Sebastian Vettel drove Michael Schumacher’s 2002 Ferrari F2002 at the Italian Grand Prix, a tribute to the seven-time champion that evoked strong emotions for the four-time world champion. The event marked 30 years since Schumacher joined Ferrari.
Ferrari dedicated the weekend to Schumacher’s legacy, featuring a special Monza livery, racewear inspired by the champion, and seven stars representing his titles. Several of Schumacher’s iconic cars were showcased, including the 1996 F310, the 2002 F2002, and the 2006 248 F1. Rubens Barrichello drove the F2002 on Saturday before Vettel took over on Sunday.
The 2002 Ferrari F2002 was a highly successful car, achieving 15 victories, 10 pole positions, and 27 podium finishes, ultimately securing Schumacher the championship with 144 points. Schumacher won five Italian Grand Prix races with Ferrari in 1996, 1998, 2000, 2003, and 2006. Vettel, who raced for Ferrari from 2015-2020, secured 14 race victories and finished second in the championship in 2017 and 2018. He also won his first Formula 1 race at Monza in 2008 while driving for Toro Rosso.
Following his laps in the F2002 and performing donuts near the second Variante, Vettel expressed the emotional weight of driving Schumacher’s car. “I’m caught in mixed up in feelings because, on the one hand it's such a beautiful car to drive, such a beautiful piece of machinery, but much more it's Michael's car and 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,” Vettel said. He added, “you know we used to joke when one of us started to cry or be emotional that you have some pee pee in your eyes. I think now I'm the one with pee pee in my eyes.” Vettel also stated his continued love for racing despite his retirement, and his desire to see the sport continue to inspire.
Vettel and Schumacher were close friends, with Schumacher having been an early hero and later a mentor who encouraged Vettel’s career. Vettel shared the track with Schumacher during Schumacher’s return to Mercedes from 2010-2012.
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