A Ferrari legend returns to Monza

Sebastian Vettel took Michael Schumacher’s Ferrari F2002 around Monza in an emotional tribute to the seven-time world champion ahead of the 2026 Italian Grand Prix.

The appearance came 30 years after Schumacher joined Ferrari. During an 11-year spell with the team, Schumacher won five drivers’ championships and helped Ferrari secure six constructors’ titles. The F2002 was central to one of those campaigns: Schumacher finished on the podium in all 17 races of the 2002 season.

Vettel, who grew up viewing Schumacher as a hero before becoming his friend, described the drive as “a very emotional moment.”

“It’s his car, but it’s a championship-winning car. It’s a Ferrari. In Monza, around Tifosi,” Vettel said. “There’s a lot more in there that makes a connection to me.”

Rubens Barrichello, Schumacher’s former Ferrari teammate, also drove the F2002 during the weekend. Ferrari drivers Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton carried special livery inspired by Schumacher.

Monza’s off-track celebrations also included a 20th-anniversary appearance by Lightning McQueen from Disney and Pixar’s Cars. The fictional racing hero appeared in a special livery, drawing attention from drivers including Liam Lawson and Franco Colapinto. Kimi Antonelli also wore a helmet inspired by Italian MotoGP star Valentino Rossi.

The tributes gave the Italian Grand Prix a strong sense of history, even before Antonelli’s extraordinary home victory provided a new chapter for the circuit.