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Tag: Michael Schumacher

  • On This Day: Michael Schumacher Wins and Stuns Tifosi with F1 Retirement

    On This Day: Michael Schumacher Wins and Stuns Tifosi with F1 Retirement

    September 10, 2006, stands as one of the most consequential days in Formula 1 history. At Monza, seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher announced his retirement moments after claiming a dominant victory at the Italian Grand Prix.

    Schumacher Dominates at Monza Before Shock Announcement

    The Ferrari driver qualified just 0.002 seconds behind McLaren’s Kimi Raikkonen in front of the passionate tifosi, though Schumacher was running a heavier fuel load. He pitted two laps later, emerged in the lead, and was never challenged, crossing the finish line eight seconds ahead of the Finn. Teammate Felipe Massa finished a distant ninth.

    The win marked Schumacher’s 11th victory on Italian soil—counting races at both Monza and Imola—and would prove to be his last triumph in Italy. With all eyes on him in the post-race press conference, he delivered the highly scrutinized news.

    “There has been a lot of discussion for a lot of time, what concerns my future and so on, and I think all the fans, all the motorsport-interested people have a right to be explained what’s going to happen,” the German said.
    “I am sorry it may [have taken] longer than some of you wanted, but you have to find the right moment, and we feel this is the right moment.
    “To make it short, in a way, this is going to be my last Monza race I’m going to do. At the end of this year, I have decided together with the team that I am going to retire from racing.”

    Context Behind the Decision: Raikkonen Signed, Massa’s Future at Stake

    The timing surprised many. At 37, Schumacher was still performing at a remarkable level, battling Fernando Alonso for a record-extending eighth world title. However, months earlier, Raikkonen had already signed with Ferrari for 2007, leaving Schumacher with two options: stay at the expense of the young Massa, or step aside.

    “It has been such a good time for all this time and there is no point to just hang in and may take away a future of a young talented driver like Felipe,” he went on to explain. “Obviously my replacement [i.e. Raikkonen] I was aware of this for quite a long time and for Felipe it was around Indianapolis that his future had to be decided, and I did not see a reason to just hang in and take away his opportunity. I think he is a talented and great person.”

    Schumacher finalized his decision around the United States Grand Prix weekend (June 30 – July 2), well ahead of the traditional Monza announcement—a choice that proved bittersweet for Ferrari chairman Luca di Montezemolo.

    “Truth be told, I was hoping he’d do perhaps one more year,” Fiat chairman Luca di Montezemolo said of his superstar. “He told me a few weeks ago. In the month of August I worked a lot on the organisation and on the future of Ferrari, independently from the drivers. He was sad but very, very determined.
    “Then there was all the talk – do we announce it at Monza, or at the end of the year? It was becoming too big. It’s better now that it’s been announced.

    “Since he’s made his decision, which we have accepted, I think Ferrari have two strong, young, determined drivers, who for different reasons are hungry of victories.
    “Michael has known for many, many months, or I should say for one year, that the choice was to partner him with Raikkonen. We obviously spoke to him like we did when it was time to choose other drivers because the team must agree on things.
    “Massa today had an unhappy start and that influenced his race. If he had a better start it would have ended differently. But he’s giving us lots of satisfaction both as a driver and as a member of the team. If we are leading the constructors’ championship, we owe him a lot as well.”

    Schumacher himself said he was “pleased” with Ferrari’s decision to sign Raikkonen, though the emotion of the moment remained raw.

    An Emotional Farewell and Tributes from Rivals

    Asked what he would miss most about F1, the typically impassive German fell silent for several seconds, took a deep breath, and uttered:

    “Excuse me.”

    That day, Schumacher’s controversial yet glittering career was near-universally celebrated. Three-time world champion Niki Lauda called him “unique,” while rival David Coulthard remarked:

    “Irrespective of whether people are believers in Michael’s race ethics or not, you have to recognise he’s been a great champion and it’s the end of an era.”

    Unmoved by plaudits, Schumacher offered a characteristically grounded response when asked how he wanted to be remembered:

    “Honestly? It doesn’t matter. Some people will want to see me like this and others like that.
    “What’s important is that I know what I am, who I am and where I am. And if people see me the way I am – then I’m happy. But I can’t control how everyone sees me. I can only be proud of myself and happy with what I achieved.”

    A Temporary Retirement and a New Era Begins

    Schumacher’s retirement proved temporary. A neck injury from a motorcycle crash prevented him from substituting for an injured Massa in 2009. He returned with Mercedes from 2010 to 2012 but never recaptured his peak form. A devastating skiing accident in December 2013 left him out of the public eye permanently.

    Yet Schumacher wasn’t the only reason September 10, 2006, was pivotal. As one legend stepped aside, another quietly began his journey. Lewis Hamilton recently revealed that his “Welcome to F1” moment occurred that same weekend.

    “My [‘Welcome to F1’] moment was Monza 2006,” Lewis Hamilton recently revealed. “Just won the GP2 championship. It’s on the grid, Kimi was on pole and I had the privilege of going onto the grid, and I was standing in front of Kimi’s car, and Ron [Dennis] put his arm around me and he told me, looking up to Turn 1, he says, ‘I’m going to give you a chance.’ That was the moment.
    “In the moment, I couldn’t quite believe it and I didn’t know what it was going to be a chance at. But obviously that was the moment that he had decided that he was going to give me a chance for 2007.”

    Hamilton would go on to match Schumacher’s seven world titles and surpass his record of 91 victories, writing new chapters in F1 history and redefining the benchmarks Schumacher set.

    Michael Schumacher’s Full Post-Race Speech at Monza 2006

    “It’s been a very special day, and to finish it in this style as we have been doing today, looking at the championship as well, but much more at what’s going to happen somehow in the future…
    “There has been a lot of discussion for a lot of time, what concerns my future and so on, and I think all the fans, all the motorsport-interested people have a right to be explained what’s going to happen.
    “I am sorry it may took longer than some of you wanted, but you have to find the right moment, and we feel this is the right moment.
    “To make it short, in a way, this is going to be my last Monza race I’m going to do. At the end of this year, I have decided together with the team that I’m going to retire from racing.
    “It has been an exceptional, really exceptional time, what motorsport in more than 30 years has given to me. I really loved every single moment of the good and the bad ones – those ones make life so special.
    “In particular, I should thank my family, starting with my dad, my passed-away mum, and my wife and my kids who at all times supported what I was doing. Without their support, without their strengths, to survive in this business and this sport and to perform, I think it would have been impossible.
    “I can’t be thankful enough to my family, but as well to all my mates at the Benetton time and especially at the Ferrari days, when I’ve made so many friends, I have so many great guys in that team, and it has been a really tough decision to decide to not work together at this level with all my friends, my engineers and everybody. I mean, they’re just so great.
    “But one day, the day has to come, and I felt a point that this is the moment.

    “In terms of timing the decision, I thought that it was fair to find that moment that Felipe has a chance to decide his future, because I think he is a very great guy. He’s been doing a very good job to the team, a very supportive, really great team-mate. There was a moment for him to decide for his future, and there was no point for me to take my decision any later than his decision had to be taken, and this was the conclusion.
    “In a way, my future replacement, it’s a driver – at some stage the team will tell. But I was pleased – and I know a long time ago – to hear that he was the person.
    “And now, I’d just like to concentrate on these last three wins and finish it in style, and hopefully with the championship. We have done a big step today for that, and I really look forward to it.
    “I want to thank everybody who has been on my way or supporting me at all stages – there have been a lot of people. Thank you very much.”

    Though Schumacher ultimately fell short of an eighth title in 2006, he bowed out—at least initially—in commanding style, closing a chapter that reshaped Formula 1 and inadvertently opening the door for its next defining superstar.

  • The 8 biggest recovery drives to win in Formula 1 history

    The 8 biggest recovery drives to win in Formula 1 history

    Kimi Antonelli has etched his name into Formula 1 history, joining an elite group of drivers who have converted a lowly grid slot into a grand prix victory. The Mercedes rookie achieved the feat in stunning fashion on home soil at the 2026 Italian Grand Prix, surging from 19th on the grid to claim the top step of the podium at Monza.

    Antonelli’s drive continues a rich tradition of comeback victories. Here is a look back at the other drivers who stared at a sea of rear wings on the starting grid only to greet the chequered flag first.

    8. Michael Schumacher — 1995 Belgian Grand Prix (Started 16th)

    Michael Schumacher amassed 91 grand prix wins during his illustrious career, but none came from lower than 16th on the grid. At Spa-Francorchamps in 1995, the German sliced through the field during a phase that saw early leader David Coulthard retire. A strategic gamble on slick tyres as rain arrived proved decisive.

    Schumacher moved into the lead and produced a masterclass in defensive driving, holding off a frustrated Damon Hill on wet-weather tyres despite his own inferior rubber. The Williams driver eventually forced a pass, only to spin moments later. Hill returned to the pits for slicks on a drying track, but the timing backfired as the rain returned with intensity. Both men switched back to wets, but Hill’s challenge evaporated due to a pit-lane speeding penalty, handing Schumacher a clear run to victory.

    7. Kimi Räikkönen — 2005 Japanese Grand Prix (Started 17th)

    Qualifying at Suzuka took place in changeable conditions during the era of single-lap qualifying, leaving the usual front-runners scattered down the order. Newly crowned champion Fernando Alonso lined up 16th, with Kimi Räikkönen one place further back in 17th.

    The race developed into a frenetic spectacle featuring spectacular wheel-to-wheel action. Räikkönen and Alonso carved through the pack, with the McLaren driver leading the charge. A late refuelling stop placed Räikkönen on the tail of Alonso’s Renault teammate, Giancarlo Fisichella. He hunted down the Italian in the closing stages and, on the final lap, seized the outside line to sweep past Fisichella for a remarkable comeback win.

    6. Max Verstappen — 2024 São Paulo Grand Prix (Started 17th)

    After winning seven of the opening ten rounds in 2024, Max Verstappen endured a 10-race winless streak that saw his championship lead over Lando Norris gradually erode. Qualifying in Brazil was postponed to Sunday morning due to weather, and a disrupted session left Verstappen 12th in classification; a power-unit penalty dropped him to 17th on the grid, effectively a net 15th after two cars ahead failed to start.

    From there, the Dutchman delivered a masterclass in treacherous conditions. He carved through the field before a mid-race red flag allowed a free switch to fresh wet tyres. Though still behind Esteban Ocon at the restart, Verstappen overhauled the Alpine within a handful of laps and streaked to victory by nearly 20 seconds — a drive that all but sealed a fourth consecutive world title.

    5. John Watson — 1982 Detroit Grand Prix (Started 17th)

    John Watson qualified only 17th for Formula 1’s inaugural visit to the streets of Detroit, a weekend marred by organisational issues and tricky conditions. Opting for the harder tyre compound proved a tactical masterstroke.

    Watson dispatched rivals with aplomb, highlighted by a stunning trio of overtakes on a single lap — one on teammate Niki Lauda. He quickly reeled in and passed an ailing Keke Rosberg before pulling away to a comfortable victory. Remarkably, this was not even Watson’s lowest-starting win.

    4. Rubens Barrichello — 2000 German Grand Prix (Started 18th)

    A chaotic qualifying session left Rubens Barrichello down in 18th, but the Brazilian made immediate amends, blasting his Ferrari past rivals on the long, full-throttle straights of the old Hockenheim layout.

    A safety car period — triggered by a track invader — bunched the field, and a McLaren communication mix-up elevated Barrichello to second behind Mika Häkkinen. When rain arrived, Häkkinen pitted for wet tyres, but Barrichello stayed out on slicks. With the vast circuit only partially damp, the dry sections allowed him to maintain pace and secure a remarkable maiden victory after seven seasons in the sport.

    3. Bill Vukovich — 1954 Indianapolis 500 (Started 19th)

    During the 1950s, the Indianapolis 500 counted toward the World Championship, yet few Formula 1 regulars contested the event, making these races historical outliers. Bill Vukovich was a specialist at the Brickyard, winning in 1953 and 1954.

    For his second triumph, Vukovich started 19th and worked his way forward to claim victory, though this remains shy of the Indy 500 record of wins from 28th on the grid. Tragically, Vukovich lost his life in an accident while leading the following year’s race.

    2. Kimi Antonelli — 2026 Italian Grand Prix (Started 19th)

    Reliability issues earlier in 2026 placed Kimi Antonelli on course for a grid penalty for exceeding his power-unit component allocation. Mercedes elected to take the hit strategically at Monza.

    Antonelli started 19th after Liam Lawson and Fernando Alonso opted for pit-lane starts. He was running 12th when the race was red-flagged for Charles Leclerc’s accident. At the restart, Antonelli vaulted to eighth and rapidly picked off rivals, swapping the lead with teammate George Russell. A mid-race pit stop dropped him back, but superior pace and fresher tyres allowed him to hunt down the lead once more. He survived a late scare after a mistake exiting the first chicane to hold on for a historic maiden win on home soil.

    1. John Watson — 1983 United States Grand Prix West (Started 22nd)

    The lowest grid slot ever converted into a Formula 1 victory belongs to John Watson at Long Beach in 1983. McLaren was competitive in race trim but struggled for one-lap pace on the bumpy street circuit, leaving Watson and Lauda 22nd and 23rd respectively — four seconds off pole.

    Hampered by poor qualifying tyre performance, the McLarens came alive on race day. In an attritional contest, both drivers sliced through the field, gaining positions through overtaking and rival misfortunes. Such was the M23’s race pace that Watson crossed the line almost half a minute clear of Lauda, with only René Arnoux’s Ferrari — over a minute adrift — remaining on the lead lap.

  • 7 Overlooked Moments at the 2026 Italian Grand Prix

    7 Overlooked Moments at the 2026 Italian Grand Prix

    Vettel Honors Schumacher with F2002 Demonstration at Monza

    Thirty years after Michael Schumacher’s Ferrari debut, the Temple of Speed hosted a poignant tribute from another German great. Ahead of Sunday’s Italian Grand Prix, Sebastian Vettel — who raced for the Scuderia from 2015 to 2020 — piloted Schumacher’s championship-winning Ferrari F2002 around Monza in front of the Tifosi. The F2002, one of Ferrari’s most successful cars with 15 victories across the 2002 and 2003 seasons, turned heads with the unmistakable scream of its V10 engine. “There is still a race to win, for my friend Michael,” Vettel wrote on social media.

    Tifosi Paint Piazza Del Duomo Red

    Nothing captures Italian Grand Prix weekend quite like a Piazza Del Duomo in Milan overflowing with Ferrari fans. Charles Leclerc, Lewis Hamilton, and special guests entertained the crowd on a sunny afternoon. South Korean DJ Peggy Gou headlined the musical entertainment, and Leclerc even tried his hand at spinning the decks — though the two-time Italian GP winner might be better off sticking to driving. Hamilton chose to share the moment with his mother, Linda, who received one of the loudest cheers of the day and a true Tifosi welcome.

    The seven-time World Champion explained the significance of her visit: “And my mum’s here this weekend because she’s never experienced — she’s never actually, I don’t think, been to Monza — but also particularly on a Ferrari weekend. And I wanted her to experience that and, you know, bring any of the lucky dust she can bring.”

    Sainz Shines on the Venice Red Carpet

    Carlos Sainz swapped his race suit for Giorgio Armani elegance at the 83rd Venice International Film Festival. The Williams driver looked perfectly at home on the red carpet for the premiere of Danny Boyle’s new film Ink, accompanied by his partner Rebecca Donaldson.

    Lightning McQueen Celebrates 20 Years at the Temple of Speed

    Disney-Pixar’s Cars turns 20 this year, and the seven-time Piston Cup champion Lightning McQueen made a special appearance at Monza. While the iconic movie car didn’t race, the Safety Car wore a commemorative livery marking the anniversary. For drivers like Liam Lawson and Franco Colapinto, meeting their childhood hero in the paddock was a dream come true.

    Antonelli’s Helmet Pays Homage to Valentino Rossi

    Home hero Kimi Antonelli arrived at Monza leading the drivers’ standings and marked the occasion with a bespoke helmet design inspired by Italian MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi. The livery echoes the helmet Rossi wore at the 2002 Mugello Grand Prix, featuring the Italian flag, vignettes of daily life — an espresso cup, a slice of pizza — the sun, the sea, a family, and at the rear, two cartoon figures representing Antonelli and Rossi.

    Antonelli Enters the Disney Universe as Kimi Paperelli

    In a unique career milestone, a cartoon version of Antonelli — Kimi Paperelli — debuted in Topolino magazine this weekend, placing the Italian driver in the world of Duckburg. Joss Hastings, Senior Vice President of Marketing at Disney Consumer Products, explained the collaboration: “Fuel the Magic is all about bringing Disney storytelling into the world of Formula 1 in unexpected and creative ways. Seeing Kimi become Kimi Paperelli is especially meaningful knowing that he grew up reading Topolino and loving Donald Duck.”

    Barilla Transforms the Grid into a Dining Room

    Continuing an Italian tradition, F1’s Official Pasta Partner Barilla brought the Formula 1 family together for a special pre-race dinner. The starting grid was transformed into a unique dining room with an F1-inspired three-course menu, each course presented as a different ‘lap’. Few dinner reservations offer a view quite like the Monza grid.

  • Formula 1 Fans Moved as Sebastian Vettel Drives Michael Schumacher’s Ferrari F2002 at Monza

    Formula 1 Fans Moved as Sebastian Vettel Drives Michael Schumacher’s Ferrari F2002 at Monza

    Sebastian Vettel Honors Michael Schumacher with Ferrari F2002 Demo at Monza

    Four-time Formula 1 world champion Sebastian Vettel delivered an emotional tribute to his childhood hero Michael Schumacher on Sunday, piloting the legendary Ferrari F2002 around the Monza circuit ahead of the Italian Grand Prix. The demonstration run, powered by sustainable fuel, coincided with the 30th anniversary of Schumacher’s Formula 1 debut with the Scuderia.

    Iconic Machinery Returns to the Temple of Speed

    The Ferrari F2002 stands among the most dominant cars in F1 history, securing 15 victories across the 2002 and 2003 seasons. Vettel, who raced for Ferrari between 2015 and 2020, took the iconic V10-powered machine onto the track in front of the passionate Tifosi, sparking an immediate and powerful reaction across social media platforms.

    The Sound That Defined an Era

    The unmistakable scream of the early-2000s V10 engine emerged as the primary talking point for fans worldwide. The visceral audio experience triggered a wave of nostalgia and emotion.

    “You just can’t beat that sound. Music to our ears,”

    one fan commented on Reddit, while another added:

    “That noise is so emotive. Modern cars aren’t in the same league.”

    Fans Reflect on Schumacher’s Legacy and Vettel’s Tribute

    The demonstration run prompted deeper reflections on Schumacher’s enduring impact on the sport and the void left by his absence from public life following his 2013 skiing accident.

    “Beautiful car, beautiful sound, driven by the most fitting person to drive it other than the great man himself. Really saddens me that Michael will never get to have these moments in retirement and the appreciation for his achievements and the memories he created for the sport. There’s a void with him missing during these times,”

    one fan posted.

    Others expressed the bittersweet nature of witnessing the car’s return:

    “That sound makes me so happy and so sad. Happy for the memories and the absolute awesomeness of it. Sad that we will never have a grid of those cars racing ever again,”

    read another comment.

    The personal connection many fans felt to the Schumacher-Ferrari era surfaced repeatedly:

    “I was not prepared for how emotional this actually made me. That car and Michael were such a huge part of my youth and a big part of why I fell in love with this sport. And there is nobody more fitting to drive it than Seb.”

    Calls for More Classic F1 Demonstrations

    The overwhelming positive response has led to suggestions that Formula 1 should incorporate historic car runs into more race weekends.

    “They need to bring a classic F1 car to every race and do this so everyone can hear the greatness,”

    one fan wrote.

    For those in attendance at Monza, the experience was particularly visceral:

    “I’m at the circuit right now, watching that car go by while singing and then Seb’s words afterwards. Tears to my eyes, really.”

    The demonstration served as a powerful reminder of Formula 1’s rich heritage and the enduring emotional connection between the sport’s history, its legendary figures, and the global fanbase that cherishes those memories.

  • Sebastian Vettel Pays Emotional Tribute to Michael Schumacher in Ferrari F2002

    Sebastian Vettel Pays Emotional Tribute to Michael Schumacher in Ferrari F2002

    Four-time Formula 1 world champion Sebastian Vettel delivered an emotional tribute to Michael Schumacher at the Italian Grand Prix, piloting the legendary Ferrari F2002 during pre-race demonstrations at Monza. The demonstration coincided with Ferrari’s celebration of the 30th anniversary of Schumacher’s 1996 debut with the Scuderia.

    Schumacher’s Dominant F2002 Returns to Monza

    The Ferrari F2002 stands as one of the most successful cars in Formula 1 history. Developed during the peak of the Jean Todt and Ross Brawn era, the chassis powered Schumacher to 11 victories and teammate Rubens Barrichello to five wins in the 2002 season. Ferrari won all but two races that year, with Schumacher never finishing off the podium. He clinched his fifth world title—and third consecutive with Ferrari—by the end of July after just 11 rounds.

    Vettel Overcome with Emotion During Demo Laps

    For Vettel, a Ferrari driver from 2015 to 2020 who long sought to replicate Schumacher’s glory years, the experience transcended the car’s historic statistics. Schumacher has not appeared in public since a skiing accident in December 2013.

    “I’m caught and mixed up in feelings,” Vettel said after the demonstration as he was 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.”

    Feeling the Soul of a Championship Car

    Vettel described a powerful connection to the vehicle’s character during his laps, visibly moved by the experience.

    “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,’.”

    He added: “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.”

    A New Chapter Beyond the Cockpit

    Reflecting on his current role mentoring the next generation of drivers, Vettel acknowledged the bittersweet nature of the occasion.

    “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.”

    Sebastian Vettel

    Photo by: Eric Le Galliot

    Watch Sebastian Vettel’s demo run in Michael Schumacher’s Ferrari F2002 at Monza

  • Ferrari Reveals Michael Schumacher-Inspired Livery for Home Grand Prix at Monza

    Ferrari Reveals Michael Schumacher-Inspired Livery for Home Grand Prix at Monza

    Ferrari has unveiled a special one-off livery for its home race at Monza, paying tribute to seven-time Formula 1 World Champion Michael Schumacher.

    The tribute marks 30 years since Schumacher joined the Scuderia and 20 years since his final victory for Ferrari, which came at the 2006 Chinese Grand Prix.

    Schumacher won five of his seven world titles with the Maranello-based team and claimed five victories at Monza in Ferrari red, in 1996, 1998, 2000, 2003 and 2006.

    Ferrari’s Schumacher tribute at Monza

    Ferrari had already revealed bespoke race suits for current drivers Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton. The suits feature Schumacher’s logo and the seven stars he wore on his helmet to represent his seven world titles.

    On Tuesday morning, Ferrari followed up by showcasing a Schumacher-inspired car livery, again highlighting the tribute details alongside its usual 2026 design.

    Ferrari said this week’s wide-ranging tributes were inspired by Schumacher’s “impact on the racing world” and “his enduring mindset”.

  • Ferrari Unveils Michael Schumacher-Inspired F1 Livery for Italian Grand Prix

    Ferrari Unveils Michael Schumacher-Inspired F1 Livery for Italian Grand Prix

    Ferrari will run a special Michael Schumacher tribute livery at its home Formula 1 race in Monza, marking the 30th anniversary of the German driver’s first season with the team.

    The Ferrari SF-26 driven by Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc will feature an even redder appearance, with the white section removed from the engine cover. Both drivers’ number decals will use a retro font, while Schumacher’s signature will appear between the numbers and title sponsor HP’s logo.

    The car will also feature gold detailing on the BBS wheel rims and Schumacher’s trademark white stars on its nose. Hamilton, Leclerc and Ferrari’s entire trackside team will wear specially designed clothing for the occasion.

    Ferrari to display Schumacher’s iconic cars at Monza

    The tribute livery draws inspiration from the F310 that Schumacher first raced for Ferrari in 1996. That car will be displayed throughout the Monza weekend alongside his final Ferrari, the 248 F1 from 2006, and the F2002, which became Schumacher’s and Ferrari’s most dominant car.

    Schumacher’s former team-mate Rubens Barrichello and close friend Sebastian Vettel, who also drove for Ferrari, will drive the F2002 around Monza on Saturday and Sunday for a lap of honour celebrating his legacy.

    “Michael’s time at Ferrari was about much more than just wins and titles: his relentless pursuit of perfection, attention to detail, discipline and ability to be a true team player helped create a culture that became one of the defining characteristics of the Scuderia,” the team stated.

    “Thirty years later, that culture remains part of the way Ferrari approaches competition today. Monza is therefore the ideal place to celebrate this legacy, not just by looking back at what was achieved, but by recognising values that remain part of Ferrari today.”

    Schumacher is Ferrari’s most experienced driver, having started 179 races for the team between 1996 and 2006. The 57-year-old German is also Ferrari’s most decorated driver, winning five of his seven world championships with the Maranello-based team between 2000 and 2004.

    During Ferrari’s highly successful era under Jean Todt and Ross Brawn, Schumacher recorded 72 wins and 58 pole positions for the team.

    Source: www.motorsport.com

  • 7 Memorable Italian Grand Prix Moments at Monza, From Michael Schumacher’s Record to Charles Leclerc’s Victory

    7 Memorable Italian Grand Prix Moments at Monza, From Michael Schumacher’s Record to Charles Leclerc’s Victory

    The Italian Grand Prix is just days away, and Monza is preparing to welcome Formula 1 teams, drivers and fans in typically passionate Italian style. From emotional celebrations to the Tifosi turning out in force, the fastest circuit on the F1 calendar has consistently delivered memorable moments both on and off the track.

    Monza has featured on the Formula 1 calendar since the championship began and has hosted every Italian Grand Prix except one since 1950. These are some of the most unforgettable moments from the Temple of Speed in recent racing history.

    Charles Leclerc Delights the Tifosi

    Few achievements in Formula 1 are more special than winning for Ferrari at its home race in Monza. Charles Leclerc experienced that feeling in 2019, when he claimed victory at the Italian Grand Prix for his second career win and his first at Monza.

    “There were people as far as I could see,” he said afterwards. “It was packed. I was trying to find my mum. She was in a grandstand… I was trying to find her but there were way too many people.”

    Michael Schumacher Equals Ayrton Senna’s Victory Tally

    Michael Schumacher remains Ferrari’s most successful race winner, but one of his most emotional victories came at the 2000 Italian Grand Prix.

    After missing the previous year’s race, the German driver returned to Monza in strong form and won in front of the Tifosi. It was the 41st victory of his Formula 1 career, bringing him level with Ayrton Senna’s total. The achievement prompted an emotional reaction from Schumacher during the post-race press conference.

    Ferrari Celebrates 90 Years

    Ferrari chose the weekend of the 2019 Italian Grand Prix to celebrate its 90th anniversary. The team took over Milan’s Piazza Duomo for a special “90 years of emotions” event, bringing together Charles Leclerc, Sebastian Vettel, former drivers and members of Ferrari’s past and present management.

    The celebration highlighted the Maranello team’s storied history in front of a sea of red jerseys and caps, with the iconic Duomo di Milano providing the backdrop.

  • Jenson Button Compares Fernando Alonso to Michael Schumacher

    Jenson Button Compares Fernando Alonso to Michael Schumacher

    Jenson Button has compared racing against Fernando Alonso with battling Michael Schumacher, praising the Spaniard’s aggressive but fair approach and ability to adapt to any Formula 1 car.

    Writing in his Jenson’s Journal column for Aston Martin ahead of the Italian Grand Prix, the 2009 F1 world champion reflected on Alonso’s career as speculation continues over whether the Aston Martin driver will remain in the championship beyond the 2026 season.

    “The biggest compliment I can give Fernando is that fighting him was very similar to fighting with Michael Schumacher,” Button wrote. “In my experience against them it would be hard but fair – it was on the limit every time and I loved that. That was part of the challenge.

    “When I won my first grand prix in Hungary, I was fighting against them and that’s what you want as a driver. You want to be fighting against the best, against the greats, to see how you compare.

    “In my career I got to race against the likes of Fernando and Michael, as well as Mika Hakkinen, Kimi Raikkonen, Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen. I’ve been really lucky to have raced against some of the true legends of the sport.”

    Button also highlighted Alonso’s distinctive driving style and versatility across different cars and set-ups.

    “Fernando drives like no one else. He’s aggressive, he can adapt brilliantly, and it’s been that way all through his career.”

    Jenson Button backs Fernando Alonso to continue in F1

    Alonso, 45, has faced growing questions about his Formula 1 future. Rumours of retirement and a possible move to Alpine have circulated, but the Aston Martin driver has not yet confirmed his plans beyond the 2026 season.

    “Obviously, this year has been tough, but it’s still an exciting time to be at Aston Martin Aramco and to be working with people like Adrian Newey. Any F1 driver would love to race a car designed by him, and to experience first-hand him driving this team forward,” Button added.

    “I know how difficult it is to decide your future, and he’s been there once before. He left the sport and came back, so he obviously left too early. Now, he will make sure that he’s 100 per cent certain that he doesn’t want to be in the sport before he leaves.

    “Fernando’s still got so much more to give in F1. I would love to see him in an Aston Martin fighting for wins. That’s where he should be, and it’s where this team is aiming to be.”

    Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin

    Source: www.motorsport.com

  • F1 Icon Jack Doohan on Why He Values Childhood Neighbor and Seven-Time Champion Michael Schumacher

    F1 Icon Jack Doohan on Why He Values Childhood Neighbor and Seven-Time Champion Michael Schumacher

    Not many people can say they grew up next door to a seven-time Formula 1 World Champion. Haas reserve driver Jack Doohan can. Michael Schumacher was a close friend of Doohan’s father, five-time motorcycle World Champion Mick Doohan, and gave the young Jack his first go-kart—an early gift that helped launch his motorsport career.

    In the latest edition of F1 Icons, Doohan explains why Schumacher remains his Formula 1 idol and why his admiration extends far beyond the German driver’s records and championships.

    My father and Michael Schumacher were very close friends. After 1994 they both won their first world championships and somehow were neighbours – one winning on two wheels and one on four wheels. The relationship started there and all my very early years were crossed over with Michael.

    I would spend time around the house so, on four wheels, Michael has never been out of the equation for being my idol. I also received my first go-kart from him – for me and my sister – and that was really the start to getting where I am now.

    Even if we don’t touch further on what he’s done in the sport, or how successful his F1 story is, I’m incredibly grateful for having such a close relationship with him.

    The magnitude of him as an athlete definitely didn’t hit early on. I was a three, five, seven-year-old kid coming home from school and he was just with my father – whatever it might be. When these people are close to you, they’re just another good human like we all are. That’s the basis that gets lost sometimes in the F1 paddock.

    At the end of the day, drivers are just normal people. I always say that – apart from being a performer, which essentially we are right? Athlete performers, no different to the circus!

    You’re just another Joe Blow. You’ve got the same routine, you wake up, you have your coffee, you do your stuff, you go to work and you come back home.

    I always wanted to stick so true to those values of being no different to anyone else no matter where on the schedule you are in life. With Michael, I was sort of embedded in that and I really wanted to carry those values in myself.

    On track he carried himself with confidence. Obviously, he had good people around him, but he had the right amount of aggressiveness. His calculated tolerance was very assertive and the way he placed the car on track, what he would do with it on track, was extremely strong.

    He was always there, you know? Even when things weren’t flowing – whether it be gearbox issues or failures – and he was very, very passionate on and off the track from what I’ve heard from my father.

    So, the values are very similar. Especially correlating that between other drivers that my father knew around that time compared to Michael, and hearing the lengths and extent that he worked away from the track, it’s clear to see why he was as successful as he was.

    The standouts were being physically fit and being mentally fit. Both him and my dad, instead of getting two hours of work done and saying, ‘I did my deed’ they were consistently going tail for tail and pushing one another. They weren’t just doing what was needed and then moving on.

    It’s difficult to put his legacy into words, right? And it’s going to vary from person to person.

    It really comes down to statistics. You can be the most successful Formula 1 driver of all time because in the 1960s, you might have jumped in for one race and won. On a spreadsheet they might have a 100% success rate but are you better than Lewis Hamilton, Michael Schumacher or Sebastian Vettel?

    That’s an argument to be said because there will be different perspectives on statistics. Arguing what’s going to be right or wrong really varies from person to person.

    For me, regardless of winning seven World Championships over two different decades – with different machinery and different types of vehicles – it’s incredibly inspiring to keep so strong for so long. And then to rejoin in a different time again with a new team fresh off the bat.

    There are multiple aspects to praise him, but for me there is so much more beyond his performances inside the car that make Michael Schumacher my F1 idol.