This week, Ferrari made a spectacular comeback to Milan’s Piazza Castello for the first time in six years, with none other than Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton showcasing the adrenaline-pumping power of Formula 1 cars in a thrilling street demo.
On Thursday, over twenty thousand fans, hailing from all corners of Europe, flooded the Piazza Castello and its nearby streets. The event, called “Drivers’ Presentation by UniCredit,” painted the town red with a vibrant mix of Formula 1 zeal. Team Principal Fred Vasseur joined Leclerc and Hamilton, as the crowd buzzed with excitement.
This grand spectacle was organized in collaboration with the European banking giant UniCredit, which has stepped in as Ferrari’s premium partner following Santander’s departure. This marked Ferrari’s first Milan appearance in six years, and its significance was hard to miss.
Dedicated fans, eager to snag the best spots, arrived at dawn and lined the edges of the piazza early on. As afternoon faded into evening, a DJ set further energized the crowd, setting the stage for some special guests. Among the first on stage were Ferrari CEO Benedetto Vigna and UniCredit’s CEO Andrea Orcel, warmly welcomed by Sky Sport presenters Carlo Vanzini and Vicky Piria.
Reflecting on the vital partnership between Ferrari and UniCredit, Vigna emphasized, “This collaboration is about more than just business; it’s about creating memorable events like these. Milan is perfect for this, as it feels like Monza for us every year,” to which Orcel optimistically added, “Let’s hope this red-hued square brings luck for an outstanding season.”
After the speeches, Leclerc and Hamilton revved up the engines of the 2019 SF90 and 2021 SF21, dazzling the audience with their electrifying show. Leclerc hit the road first, astounding onlookers, many of whom were Scuderia Ferrari Club members, with daring doughnuts and a showcase of quick pit stop prowess by the mechanics.
Next up was Hamilton, the seven-time world champion, who mirrored his teammate’s performance, delighting the fans with burn-outs and well-rehearsed spins along the barriers.
As Leclerc and Hamilton wrapped up their demo with parade laps in a Ferrari SF90 Spider, expertly driven by Ferrari’s Head of Development Drivers, Raffaele De Simone, Team Boss Fred Vasseur seized the chance to engage with fans. In Italian, he expressed heartfelt gratitude: “Thank you for your unwavering support and for being here today.” Switching to English, he remarked, “Events like today’s remind us of the deep passion for our team. We are geared up for an exciting season.”
With Vasseur done, Leclerc and Hamilton took the spotlight. Leclerc beamed with pride as he exclaimed, “Milan has been electrifying today! This love fuels us for the upcoming championship.”
During his introductory season with Scuderia, Hamilton shared, “Being here in Milan, in red, amidst historic cars, including those driven by Michael Schumacher, is surreal. This debut season feels truly unforgettable, and I’m eager to hit the track with this incredible team. We have the resources to contend for the World Championship, and your support can be our secret weapon. Let’s enjoy this ride together.”
Both drivers couldn’t have asked for a more enthusiastic send-off as they prepared to take on the thrilling challenges the new season promises.
