They came from all over Italy, with the first spots in front of the fences set up in Piazza Castello occupied as early as seven in the morning. But there were also fans from Germany, France, Switzerland, Romania and other countries who arrived in Milan for Ferrari’s first real crowd event on the eve of the 2025 Formula 1 season. In the end, the police reported a turnout of 10,000 people, distributed in a tightly controlled area since the early hours of the morning.
On the large stage set up in front of Piazza Castello, an F2004 and a 248F1 were the first to “take the stage,” a pairing that did not go unnoticed by Lewis Hamilton, who immediately recognized them as two cars driven by Michael Schumacher.
A few hundred meters away, under a tent, Charles Leclerc was reunited with the car with which he won the 2019 Italian Grand Prix, just days after Ferrari’s last public event held in Piazza Duomo. For the roadshow around Piazza Cadorna, Lewis Hamilton was assigned a less glorious car, the Ferrari from the 2021 Formula 1 season. However, when it came to the enthusiasm of the crowd, there was no difference: both drivers completed three laps of the mini-circuit before stepping onto the stage in what felt like the season’s first podium, complete with the Italian flag.
In terms of support, there is no doubt: Ferrari is set to begin the 2025 Formula 1 season with an extraordinary following, reminiscent of the years when the team’s popularity soared thanks to a long string of victories and world titles in the Michael Schumacher era.
The embrace of Milan also made an impact on Frederic Vasseur. After two years at the helm of the team, everything has become more familiar to him as well. The unease he initially felt in front of large crowds has disappeared, replaced by a more natural yet cautious attitude, careful not to fuel false hopes.
However, it is undeniable that this Ferrari holds great promise. The presence of Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc on stage is already a message of how much Maranello believes in the possibility of achieving complete success. The chants of “bring us the championship” directed first at the Monegasque driver and then at the Briton are no longer just an act of faith but a genuine hope for something that now seems within reach.
The event was also the first official crowd bath for Lewis Hamilton, who was warmly welcomed by the Ferrari faithful. His attempts to speak Italian were highly appreciated, as were his compliments toward a sporting passion he had previously only seen as a rival. The Italian crowd bid farewell to Ferrari with a message for Monza: “We want you at the top of the standings.” A wish for Ferrari to arrive at the Italian Grand Prix as the leader of the 2025 Formula 1 Constructors’ championship. So much affection, so much warmth and passion, but also immense responsibility for those who must now strive not to disappoint expectations that are both passionate and immense.
— see video above —
Mar 7, 2025
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