Former Ferrari drivers Sebastian Vettel and Rubens Barrichello will return to the cockpit this weekend at the Italian Grand Prix for an emotional tribute lap with Michael Schumacher’s championship winning F2002.
The highly anticipated track session will be the centerpiece of a wider celebration marking 30 years since Schumacher first raced for the legendary Italian team in 1996. Ferrari is making every effort at its home race to honor the legacy of the seven-time world champion, blending nostalgia with the team’s current title campaign.
Barrichello will begin the tribute during Saturday’s events. The Brazilian driver, who partnered Schumacher during Ferrari’s most dominant era, will drive the same chassis that carried him to victory at the 2002 Italian Grand Prix.
The F2002 remains one of the most successful designs in motorsport history, achieving 15 wins from 17 races during that season. Driving the iconic machine around the high speed Autodromo Nazionale Monza is certain to bring back memories of the incredible success achieved by Schumacher and Barrichello during the early 2000s.
A Cross-Generational Tribute on Race Day
The celebration will continue on Sunday, just before the Grand Prix begins, when Vettel takes his turn behind the wheel. The four-time world champion grew up idolizing his fellow German and eventually followed in his footsteps by driving for Ferrari from 2015 to 2020.
Vettel and Schumacher shared a close relationship away from the track, making Sunday’s tribute lap a deeply emotional moment for the German driver and the tens of thousands of tifosi filling the Monza grandstands.
Alongside the tribute laps, Ferrari will display three important cars from Schumacher’s career throughout the weekend. Fans will have the chance to see the F310 from his debut Ferrari season in 1996, the 248 F1 that marked his final season with the team in 2006, and the legendary F2002 that helped him secure another dominant championship campaign.
Ferrari has also redesigned its current car for the occasion, featuring Schumacher’s iconic logo and the seven stars famously displayed on his racing helmet. Current Ferrari drivers Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc will wear special race suits for the event, continuing Ferrari’s recent tradition of introducing unique liveries and designs for the Monza weekend.
The team arrives at its home circuit trailing Mercedes by 87 points in the constructors’ championship standings, but Ferrari hopes the historic atmosphere surrounding the weekend can provide the much-needed boost.
Moments like this remind us that Formula 1 is not only about speed, technology, and trophies, but also about the human stories behind every championship. The return of Schumacher’s F2002 to Monza represents more than just a tribute to a legendary car; it celebrates an era when teamwork, passion, and determination created one of the most dominant chapters in Ferrari’s history. For many fans, seeing those iconic colors and remembering the golden years of Ferrari will bring back unforgettable emotions. What do you think about this special tribute to Schumacher and the legendary F2002?
Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Adhe is part of the 88 Eight Box Editorial Team, covering JDM culture, motorsport, automotive technology, and industry news. The team focuses on delivering original automotive stories, reviews, and insights for enthusiasts worldwide.
