Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc delivered an unforgettable spectacle for thousands of passionate Ferrari fans in Milan, thrilling the crowd with burnouts and high-speed passes just before the 2025 Formula 1 season opener. In a heartwarming moment, the new Ferrari teammates shared their excitement about racing for the iconic Scuderia, with Hamilton declaring that “being a Ferrari driver is the most special thing ever,” underscoring the emotional bond between the drivers and the legendary team’s supporters.
The Milan Fan Event: A Pre-Season Spectacle
Ferrari hosted the “Scuderia Ferrari HP Drivers’ Presentation by UniCredit” on March 6, 2025, in Milan’s historic Piazza Castello, drawing an estimated 35,000 “tifosi” to celebrate the new driver lineup. The event, presented by Ferrari sponsor UniCredit, featured Hamilton and Leclerc driving classic Scuderia cars through the city streets, performing smoke-filled burnouts and donuts that left the crowd roaring.
Hamilton piloted a 2021 SF21 car, while Leclerc handled an SF90 from 2019—the model in which he secured his first Ferrari victory. The duo passed each other multiple times, filling the air with engine roars and tire screeches, creating a cinematic display of Ferrari heritage. Team principal Fred Vasseur, CEO Benedetto Vigna, and UniCredit CEO Andrea Orcel joined the drivers on stage, with Sky Sport hosts Carlo Vanzini, Vicky Piria, and Ivan Capelli moderating fan Q&A sessions.
The event capped a whirlwind pre-season for Hamilton, who officially joined Ferrari after 12 years at Mercedes. It served as a teaser for the Australian Grand Prix, the season’s first race, where the new partnership would debut on track.
Hamilton and Leclerc’s Heartfelt Messages to Fans
Amid the adrenaline-fueled demonstrations, Hamilton and Leclerc took time to connect with the fans, expressing profound gratitude for the warm welcome. Hamilton, the seven-time world champion, reflected on the significance of donning the red of Ferrari: “Just driving for Ferrari is a huge honour… I wouldn’t be able to find the words to be able to express just how special that would be.” He emphasized the legacy of the team and the passion of the tifosi, noting how their support motivates the drivers to chase championships.
Leclerc, entering his seventh season with Ferrari, echoed the sentiment: “It motivates us so much. And we feel the responsibility when you are working for Ferrari and when you are driving for Ferrari. Being a Ferrari driver is the most special thing ever.” The Monegasque star highlighted the fans’ role in the team’s success, adding that the event’s energy would fuel their performance in Australia. Both drivers signed autographs and interacted with Scuderia Ferrari Club members, creating lasting memories for the attendees.
The embrace from the fans was mutual, with the crowd’s chants and red flags waving creating an electric atmosphere. Hamilton later shared on social media: “Wearing red and experiencing an event like this is something special.”
Background: The New Ferrari Lineup and Season Expectations
Hamilton’s move to Ferrari, announced in February 2024, ended a storied era at Mercedes where he won six of his seven championships. The 40-year-old Briton joins Leclerc, Ferrari’s homegrown talent who has been with the team since 2019 and secured multiple wins, including at Monza in 2023. The duo’s partnership is seen as a dream team, blending Hamilton’s experience with Leclerc’s speed, but it also raises questions about team dynamics and who will be the lead driver.
Ferrari enters 2025 with high expectations after a strong 2024 season, finishing second in the constructors’ championship. The team unveiled its new SF-25 car in late February, with upgrades focused on aerodynamics and reliability. Pre-season testing in Bahrain showed promising pace, with Leclerc topping several sessions. The Milan event served as a morale booster, reminding the team of the tifosi’s unwavering support.
Fans have mixed views on the Hamilton-Leclerc pairing. Some see it as harmonious, with Leclerc stating, “I’m super excited to work with Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari,” while others speculate on potential tensions if the championship fight intensifies. Social media buzzed with chants of “Lewis” and “Charles” during the event, reflecting the global excitement.
Expert Opinions and Fan Reactions
Formula 1 analysts praise the event as a masterclass in fan engagement. “Ferrari knows how to leverage the passion of the tifosi—Hamilton’s integration starts with moments like this, building emotional investment before the racing begins,” said F1 commentator David Croft. Experts like those from The Race note that such spectacles boost team morale and sponsorship value, with UniCredit’s involvement highlighting Ferrari’s commercial appeal.
Fan reactions were overwhelmingly positive, with social media exploding post-event. On X, #FerrariMilan trended globally, with posts like “Hamilton and Leclerc owning Milan—Ferrari’s 2025 is going to be epic!” garnering millions of views. Reddit’s r/formula1 subreddit filled with photos and videos, with users debating the duo’s championship potential: “Leclerc’s the speed demon, Hamilton’s the strategist—perfect combo for the title.” Some fans expressed envy, wishing for similar U.S. events, while others speculated on Monza 2025’s atmosphere.
Impact on U.S. Fans: Excitement, Accessibility, and Global F1 Growth
For American F1 enthusiasts, the Milan event exemplifies Ferrari’s fan-centric approach, contrasting with U.S.-based races like Miami or Austin. With ESPN’s broadcast rights extending through 2025, U.S. viewership hit 1.5 million for the 2024 season finale, up 20% from 2023. Hamilton’s Ferrari move has boosted interest, with 40% of U.S. fans citing him as their favorite driver.
Economically, such events drive merchandise sales—Ferrari’s 2024 revenue topped $6 billion, partly from fan experiences—and inspire U.S. tourism to Italy, benefiting airlines like Delta. Politically, it highlights F1’s soft power amid U.S.-EU trade talks. Lifestyle-wise, it motivates fans to attend races or join virtual watch parties. Technologically, live streams and AR filters enhance engagement via the F1 app. In sports, it parallels NFL fan events, drawing crossover appeal for American audiences.
Conclusion: A Thrilling Start to the Ferrari Era
Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc’s embrace of Ferrari fans in Milan was a perfect prelude to the 2025 season, with the drivers’ heartfelt words—”being a Ferrari driver is the most special thing ever”—capturing the magic of the Scuderia. The event not only wowed 35,000 tifosi but also built anticipation for their on-track partnership.
As the Australian Grand Prix approaches, this duo promises excitement and potential titles. For U.S. fans, it’s a reminder of F1’s global passion—tune in to see if they can deliver the championship the fans crave.