Ferrari have hinted at a special tribute to iconic former Formula 1 driver Michael Schumacher at the team's home Italian Grand Prix. The German is considered one of F1's all-time greats, having secured a record-equalling seven driver's world championships throughout his career.
Schumacher's Ferrari legacy
Schumacher is only rivalled by current Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton, who surpassed his record for race victories in 2020. The F1 legend claimed five consecutive world titles for Ferrari from 2000 to 2004 and racked up 72 of his 91 race triumphs with the Scuderia, before announcing his first retirement straight after winning the 2006 Italian GP.
Schumacher made his F1 comeback with Mercedes in 2010, before hanging up his helmet for good two years later. The 57-year-old sustained serious head injuries in a skiing accident in December 2013 and has not been spotted in public since.
Tribute plans and anniversary
Ferrari are apparently preparing to pay homage to Schumacher's contribution by running its SF-26 cars in a special livery honouring the German. Multiple clues have appeared on social media from the Italian outfit.
Next week's Grand Prix at Monza represents the 30th anniversary of Schumacher's maiden victory with Ferrari in 1996. It also arrives 20 years on from his final F1 triumph in 2006.
Friend's remarks on Schumacher
The complete details regarding Schumacher's medical situation following his accident 13 years ago have been kept private by his family, and updates concerning the German have been limited.
Former racing driver and close friend of Schumacher, Christian Danner, opened up about the ex-Ferrari legend during a recent interview with OLBG.
He said: "However Michael looks, or under whatever conditions he's alive - I don't know - I want to see him again."
"The fact that he's not appearing anywhere indicates that he's probably not very well. But Formula 1's prepared for that. Formula 1's prepared for everything."
"He's one of the heroes in the history of Formula 1, so if he would be happy and fit enough to come back, no matter the circumstances, in whatever condition, I think Formula 1 can cope with it easily."
He added: "There are heroes in any kind of sport that have had a problem and have kind of fallen. But once they're alive, I think it does everyone a lot of good [to see them again]."
"For me personally, it would be absolutely smashing to see him. I think that feeling is around for virtually everybody in Formula 1."
