– Ferrari lets the cat out of the bag: As Motorsport-Total.com reported a few days ago, the Scuderia has unveiled the special design for the two SF-26s of Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc. It is a tribute to Michael Schumacher, who competed in his first Formula 1 season with Ferrari exactly 30 years ago.
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The design of the two SF-26s is therefore a reminiscence of the Ferrari F310 from the 1996 season. With this car, Schumacher not only laid the foundation for the most successful era in the history of the racing team but also celebrated his first victory for Ferrari at the Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona.
Further triumphs followed in Belgium and Monza. At the home race, the Ferrari SF-26 will therefore predominantly shine in the red color that already characterized the F310 back then. This is complemented by white elements on the wings as well as black accents. A golden ring is integrated into the rims, reminiscent of the golden rims from the 1996 season.
Photo gallery: Ferrari shows special design in honor of Michael Schumacher
In several places, the connection to Schumacher is even clearer: On the nose, there are the seven stars as well as the rectangle design that also adorned the helmet of the Ferrari driver back then. Added to this is the well-known Michael Schumacher logo that adorns the engine cover, as well as a special design of the starting numbers.
Sebastian Vettel drives Michael Schumacher’s Ferrari
Under the motto “Sunday Rituals,” the aim is not only to remember Schumacher’s successes but also the special connection between Ferrari, the German, and the Tifosi. Besides the special design, the Scuderia has therefore planned some special activities for the fans at the racetrack.
In Monza, Ferrari brings together three vehicles from different phases of Schumacher’s Ferrari time: the F310 from 1996, the F2002 from one of the most dominant seasons in Formula 1 history, and the 248 F1 from 2006, with which Schumacher ended his Ferrari career.
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The appearance of the F2002 is likely to be particularly emotional: Schumacher’s then teammate Rubens Barrichello will drive the legendary Ferrari on Saturday. The Brazilian won the 2002 Italian Grand Prix with exactly this model.
Before the start of the race on Sunday, Sebastian Vettel will take the wheel. The four-time world champion and former Ferrari driver grew up with Schumacher as his great idol. Vettel will do a lap of honor with the F2002, thus commemorating the career of his former role model.
Hamilton and Leclerc with special Schumacher racing suit
At the Italian Grand Prix, however, not only the SF-26 will shine in the special design: The helmets and racing suits of Hamilton and Leclerc also pick up the look of the German record world champion. On the upper back, the seven stars can be seen again, which were also found on his helmet.
On the hip of the racing suits, which feature white stripes extending to the front, on the sleeves, and over the shoulders, the Michael Schumacher logo can be found again. The German Formula 1 world champion competed in a total of 179 races for the team between 1996 and 2006.
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Schumacher remains the most successful driver of the Scuderia to this day: Five of his seven world championship titles were won consecutively (from 2000 to 2004) in the service of the racing team from Maranello. During this time – in the highly successful era under Jean Todt and Ross Brawn – Schumacher achieved 72 wins and 58 pole positions.
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