Vettel reunites with Ferrari at Monza
Sebastian Vettel made a one-off return to Ferrari during the build-up to the Italian Grand Prix, driving the F2002 at Monza as the team continued its weekend tribute to Michael Schumacher and his legacy.
The four-time world champion retired from Formula 1 at the end of the 2022 season after two years with Aston Martin. However, his most significant period of success with Ferrari came after joining the team in 2015, when he recorded 14 grand prix victories and 55 podium finishes. Those figures place Vettel among Ferrari’s most successful drivers.
Schumacher’s long-time team-mate Rubens Barrichello had driven the F2002 around Monza on Saturday. Vettel then took over on Sunday, completing several laps of the circuit where he claimed his first Formula 1 victory in 2008. He also performed doughnuts for the fans, adding a celebratory moment to an emotional occasion.
The tribute carried added significance as Ferrari’s weekend focused on Schumacher. The team’s connection with the seven-time champion has also drawn attention through the trailer for Schumacher ’94 – The Birth of a Legend, which explores the driver’s first Formula 1 title and the dramatic 1994 season.
“Today is Michael’s moment”
Vettel made clear that the experience was about more than driving a historically important Ferrari. “I'm mixed up in feelings,” he said after climbing from the car. “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.”
He added: “He's not here today, but I felt him a lot in those laps and I hope you heard and felt him as well.”
Vettel became emotional while recalling the relationship he shared with Schumacher, saying: “I'm now the one with peepee in my eyes.” He also thanked Ferrari’s supporters, the Tifosi, and spoke about his continuing affection for Formula 1.
A car with “soul”
The F2002 remains one of Formula 1’s most dominant cars, with Schumacher finishing every race of that campaign on the podium. Vettel said its character was immediately apparent.
“It's so exciting. It doesn't take many laps to sense the soul of a car,” he explained. “You sense immediately that it was a special car.”
Although he wanted to push the Ferrari, Vettel said he was also conscious of making the moment last. His final message was clear: the occasion belonged to Schumacher. “I look forward to what's coming but today is Michael's moment, and we send all of our love and emotions.”
