Vettel Brings Schumacher’s Ferrari Back to Life at Monza
Just before the drivers’ parade at Monza today, Sebastian Vettel gave the Italian Grand Prix crowd a moment to remember. The four-time World Champion returned to the track behind the wheel of Michael Schumacher’s legendary Ferrari F2002, taking the famous car around Monza as part of Ferrari’s tribute to the seven-time World Champion.
The occasion was particularly fitting at Ferrari’s home race. The F2002 was one of the most dominant cars of Schumacher’s extraordinary career, and seeing Vettel, who grew up idolising Schumacher before becoming a Ferrari driver himself, behind its wheel made the moment even more special. Vettel had described the opportunity as an honour and said that although Schumacher is no longer seen in the paddock, his presence would certainly be felt at Monza.
It was part of a wider Schumacher celebration throughout the Monza weekend, with Ferrari marking 30 years since his first Italian Grand Prix victory for the team. Rubens Barrichello had driven the same F2002 on Saturday, before Vettel took over for Sunday’s tribute in front of the Tifosi.
For a few minutes before the modern Formula 1 cars took centre stage, Monza was transported back to the Schumacher era, with Vettel bringing one of Ferrari’s greatest machines roaring around the Temple of Speed once again.