Ralf Schumacher emotional on Maranello pilgrimage

Ralf Schumacher says his first visit to Ferrari’s Maranello base was a moving reminder of his brother Michael’s legacy.

The 50-year-old made the trip ahead of this weekend’s Italian GP, describing the experience as unlike anything else in Formula 1.

"I know a few teams, but this was something very special," he told Sky Deutschland. "It was wonderful to see everything around it, how Maranello is alive. Ferrari and this position in Italy, that's unique."

At Ristorante Montana - the legendary eatery where “Mamma Rossella” looked after generations of Ferrari drivers - Ralf said: "It's a special place. Impressive pictures, helmet collections, memorabilia. It made me realise once again what Michael had initiated at Ferrari and what he left behind."

The museum opposite the F1 factory was another highlight. "Over 650,000 visitors annually," Ralf noted. "When you come into the Hall of Fame and see how your own brother shaped that era and will likely continue to shape it for a long time to come, that's special. The museum director said, 'Not every driver has that – he was family.'"

He even revealed that Ferrari’s current drivers still ask after Michael’s favourite dish at Montana. "Then they choose that," Ralf smiled.