Scuderia Ferrari has revealed a special tribute livery for the SF-26 to be used at the Italian Grand Prix this weekend, honoring the legacy of seven-time Formula 1 world champion Michael Schumacher. The “Sunday Rituals” design is inspired by the F310 Schumacher drove during his first season with the team in 1996.
Ferrari Unveils Michael Schumacher Tribute for Monza
The predominantly red livery removes the white engine cover used since the start of the year and incorporates a throwback font for the car numbers along with Schumacher’s signature. To reference the magnesium rims of the F310, the wheels feature a hint of gold. The car’s nose displays seven stars, representing Schumacher’s world titles, and features his personal logo, which depicts the letters M and S shaped around a Formula 1 cockpit silhouette.
The celebration marks 30 years since Schumacher joined the Scuderia and 20 years since his final F1 victory in the 2006 Chinese Grand Prix. During his 11-season partnership with Ferrari, Schumacher won 72 grands prix and five consecutive drivers’ championships from 2000 to 2004. His 1999 constructors’ championship win ended a 16-year drought for the team, and his 2000 title made him the first Ferrari driver to be world champion since Jody Scheckter in 1979.
Commemorative Gear and Historic Displays
Drivers Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton will wear bespoke racing suits, helmets, gloves, and shoes. The overalls feature white striping across the shoulders and down the front, Schumacher’s logo, and seven white stars on the back. The wider Ferrari team will also wear commemorative clothing on Sunday.
Three historic cars from Schumacher’s tenure will be displayed at Monza: the F310 from 1996, the F2002, and the 248 F1 from 2006. On Saturday, Rubens Barrichello, Schumacher’s 2002 teammate, will drive the F2002. Sebastian Vettel will also take the F2002 for a commemorative lap before Sunday’s race.
This event continues a recent Ferrari tradition of special Monza liveries. Previous designs include:
- 2022: Yellow and black detailing for the team’s 75th anniversary and the Monza circuit centenary.
- 2023: Inspiration from the Le Mans-winning 499P Hypercar.
- 2025: A retro 312T-inspired look marking 50 years since Niki Lauda’s first world title.
Championship Leader Kimi Antonelli Faces Grid Penalty
While Ferrari prepares for its home race, championship leader Kimi Antonelli will start the Italian Grand Prix from the back of the grid. Mercedes announced during the previous race weekend in the Netherlands that the 20-year-old will take an engine penalty.
The penalty occurs because Antonelli has been fitted with a power unit component that exceeds the season’s allocation. Mercedes has faced several power unit issues this year, including a failure for Antonelli in Barcelona and problems for teammate George Russell in Canada and Belgium.
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff stated that calculations indicated Monza was the best track to take the penalty, noting that algorithms don’t take their nationality into consideration
despite it being Antonelli’s home race. Wolff added, We’re here to fight for a championship and not get the most PR
.
Antonelli currently holds a 59-point advantage over his two nearest rivals. Experts suggest the Temple of Speed
may be a favorable location for a recovery drive due to long straights and Mercedes’ power unit performance. Recent history at Monza includes Pierre Gasly winning from 10th for AlphaTauri, Max Verstappen winning in 2022 after a five-place penalty, and Lewis Hamilton finishing fifth after starting from the last row.
Competitive Landscape
Ferrari enters the Italian Grand Prix second in the constructors’ championship, trailing Mercedes by 87 points. The team views Antonelli’s grid penalty as an additional opportunity in its pursuit of victory at its home circuit.
