Piero Ferrari on the legacy of Michael Schumacher

      On the eve of the Italian Grand Prix, Ferrari's Vice President and Non-Executive Director Piero Ferrari gave a brief interview to the press service, in which he spoke about Michael Schumacher's influence on the team and the principles established by the seven-time world champion that are still adhered to in Maranello.

      Question: You have been observing Ferrari's performances at Monza for many decades. Is there something that, despite all the changes in Formula 1 and the team, remains unchanged every time Ferrari comes to Monza?

      Piero Ferrari: What strikes me the most every time is the warmth of our fans. Monza has always been a special place for Ferrari, and there is always an expectation that the team will achieve something special, regardless of how the season has unfolded up to that point.

      The unique atmosphere at the racetrack, the support from fans, and the passion felt here create a special energy for the entire team. This helps every employee and driver to give their best.

      Question: Michael Schumacher won the Italian Grand Prix in 1996 in his first season with Ferrari. What do you remember about that day? How important was that victory for Michael's relationship with Ferrari and the fans?

      Piero Ferrari: At the beginning of the Schumacher era, the Ferrari team was not yet ready to regularly fight for victories, but Michael, thanks to his incredible talent, still achieved great results. His victory in Monza in 1996 is a perfect example. It was the performance of a true champion on a track that holds special significance for Ferrari.

      I think that day was important for Michael's relationship with the fans as well. He had only been with Ferrari for a few months and by that time had already won in Spain and Belgium, but the victory in Monza helped create a bond that grew stronger in the following years.

      Michael understood what it meant to race for Ferrari and how important it was for our fans. I think that is why he became such an important part of the team's history and holds a special place in the hearts of the tifosi.

      Question: When we talk about Michael Schumacher's legacy at Ferrari, we remember the victories and titles. However, behind these results were qualities such as discipline, teamwork, attention to detail, and a constant pursuit of perfection. Which of these, in your opinion, has had the strongest influence on Ferrari's culture, and what of Michael's approach to work remains in the team today?

      Piero Ferrari: During Michael's time, there were significant changes in the approach to work. Before him, car development was mainly based on the driver's feelings, his comments, and the technical data collected on the track. Michael went further and began to study how he himself acted behind the wheel.

      I remember how he would take telemetry data home to analyze every aspect of his work in detail, understand where he could improve, and find sections of the track where he could gain time. Such an exceptionally systematic approach, based on data analysis, had a huge impact on Ferrari's culture, and some of its elements are still used in the team today.

      Of course, things were different back then. There were many more tests, and all this analysis helped prepare as effectively as possible for practice, qualifying, and the race. Today, the rules restrict testing much more, but the principle remains the same.

      Michael showed how important it is to study every detail, use telemetry data as a tool for improvement, and prepare thoroughly even away from the track. I think the ability to analyze one's own work and constantly seek opportunities for improvement is one of the most significant legacies he left to Ferrari.