Scuderia Ferrari F1 team meets over 20,000 fans in Milan

Over 20,000 people from all across Europe flocked to the Piazza Castello and surrounding streets in Milan, turning the city red at the Drivers’ Presentation by UniCredit event. The stars of the event were Scuderia Ferrari drivers Charles Leclerc, Lewis Hamilton and Team Principal Fred Vasseur. It was the first time in 6 years that the F1 team returned to the Italian city.

Meeting the fans
The most hardcore fans were already in Milan at the crack of dawn, claiming a front row seat near the stage in the Piazza Castello. From mid-afternoon onwards, a DJ set kept the crowd entertained, before the first of the special guests arrived on stage – Ferrari CEO Benedetto Vigna and UniCredit CEO Andrea Orcel (UniCredit is a pan-European bank that is one of the team’s Premium Partners).

The importance of the partnership between the two companies was the main theme. “The collaboration between UniCredit and Scuderia Ferrari HP is also about special events like this,” said Vigna. “And Milan is absolutely the right place for this, as our partner’s headquarters are here and in Milan, you can feel the same atmosphere we enjoy every year in Monza.

“Let’s hope this red painted square is a good omen for a great season!” added Orcel.

Spectacular street demo
At precisely 5:15 pm, Charles and Lewis got into the cockpits of the 2019 SF90 and the 2021 SF21 respectively, and set out to put on a spectacular show. Leclerc was first out, impressing the crowd that included many members of the Scuderia Ferrari Clubs, with some thrilling doughnuts, as well as the mechanics showing their skill with some very rapid pit stops.

Lewis was up next, doing the same as his team-mate, as well as ending with a few burn-outs and some planned spins much to the delight of the fans alongside the barriers.

Stars on the stage
While the two drivers did some further parade laps in a Ferrari SF90 Spider driven by Ferrari’s Head of Development Drivers, Raffaele De Simone, Fred got up on stage to salute the fans in Italian. “Thank you for your unwavering support and for being here today,” before continuing in English; “This square is really something special and events like today’s remind us how strong is the passion for our team. We are all set for an exciting season and I can assure you we will give it our best shot.”

Then it was time for Leclerc and Hamilton on stage, and Charles clearly enjoyed the welcome. “Milan has delivered an incredible atmosphere again today. Feeling all this love gives us a real boost for the coming championship,” he said. “Over the winter, we have worked harder than ever to be in the best possible shape and we hope we can get some great results, maybe already in Australia.”

Lewis meets the fans
Charles then joined in as the Italian national anthem rang out, promising to teach Lewis the words over the coming season. At his first official appearance in Italy with Scuderia Ferrari HP, the Englishman was visibly impressed by the warm welcome he was given.

“Wearing red and experiencing an event like this is something special, as is being here with you in front of some historic cars including ones that Michael Schumacher raced,” he remarked, referring to the F2004 and the 2006 248 F1.

“Today is another first to go with others I’m experiencing in what is already an unforgettable season for me. I can’t wait to get on track with this extraordinary team,” he said, explaining that he is currently learning Italian. “I think we have everything we need to fight for the World Championship and I also believe that you fans can be our extra gear. I hope we will have a lot of fun together.”

Headed for Australia
The Milan event was the last appearance for Scuderia Ferrari HP before heading off to Melbourne where the season gets underway with the opening race of the Australian Grand Prix on March 16 at the Albert Park circuit.