Ferrari to mark 30 years of Schumacher era at Monza, Vettel to drive iconic F2002

Ferrari will celebrate 30 years since Michael Schumacher began his historic association with the Italian team with a series of special tributes at this weekend’s Italian Grand Prix, including Sebastian Vettel returning behind the wheel of the legendary F2002. Schumacher joined Ferrari in 1996 as a two-time world champion and went on to become the most successful driver in the team’s history. During his 11 seasons with the Scuderia, the German won five consecutive drivers’ championships from 2000 to 2004 and helped Ferrari secure six successive constructors’ titles between 1999 and 2004.

Ferrari will mark the anniversary by running its SF-26 cars with a special livery inspired by Schumacher’s 1996 F310. Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton will also wear specially designed race suits, while Schumacher-inspired details will feature on their helmets and other team equipment.

Vettel returns to Ferrari cockpit

One of the highlights of the celebrations will come before Sunday’s Italian Grand Prix when four-time world champion Vettel drives Schumacher’s F2002 for a special lap of honour. Vettel, who raced for Ferrari between 2015 and 2020 and has frequently spoken about Schumacher’s influence on his career, will take the iconic car around Monza in tribute to his childhood idol.

Former Ferrari driver Rubens Barrichello will also drive the F2002 on Saturday. Barrichello won the 2002 Italian Grand Prix in the car and partnered Schumacher throughout Ferrari’s dominant championship run. The F2002 delivered one of the most dominant campaigns in Formula One history. Schumacher clinched the 2002 drivers’ championship with six races remaining, while Ferrari won 15 of the season’s 17 Grands Prix.

Historic cars on display

Three cars representing different stages of Schumacher’s Ferrari career will be displayed at Monza — the F310 from his debut season in 1996, the championship-winning F2002 and the 248 F1 from his final Ferrari season in 2006. The celebrations will extend beyond the circuit, with the Ferrari Museum in Maranello staging a special exhibition from September 4 to 30 featuring the cars associated with Schumacher’s five consecutive world championships.

Schumacher remains synonymous with one of Ferrari’s greatest periods, winning five times at Monza in Ferrari colours. The team said the tribute would celebrate not only his victories and championships but also the discipline, preparation, teamwork and relentless pursuit of improvement that helped shape Ferrari’s modern racing culture.