Sebastian Vettel was open that his run in Michael Schumacher's 2002 championship-winning F2002 at the Italian Grand Prix was about more than just a demonstration of famous machinery. The four-time champion used the moment to reflect on friendship and spark a debate about Formula 1's future direction.
Emotion and Friendship
On one hand were the emotions, as Vettel stepped into a cockpit once occupied by a childhood hero and later a friend. "We had a deep connection with the friendship, got fairly close and shared so many nice memories," he said of Schumacher. "We'd much rather see him drive than me, myself included."
More Than Overtaking
But the demonstration also served to stoke the flames on a current debate about what F1 should really be in the future. While the 2026 rules have, by design or accident, produced some spectacular racing, Vettel insisted F1 is about more than just overtaking.
"It is exciting, the racing is exciting, but there's so much more to unpack when you look at F1," he said at Monza. "Of course, from a driver's point of view, I want to drive the best car, and I want to win races. But then, what is the best car? The car of 2002 was state-of-the-art at that time, and a pioneer, and represents so much for what F1 stands for. The cars today do the same, and it's about performance, precision, discipline, hard work, but also responsibility and taking that forward. Also caring about the future, which you know these cars are trying to do."
Criticism of 2026 Regulations
Vettel, a vocal critic of the turbo hybrid regulations, argued that the F2002 run was a reminder of the essence of F1. "I'm probably not agreeing on everything that we currently have in the 2026 regulations from a driving point of view," he explained. "But looking forward, that's where there's a huge chance to take people on board. And maybe, for a moment like this, remind them what the sport was, what the sport is, and what the sport should be and can be in the future. And to do it responsibly."
He has often questioned the road relevance of the complex hybrid power units. This stance prompted him to suggest years ago, after a demo in Nigel Mansell's 1992 FW14B at the 2022 British GP, that rather than F1 becoming more electric, the opposite would be better. With sustainable fuels now used in such demos, a door opened for a return to V8s or V10s.
Future of Engines: Return to V8?
While F1 initially poured cold water on that idea, times have changed. The complexities, costs, and response to the new 50/50 rules have convinced F1 and the FIA that this will be the final ruleset for turbo hybrids of this kind. FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has stated that F1 could move to V8s by 2031, and there is even talk of revisiting V10s.
Vettel, who raced with V10s and V8s, welcomes the prospect. "I think it would be great to go back to simpler V10s or V8s with sustainable fuels," he said. "That would be the right mix of performance and environmental responsibility." Thus, his Monza demonstration was not just nostalgia but a visionary statement about the future of the sport he loves.
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