Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc Thrill Tifosi in Milan Ahead of F1 Season Opener
Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc electrified Ferrari fans during a special event in Milan’s Piazza Castello, showcasing their cars and talents as they gear up for the start of the Formula One season. The event, presented by Ferrari sponsor Unicredit, attracted a massive crowd of 35,000 enthusiastic tifosi, who were treated to thrilling displays of speed and skill.
Hamilton, driving a 2021 SF21 car, and Leclerc, behind the wheel of the SF90—the vehicle that secured his first win for Ferrari in 2019—performed simultaneous laps, impressing the crowd with tire-burning maneuvers and the roar of their engines. Hamilton noted the excitement in the air, reflecting on the fervor of Ferrari fans he had witnessed over the years, from Sebastian Vettel’s glory days to the current era with Leclerc.
“I’ve seen the tifosi over the years for Sebastian, Fernando, Charles, and Carlos, so I wasn’t surprised,” said Hamilton. The seven-time world champion expressed his desire to connect more deeply with the fans, saying, “I really want to be able to communicate with them in Italian, so I’ve got to work on it.”
As Hamilton transitions from Mercedes to Ferrari, he recognizes the weight of expectations that come with driving for the most successful team in Formula One history. While Ferrari hasn’t clinched a championship since 2008, Hamilton understands the importance of striving for victory. “Just driving for Ferrari is a huge honor,” he remarked. “I know that’s what they exist to do, to work towards, and the tifosi are dying for that.”
Leclerc echoed Hamilton’s sentiments, emphasizing the motivation that the passionate fanbase provides. “It motivates us so much. We feel the responsibility when driving for Ferrari, and the passion makes everything so much more positive,” he stated.
With the season opener set for March 16 in Melbourne, both drivers head into the new campaign with high hopes and a sense of purpose, eager to deliver results that will reignite Ferrari’s championship ambitions. As they prepare for the challenges ahead, the support of the tifosi remains a powerful source of inspiration.
