Michael Schumacher and Sebastian Vettel are known to be close friends ever since Schumacher came back for his final stint in Formula 1. Months before his skiing accident, Schumacher gave an indication that he wanted Sebastian Vettel to join Ferrari.
After Sebastian Vettel won the 2013 Italian Grand Prix, he was booed by the fans while going on the podium. The Tifosi were absolutely ruthless as Vettel had prevented the then-Ferrari driver, Fernando Alonso from winning the race. After the race, the media asked Michael Schumacher about the boos his countryman received after winning the race.
“They didn’t love me at first,” Schumacher told Bild newspaper. “For that, you have to be wearing a red suit, They respect Sebastian’s achievement, but they are not always able to react differently from an emotional side,”
Although Sebastian Vettel was on course to win his 4th Championship in 2013, the Tifosi wanted to see a Ferrari driver on the top step. This has always been the case. Even in 2023, the Tifosi booed Max Verstappen after qualifying. Charles Leclerc stepped in to ask the fans to stop booing.
Despite being booed on the podium in 2013, Sebastian Vettel became one of the favorites of the Tifosi when he joined Ferrari in 2015. Although he was not able to win the Italian Grand Prix with Ferrari, he did achieve 3 consecutive podiums right after he joined the team.
Sebastian Vettel was considered to be Ferrari’s best chance at winning a Championship. He wanted to do what Schumacher did wearing the red outfit. Unfortunately, he was unsuccessful in doing so. He did come close a couple of times.
How many times did Michael Schumacher win the Italian Grand Prix?
Only 2 drivers have been able to achieve 5 wins at the Italian Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton and Michael Schumacher. Both of these drivers are considered to be the best of the best. While Lewis Hamilton won his 5 races in Italy wearing the McLaren and the Mercedes outfit, Schumacher did so wearing the Ferrari outfit.
When Michael Schumacher won the race in 2000, the Tifosi raided the track in excitement. The German driver had to wave everyone off to avoid hitting them as he was driving into the pit lane for the podium celebrations. This shows the Tifosi’s commitment to the sport and the team. During every Italian Grand Prix, you can see fans climbing trees to witness the cars on track.
Winning in Monza with Ferrari is considered to be an iconic moment for the driver. Schumacher was able to do so in his first year with Ferrari. No other driver has won 5 Italian Grand Prix with Ferrari. This is one of the reasons why Schumacher is the Tifosi’s favorite driver. After Schumacher’s accident in 2013, the Tifosi stood outside the hospital to show their support. The name Michael Schumacher will forever hold a special place in the hearts of the Tifosi.
The last driver to win the Italian Grand Prix in Monza was Charles Leclerc in 2019. He has not been able to do so since then. However, Charles’ career is just starting and he should have more opportunities to repeat that performance in front of the Tifosi.
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