Sebastian Vettel drove his hero Michael Schumacher’s F2002 before the F1 Italian Grand Prix at Monza, as part of Ferrari’s celebration of the German.

In celebration of Schumacher, the German’s former teammate Rubens Barrichello got to drive the F2002 machinery at Monza on Saturday afternoon after exhilarating F1 Italian GP qualifying, which saw a surprise pole from Alpine’s Pierre Gasly – an underdog in the circumstances.

Rubens Barrichello’s Run

The Brazilian reunited with the car in which he won four races during the 2002 F1 season – including the Italian GP at Monza. The dominant machinery soaked up 15 wins to clinch the constructors’ championship, while Schumacher took the drivers’ title.

After Barrichello’s drive on Saturday afternoon, four-time F1 champion Vettel had his turn on Sunday before the drivers’ parade. The German had a seat fit earlier in the day and went around the paddock for meet and greet with drivers and teams.

Vettel Gets Emotional Driving F2002

Vettel took the F2002 for few laps of the Monza circuit which included a celebratory donut, much to the cheers from the passionate fans at the circuit and onlookers from the pitlane.

The German got emotional after the run, speaking to F1 TV. “I’m caught and mixed up in feelings because – Grazie a tutti, ciao! Veramente grazie, sono molto emozionato – because on the one hand is such a beautiful car to drive,” said Vettel, wiping off his tears. “It’s such a beautiful piece of machinery.

“But much more it’s Michael’s car and 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. We used to joke when you know one of us started to cry or be emotional that you have some pipi in your eyes. Now I’m the one with pipi in my eyes. It’s incredible, thank you for the opportunity and thanks for the Tifosi.

“I love racing. I know that I quit racing but in my heart, I’m still a lover and I do deeply care for this sport, for these cars, for these people, for the Tifosi, for the fans that make this sport so special. And that’s why I see there’s a real power to propel it forward and inspire the future. I look forward to everything that’s coming but today is Michael’s moment and we send all of our love and our emotions to him.”

Ferrari Honouring Schumacher

As is norm with Vettel’s special runs these days, Ferrari used sustainable fuel in the V10-powered car – prepared by Shell. The Italian outfit also had F2002 on display at Monza along with Schumacher’s first Ferrari F310 from 1996 season and his last 248 from 2006.

Together with nostalgia, the team is running a special livery in F1 Italian GP weekend in honour of Schumacher. Both Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc are sporting race suits with seven stars inscribed to denote the German’s seven F1 world championships.

Seb in Michael's F2002 car at Monza #F1#ItalianGP@ScuderiaFerraripic.twitter.com/lbtJZ11KS9

— Formula 1 (@F1) September 6, 2026

Seb Donuts

#F1#ItalianGP@ScuderiaFerraripic.twitter.com/7KrU4Ftta7

— Formula 1 (@F1) September 6, 2026

Extra special

Watch Seb complete a full lap of Monza in Michael Schumacher's legendary F2002 car #F1#ItalianGP@ScuderiaFerraripic.twitter.com/n1TWBhgYdM

— Formula 1 (@F1) September 6, 2026

SEBASTIAN VETTEL AND THE F2002

IT FEELS LIKE A DREAM#ItalianGPpic.twitter.com/WgpLY0I21h

— tami. (@Vetteleclerc) September 6, 2026