As soon as you step into Milan, anyone can notice a shift in the air: the atmosphere becomes electric, full of adrenaline, but still rich with the old, languid serenity of Italy. Yet, last Thursday some red thunders shook the city, moving through the hustle and bustle of a buses and cars. Thousands of people gathered in front of a stage in Piazza Castello, as well as in the nearby squares and streets, just to get a glimpse of the new Ferrari team in an event called "Scuderia Ferrari HP Drivers' Presentation by UniCredit"; old and new fans, as well as curious passers-by, couldn't be resist the call, and created some amazing splashes of red for the whole afternoon.
The event started at 5 pm, when Benedetto Vigna, CEO of Ferrari, and Andrea Orcel, CEO of Unicredit, took the stage and welcomed the fans. "You can only live a passion like this, and I am so honoured to see so many people here. Thank you for all the support, for everything that you do for our team. We will do our best", said the former. Then Frederic Vasseur did a brief introduction, telling his emotions for the upcoming season: "Everyone in the factory, from the mechanics to the drivers, is fully recharged. We don't get to do events like this very often, and we will carry to Melbourne all the positive energy we received today. There will be some ups and dows during the season, the grid is very packed. At the end of every tech cycle the performance of several teams gets closer. I wish we could be in the front on our own, but we will fight at least with 3 teams. It will be interesting".
Hamilton and Leclerc on the main stage
Just a few moments later, it was time for Leclerc to jump into the SF-70, the car he won his first races with, back in 2019, and entertain the public. The Monegasque did some laps around the "circuit" made for the occasion, and then even some donuts, before leaving room for his new teammate behind the wheel of the SF-21. "Thank you Milan for your support. It's wonderful to be here, you make everything so special. It's a priviledge to drive for Ferrari, and we will do our best to thrill you this season", Leclerc even said in a short team radio.
The drivers then got on the main stage, fully supported by the crowd, and answered some questions. Leclerc was really emotional as he thanked the crowd: "It's always special to meet with the Tifosi, and I hope for you it's the same. All of your encouragement makes me happy. I grew up as a Tifoso and I still am. I am living my dream and it's a priviledge to represent Ferrari. This team is special for its passion, and everytime I see you I am reminded of it. Thank you". On the other hand, Hamilton was more on the quiet side, trying to take it all in, as the Italians were welcoming him with great passion: "It's my second time here, but the first in front of the Tifosi and there is nothing quite like it. Everything it's new to me. I was in Fiorano and I saw many people there, but it's my first time officially meeting you all. It's also my first time driving this car, and to do that in Milan it's really special. And you can see I really enjoy your food as well".
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Main cover photo x.com
