– Sunday at the 2026 Italian Grand Prix in Monza was one of those days when just being at the racetrack felt special and witnessing a remarkable sporting event. The fact that it became such a memorable day was, of course, primarily due to Kimi Antonelli and his charge through the field.
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For the Tifosi, the race was an emotional rollercoaster: starting with the always special atmosphere on the grid – including the magnificent flyover of the “Frecce Tricolori” – through the tears after Charles Leclerc’s accident to Antonelli’s wonderful home victory.
Perhaps the most memorable moment, however, came hours later, after the drivers had completed their media appointments. After the author of this article came out of a media session with Toto Wolff – in which the Mercedes team principal described Antonelli’s performance with the words “He’s walking on water” – the entire Mercedes team made their way to the pit lane for the traditional team photo after a race win.
Ferrari fans celebrate Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli
But after the photos were taken, the celebrations were far from over. Antonelli was lifted onto the shoulders of team members and then made his way to the command center.
Thousands of Italian fans were still gathered on the start-finish straight, hoping to catch a glimpse of their heroes. When Antonelli appeared, the noise level rose significantly again and Monza went completely wild – especially when the youngster decided to crowd surf.
For minutes, “Ole, ole, ole, ole, Kimi, Kimi!” chants echoed across the track. It was a remarkable sight: thousands of fans dressed in red cheering a Mercedes driver – but for a good reason. For the first time since 1966, one of their own, an Italian, had won again in the “Temple of Speed.”
The media interest in Sebastian Vettel is enormous
Another reason why this Sunday in Monza was so special was a moment even before the race – perhaps the real highlight of the day: Sebastian Vettel’s demo run in the Ferrari F2002, one of the most successful Ferrari models driven by his childhood idol Michael Schumacher.
Before Vettel took the wheel of the legendary red car, he first appeared in the media area. There, Vettel took plenty of time for all TV teams and then spoke for eight minutes with the writing journalists.
The turnout was overwhelming. The small media area was more crowded than at any other time this year. This showed not only how great the interest in the demo run was but also how popular Vettel still is in the paddock.
Vettel gets emotional when Schumacher is the topic
What followed was quite emotional, especially when the conversation turned to Schumacher. Asked by Motorsport-Total.com why the demo run in the F2002 meant so much more to him than just doing a few laps on a classic racetrack, the four-time world champion explained:
“I think, first and foremost, I do it for my friend and to remember him. That becomes very emotional. He is my childhood hero, and later a deep connection developed between us through our friendship. We got quite close and shared so many beautiful memories together.”
When asked what Vettel would like to say to Schumacher, he replied:
“I would say: ‘You drive. It’s yours.’ I missed him in moments when I believe he could really have helped me. But that’s a small thing, because the loss after his accident and the pain for him and his family are much greater than what I or other people miss about him.”
The deeper meaning of Vettel’s Monza laps
The laps in Monza therefore had a deeper meaning for Vettel:
“His true legacy? I think you will feel that today. It’s that simple. People feel deeply connected to him – because of what he achieved but also because of the way he expressed himself.”
“That way was not always particularly popular. Sometimes the opposite was even the case. Some of you journalists were already there when he was not very popular. But I think today you will feel his legacy – and that is powerful.”
Why the Ferrari F2002 strikes a special chord
Half an hour after Vettel’s media appointment, exactly that became reality: when Vettel got into the F2002, a small group of journalists – including the author of this article – made their way to the first chicane.
As the magnificent sound of the V10 engine filled Monza, Schumacher’s legacy (retrieve all Schumacher statistics in the Formula 1 database!) was actually felt throughout the park. The combination of one of Schumacher’s most iconic Ferraris and Vettel at the wheel was something special. And judging by the reactions in the stands, the Tifosi felt exactly the same.
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But that was only one level on which this demo run had a deeper meaning. The second was that it basically showed quite precisely how Formula 1 should be – and that obviously struck a chord with those present.
The sound experience contradicts the Formula 1 stance
No matter how often Formula 1 management (FOM) in the person of Stefano Domenicali claims that fans don’t care about the sound or that they don’t mind if the cars start “clipping” halfway down the straight – i.e., no longer using full electric power due to energy management – the F2002 clearly triggered something with its sound in the stands.
When Vettel shot past us for the first time and the sound became increasingly impressive as he accelerated towards “Curva Grande,” every photographer at the trackside had a smile on their face. One turned around, gave a thumbs up, and said: “Wow, this is how Formula 1 should be.” And frankly, he was right.
Vettel’s laps felt like an experience, something special to witness. Not only because of Schumacher’s legacy and the associated emotions but also because this V10 from a past era did something to everyone who was there.
Can the F2002 demo trigger a rethink?
Ideally, this impulse will be picked up and understood as an indication of the direction in which the sport should develop again. It’s not just about sound and spectacle but also about enabling drivers to constantly push to the limit and rewarding them for taking risks.
Vettel naturally sees all these aspects as well but was very careful not to criticize Formula 1 too harshly. He said: “From a driver’s perspective, I probably don’t agree with everything we currently have in the regulations. But looking to the future, I believe there is a huge opportunity in that to bring people along.”
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“And maybe moments like today can also remind people what this sport once was, what it is today, and what it should and can be in the future. And that in a responsible way.”
“One does not have to exclude the other. I think we have to find ways to connect the things we love with all the possibilities we have.”
Why Vettel does not see “the one solution”
Vettel’s position is particularly interesting in this regard. The German has long been one of the most prominent advocates of sustainable fuels – also in his own historic race cars. And these sustainable fuels are now considered a possibility to give the combustion engine a bigger role again in the future.
“But I don’t believe there is a medicine that works for everything, or a single measure that solves all problems,” said the 53-time Grand Prix winner. (Look up Sebastian Vettel and his statistics in the Formula 1 database!)
“When developing the next generation of cars, I think there is a lot of potential to do this responsibly. Because some things may be incredible from a technological point of view but might not be transferable to road cars. I think there is also a responsibility in that.”
“If that possibility no longer exists at some point and you maybe reach a point where you are ready to simplify things, you can still act responsibly and set a good example – just in a different way and by different means. Not only on the racetrack but also off it.”
“I look forward to what the future brings because Formula 1 has so many beautiful values that have shaped me and inspired me in my life. It touches many people around the world and has the power to do the same with many other topics that are important and can make a difference.”
And that is exactly a crucial point: even if the engine formula should become somewhat more classic again in the future, Formula 1 can still meet all these ideals and sustainability goals – perhaps just in a different way.
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Thus, Vettel’s demo run in Monza had a deeper meaning for two reasons: on the one hand, because it kept Schumacher’s legacy alive; on the other hand, because it could be understood as an indication of what Formula 1 can be – and maybe even should be again.
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