Ferrari will turn back the clock at Monza this weekend, with its SF-26s set to wear a striking tribute to one of the most important figures in the team’s modern history.
The Scuderia unveiled its special Italian Grand Prix livery on Tuesday, marking 30 years since Michael Schumacher began his legendary Ferrari adventure. And while the German’s first Ferrari season did not yet hint at the domination that would follow, his victory at Monza in 1996 provided an early glimpse of what was to come.
The design draws heavily on the Ferrari F310 that Schumacher raced during his first campaign at Maranello, bringing a glorious piece of Ferrari history onto the modern grid.
An F310 flashback at Monza
Predominantly red, the special SF-26 features white detailing on the wings and black elements, while the BBS wheels carry a subtle golden hue inspired by the magnesium rims used on Schumacher’s 1996 machine.
Ferrari has also incorporated Schumacher’s distinctive ‘MS’ logo, while the nose features a graphic inspired by the seven-star helmet design he famously used later in his career.
The tribute carries considerable weight. Schumacher arrived at Ferrari as a two-time world champion and would ultimately become the central figure in the Scuderia’s transformation into Formula 1’s dominant force.
©Ferrari
His three victories in 1996 – in Spain, Belgium and Italy – were merely the opening act. Between 2000 and 2004, Schumacher swept to five consecutive world championships with Ferrari, establishing a legacy that remains deeply woven into the team’s identity.
Ferrari says his contribution extended far beyond trophies, highlighting his relentless pursuit of perfection, meticulous attention to detail, discipline and commitment to teamwork as qualities that helped reshape the culture at Maranello.
Hamilton and Leclerc join the tribute
Monza therefore provides the perfect stage for Ferrari to celebrate that legacy, with the team keen to underline that Schumacher’s influence remains relevant three decades later.
Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc will both race in specially designed overalls, gloves and shoes, while the entire Ferrari team will also adopt special racewear on Sunday.
The two drivers will complete the visual homage with bespoke helmets, creating a direct link between Schumacher’s pioneering Ferrari years and the Scuderia of today.
For Ferrari, it is more than a nostalgic makeover. At the team’s most important home race, the scarlet machines will carry a reminder of where one of its greatest chapters began — and of the extraordinary standard Schumacher helped establish at Maranello.
Read also: Ferrari unveil Schumacher-inspired race suits for Monza
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