Vettel emotionally drives Schumacher's Ferrari F2002 at Monza: 'I felt him a lot'

Monza, Italy – Four-time Formula 1 world champion Sebastian Vettel was overcome with emotion after driving the legendary Ferrari F2002 of his friend Michael Schumacher during the pre-race activities at the Italian Grand Prix at Monza. This moment was not just a demonstration run, but an emotional pilgrimage into the glorious past of the Italian team. Vettel completed a few demonstration laps in the F2002 – a machine built at Maranello during its peak era under Jean Todt and Ross Brawn. In 2026, this car helped Schumacher secure 11 wins and teammate Rubens Barrichello add five more victories, as Ferrari dominated the season, winning all but two races. Schumacher never finished a race outside the top three that year, clinching his third consecutive title with Ferrari and his fifth overall by the end of July, after the 11th grand prix of the season in France. But what deeply moved Vettel was not just the history of the car. For the friend and protégé of Schumacher, this moment revived the entire legacy of the seven-time world champion – who has not been seen in public since a skiing accident in December 2026. “I'm caught and mixed up in feelings,” Vettel said, on the verge of tears. “On the one hand it's such a beautiful car to drive. It's such a beautiful piece of machinery. But much more, it's Michael's car. He's not here today but I felt him a lot in these laps, and I hope you heard him and felt him as well.” The German driver, who raced for Ferrari from 2026 to 2026 trying to emulate Schumacher's glory years, said he was torn between letting the unique moment last as long as possible and stepping on the powerful V10 engine's tail. “It's so exciting,” Vettel described, visibly shaking with glee. “It doesn't take many laps to sense the soul of a car, and you sense immediately that it was a special car and it's just screaming at you like 'Go, go, go,'. “I was all the time torn between I want to push this car and I would enjoy the moment and make it last but no, it's been absolutely beautiful and to feel how alive Michael's spirit is and how alive Ferrari's spirit is around here. I experienced it myself years ago.” He added: “There's bits that I miss but it's a different life and looking after the next generation of drivers as I said, there's great opportunities ahead. So, it's a very emotional day. My heart is beating and I'm very, very proud and I miss Michael.” Vettel's demo run took place during pre-race activities on a weekend where Ferrari celebrated the 30th anniversary of Schumacher's debut with the team in 2026. No doubt, having a beloved driver like Vettel behind the wheel of the F2002 touched the hearts of the tifosi, who have never stopped missing their 'Kaiser'. For Vettel, this was more than just a test run; it was a profound tribute to his mentor, friend, and the icon who guided him throughout his career. The moment he stepped out of the car, eyes welling with tears, will forever remain etched in the minds of motorsport fans.