Sebastian Vettel's emotions overflowed at the Monza circuit. The four-time Formula 1 world champion couldn't hold back tears after completing a historic demonstration run at the Italian Grand Prix, driving the Ferrari F2002 belonging to his late friend, Michael Schumacher.
Vettel completed a handful of laps in the car that carried Schumacher to the world title in 2002. The moment was part of pre-race activities, also celebrating the 30th anniversary of Schumacher's debut with the Maranello team in 1996.
The F2002 was a masterpiece of Ferrari's golden era under Jean Todt and Ross Brawn. It propelled Schumacher to 11 wins, while teammate Rubens Barrichello added five more victories. Ferrari was nearly unbeatable that season.
Schumacher never finished off the podium throughout 2002. He secured his fifth world title early, after the 11th round in France at the end of July. But for Vettel, the car's history wasn't what shook him the most.
The Legacy of a Friend That Never Fades
What struck Vettel most was Schumacher's legacy, a figure who hasn't been seen in public since a ski accident in late 2013. Vettel, who also drove for Ferrari from 2015 to 2020, felt Schumacher's spirit so close while driving the historic machine.
"I'm caught and mixed up in feelings," Vettel said, on the verge of tears. "On one hand, it's such a beautiful car to drive. 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. I hope you heard him and felt him as well."
Vettel admitted he was torn between letting the unique moment last as long as possible and stepping on the powerful V10 engine's tail.
The Spirit of Ferrari Alive at Monza
"It doesn't take many laps to sense the soul of a car," Vettel said, visibly shaking with glee. "You sense immediately that it was a special car. 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. To feel how alive Michael's spirit is and how alive Ferrari's spirit is around here. I experienced it myself years ago."
Vettel also touched on his future. "There's bits that I miss, but it's a different life. Looking after the next generation of drivers, there are great opportunities ahead. So, it's a very emotional day. My heart is beating, I'm very proud, and I miss Michael."
This moment serves as a reminder of Schumacher's immense influence, not only on Ferrari but also on the young drivers who idolized him. Vettel, once the heir to Ferrari's glory, now passes that memory on to the next generation.
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