Sebastian Vettel: There is still a race to win for my friend Michael Schumacher

The run is part of celebrations marking 30 years since Schumacher's first season at Maranello. At the time, becoming the most succesful partnership between driver and team in the history of the sport in the process.

Vettel announced his appearance in a video posted on Instagram with the caption: “There is still a race to win for my friend Michael." Adding: "Hey, everyone, I'll be coming to Monza this Sunday, and I will be driving Michael's car. I'm very excited about it and I look forward to it.

“Obviously, we don't see Michael anymore, but I'm sure on Sunday, we will very much feel him and hear him. So it will be a huge privilege and an honour for me to drive his car. And, of course, I'm also looking forward to seeing you all."

Ferrari confirmed Vettel's return to a Formula 1 cockpit as the team unveiled a special Italian Grand Prix livery inspired by Schumacher's 1996 Ferrari F310. The tribute comes 30 years after Schumacher joined Ferrari and only days before the anniversary of his first Italian Grand Prix victory for the team at Monza.

Schumacher and teammate Eddie Irvine raced the F310 during the 1996 season, the German's first with Ferrari after winning consecutive world championships with Benetton.

Vettel, who idolised Schumacher as a youngster and later became a close friend of his compatriot, retired from full-time Formula 1 racing at the end of the 2022 season. The 39-year-old has nevertheless remained active behind the wheel through demonstration runs linked to his Race Without Trace environmental initiative.

Vettel has previously driven the 1992 Williams FW14B and Ayrton Senna's 1993 McLaren MP4/8 using sustainable fuels as part of the campaign.

His Monza appearance will form part of a wider Ferrari tribute to Schumacher during the team's home Grand Prix weekend, with the Scuderia also using its special F310-inspired colours on its current Formula 1 cars.

Schumacher spent 11 seasons with Ferrari from 1996 to 2006, winning five consecutive drivers' championships between 2000 and 2004.