. But much more, it’s Michael’s car. He’s not here today but I felt him a lot in these laps, and I hope you heard him and felt him as well.”
Feeling the Soul of a Championship Car
Vettel described a powerful connection to the vehicle’s character during his laps, visibly moved by the experience.
“It’s so exciting,” Vettel described, visibly shaking with glee. “It doesn’t take many laps to sense the soul of a car, and you sense immediately that it was a special car and it’s just screaming at you like ‘Go, go, go,’.”
He added: “I was all the time torn between I want to push this car and I would enjoy the moment and make it last but no, it’s been absolutely beautiful and to feel how alive Michael’s spirit is and how alive Ferrari’s spirit is around here. I experienced it myself years ago.”
A New Chapter Beyond the Cockpit
Reflecting on his current role mentoring the next generation of drivers, Vettel acknowledged the bittersweet nature of the occasion.
“There’s bits that I miss but it’s a different life and looking after the next generation of drivers as I said, there’s great opportunities ahead. So, it’s a very emotional day. My heart is beating and I’m very, very proud and I miss Michael.”
Photo by: Eric Le Galliot
Watch Sebastian Vettel’s demo run in Michael Schumacher’s Ferrari F2002 at Monza
