Archive · 7 Sep 2026
Sebastian Vettel Drives Schumacher’s Ferrari F2002 in Emotional Monza Tribute
Sebastian Vettel drove a famous Ferrari race car to honor Michael Schumacher.
The car was the F2002, which Schumacher used to win the 2002 championship.
Vettel drove it around the Monza track in Italy before the Italian Grand Prix.
He waved to the fans and spun the car in donuts.
Vettel said driving it made him feel close to Schumacher.
He became emotional because Schumacher was his childhood idol, friend, and fellow Ferrari driver.
Vettel retired from Formula 1 at the end of 2022 but said he still loves racing and its fans.
Ferrari also used special colors and clothing to remember Schumacher.
Seven stars on the car represented Schumacher’s seven world championships.
Sebastian Vettel drove Michael Schumacher’s Ferrari F2002 for demonstration laps at Monza ahead of the Italian Grand Prix.
The appearance was part of the Schumacher Legacy Celebration Run, marking 30 years since Schumacher joined Ferrari.
Vettel waved to fans and performed donuts in the championship-winning car.
The F2002 carried Schumacher to his fifth consecutive Formula 1 drivers’ championship in 2002.
Ferrari also unveiled a Schumacher-inspired SF-26 livery and race suits for Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc, featuring seven white stars.
- Who
- Sebastian Vettel honored Michael Schumacher, while Ferrari drivers Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc participated in related tributes.
- What
- Vettel drove Schumacher’s Ferrari F2002 at Monza as part of the Schumacher Legacy Celebration Run, and Ferrari presented Schumacher-inspired racewear and a special SF-26 livery.
- When
- On Sunday ahead of the Italian Grand Prix; the 2026 Monza weekend marked 30 years since Schumacher joined Ferrari and 20 years since his final Ferrari victory.
- Where
- The Autodromo Nazionale Monza in Monza, Italy.
- Why
- The events honored Schumacher’s legacy, his Ferrari career, and his connection with the Italian fans.
- Tribute driver
- Sebastian Vettel
- Honored driver
- Michael Schumacher
- Historic car
- Ferrari F2002
- 2002 achievement
- Schumacher won his fifth consecutive Formula 1 drivers’ championship
- Tribute event
- Schumacher Legacy Celebration Run
- Ferrari tribute drivers
- Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc
- Livery detail
- Seven white stars represented Schumacher’s seven world championships
- Italian Grand Prix victories
- Schumacher won the race five times with Ferrari