Sebastian Vettel will once again take the wheel of a historic Formula 1 car this weekend. The four-time world champion will drive Michael Schumacher’s Ferrari F2002 in Monza, in a commemorative lap before the Italian Grand Prix. Vettel’s participation will be part of Ferrari’s tributes to the 30th anniversary of Schumacher’s debut season in Formula 1.
Read more F1: Bortoleto closes TL1 in 8th and finishes less than a second behind the leader in Monza
The F2002 is the car of Schumacher’s fifth title. Vettel, who considers the German an idol from childhood, highlighted the importance of driving this very machine in Monza: “Obviously, we don’t see Michael anymore, but I’m sure that on Sunday we will feel and hear him a lot. So, it will be a great privilege and an honor for me to drive his car. And, of course, I am also looking forward to seeing you all.”
The four-time champion has had other opportunities to drive iconic cars in F1 history. In 2022, he drove at Silverstone the Williams that took Nigel Mansell to the 1992 world title. Two years later, in Imola, Vettel drove Ayrton Senna’s 1993 McLaren.
Read more F1: Check the full result of TL1 of the 2026 Italian GP
Now, in Monza, the tribute will carry even more weight for the former Ferrari and Red Bull driver. In a video posted on Instagram, accompanied by the caption “There is still a race to win — for my friend Michael,” Vettel expressed his excitement: “Hello, everyone. I will be in Monza this Sunday and I will drive Michael’s car. I am very excited about this and can’t wait.”
Read more F1: Leclerc leads Ferrari one-two in Italy GP TL1; Bortoleto is 8th
