Schumacher, 21, already drove the famous car last year in Hockenheim but said driving it at Ferrari’s track in Mugello was an even bigger experience because Michael Schumacher amassed a lot of test mileage on the course.

“It was unbelievable to drive this car. There were so many emotions,” the youngster said.

“It is an honour to do this. I would have liked a few more laps. It is very special to drive this car here as the second generation.”

Schumacher’s drive was part of Ferrari’s celebrations of their 1,000th F1 race later Sunday in Mugello. The track hosts a first-ever F1 race because grands prix in Asia and the Americas have been cancelled owing to the coronavirus pandemic.

“That is my favourite car,” current Ferrari driver Sebastian Vettel said as he watched Schumacher’s excursion.

Mick Schumacher finished fifth and fourth in the weekend races at Mugello to retain the F2 championship lead, eight points ahead of Briton Callum Ilott with six races left.

Schumacher and Ilott are members of the Ferrari young driver academy and could earn a place in F1 next year.

There is speculation that Schumacher could take part in an F1 race weekend later this season by driving in free practice for Haas or Alfa Romeo who are supplied with engines by Ferrari.

Michael Schumacher, who spent 11 seasons at Ferrari, has a record 91 race wins and seven world titles. He has not been seen in public since suffering severe head injuries in the skiing accident in 2013.

His records are however under threat as Mercedes star Lewis Hamilton eyes a 90th race win later Sunday in Mugello and can claim a seventh world title in December.