Schumacher emphatically won the 2002 Formula 1 World Championship ahead of his teammate and closest rival, Rubens Barrichello, and it was that title-winning car that Vettel took for a spin ahead of the 2026 Italian Grand Prix.
Speaking about why he decided to return to a track where he has fond memories from his own days in the sport, Vettel said: "Well, first and foremost, it is for my friend.
"He is my childhood hero, and later on we had a deep connection as friends; we shared so many nice memories.
"And I think we would much rather see him drive today than me. But I am really looking forward to my moment in the car because I think it will be a moment where I will feel Michael, what he stands for. I think it is so much more than just a couple of laps. It is his car, a championship-winning car, a Ferrari at Monza."
An emotional Vettel was just as open and honest when talking about how Schumacher's life-changing skiing accident in 2013 has affected him. The German was asked what he would say to Michael if he could talk to him today: "You drive, it's yours! I think that would be the first thing I would say to him. And then I think I missed him so much in moments where I think he could have been real help.
"But that is small because there was a lot of loss after his accident, a lot of pain for him and his family"
Vettel went on to speak about what he thought Schumacher's legacy was on the sport: "I think you will see it today, simple as that. People will be here for him and for what he has achieved, but he had his way of expressing, a way that wasn't very popular all the time.
"Some of you journalists were around when he wasn't that popular, but I think you will feel his legacy today, and that is powerful and great to be a part of."
Vettel admitted that he was honoured to be asked to do this special one-off lap in tribute to Schumacher. He said: "I'm very happy, I feel honoured - it's a huge privilege. A lot of things came together but deep down it is because I love the sport.
"I know I don't race anymore, but I will always be a racer.
"Coming back today and having that special occasion and remind myself who Michael was, it will be a special moment."
Both Vettel and Schumacher are two legends of Formula 1, and in the absence of Schumacher this weekend, it feels fitting that his friend and former Ferrari driver should be the one to pay tribute to one of the greatest drivers of all time and a fan favourite around the iconic 'Temple of Speed' circuit.
