Vettel reveals he misses racing after emotional Schumacher tribute, but rules out F1 comeback

"I felt so comfortable in the car and I know deep down how much I miss it," Vettel told reporters. The 39-year-old drove Schumacher's 2002 Ferrari during the Italian GP weekend and admitted the experience brought those feelings back strongly. However, Vettel says retirement remains the right decision. "I think I was ready back then and I'm enjoying life now," said the German.

While a return to the cockpit appears firmly off the table, Vettel did not shut the door on Formula 1 entirely. "It depends on what it is," he said. "I will always be connected to the sport."

Vettel did not specify what kind of role might interest him. At 39, he would still only be the third oldest driver on the current grid behind Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton, but a return behind the wheel appears to be firmly in the past.

Vettel's reflections on his own future came alongside a deeply emotional tribute to Schumacher, his childhood hero and later close friend. As GPBlog reported on Sunday, Vettel thrilled the Monza crowd with donuts in the F2002 as part of Ferrari's Schumacher Legacy Celebration, marking 30 years since the seven-time champion joined the Scuderia and 20 years since his final win with the team.

But the emotional weight of the occasion went far deeper than the driving. "Michael wasn't here today, but I felt his presence very strongly," Vettel said. "It's a special moment that makes me miss my friend even more." He added: "For a few seconds, it felt like being him."

Vettel also put his own feelings into perspective, acknowledging that Schumacher's family has endured far greater pain. "That's only a small thing, because the loss after his accident and the pain for him and his family are much greater than what I or other people miss about him," he said. Asked what he would say to Schumacher if he could, Vettel kept it simple: "You drive. It's yours."