Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc enjoyed a thrilling interaction with Ferrari’s passionate supporters as they took part in an event in Milan, giving tifosi a chance to see their heroes up close before the start of the 2025 Formula One season. The two iconic drivers took to the streets of Milan’s Piazza Castello, revving their engines and entertaining the crowd with high-speed maneuvers as they prepared for the season opener in Melbourne, Australia, set to take place on March 16.
The event, presented by Ferrari’s sponsor Unicredit, attracted a massive crowd of around 35,000 fans. The excitement was palpable as Hamilton, a seven-time world champion, performed tire-burning stunts and filled the air with the roar of his car, a 2021 Ferrari SF21. Meanwhile, Leclerc, Ferrari’s star driver, was at the wheel of an SF90—the car in which he claimed his first Formula One victory with the Scuderia back in 2019. Both drivers raced simultaneously, passing each other in a thrilling display of Ferrari’s racing heritage.
The crowd, known as the tifosi, have long been a defining characteristic of Ferrari’s global appeal. Hamilton, who is no stranger to massive fan followings from his years at Mercedes, expressed his awe at the enthusiasm displayed by the Italian fans. “I’ve seen the tifosi over the years for Sebastian (Vettel), Fernando (Alonso), Charles (Leclerc), and Carlos (Sainz), so I wasn’t surprised by their excitement,” Hamilton said. “But bit by bit, I’m getting to know them more, and it’s been special.”
Hamilton also revealed that he was working hard to connect with the tifosi in their language. “I really, really want to be able to communicate with them in Italian,” the 40-year-old driver admitted. “So, I’ve got to work on it.” His words reflected his growing appreciation for Ferrari’s rich history and the special bond between the team and its fans.
Despite the fact that Ferrari has not won a Constructors’ Championship since 2008, Hamilton is determined to make his mark with the Scuderia. He joined Ferrari in a bid to capture a record-breaking eighth world title, something that would elevate his status even further in the sport’s history. For Hamilton, driving for Ferrari is not just about the title, but the honor of being part of a team with a legendary legacy.
“Just driving for Ferrari is a huge honor,” Hamilton said. “They already have an incredible legacy, so it’s not that they need another championship—they have so many already. But I know that’s what they exist to do, to work towards championships, and I know that the tifosi are dying for that. I wouldn’t be able to find the words to express just how special it would be, but that’s what we work towards.”
Hamilton’s commitment to his new team was evident as he reflected on the immense responsibility and the intense expectations that come with wearing the Ferrari red. However, he felt confident about the team’s preparations for the season. He described his physical condition as “relaxed and in good shape,” signaling that he was ready to take on the challenge of the 2025 F1 season.
Leclerc, too, spoke of the immense motivation that comes from having the tifosi behind him. “It motivates us so much,” the Monegasque driver said. “We feel the responsibility when you are working for Ferrari and when you are driving for Ferrari. But the passion of the tifosi just makes everything and the energy so much more positive.” Leclerc’s words echoed the sentiment shared by Hamilton—Ferrari’s connection with its fans elevates the team’s racing spirit and drives them to perform at the highest level.
The energy in Milan was a preview of the excitement that would follow throughout the upcoming Formula One season. For both Hamilton and Leclerc, the season opener in Melbourne will be the first test of what promises to be an exciting year, as they aim to bring the coveted championship back to Ferrari. Fans around the world will be watching, hoping that the Scuderia can finally secure that elusive title, and with Hamilton’s determination and Leclerc’s skill, they certainly have a powerful duo to lead the charge.
As the countdown to the start of the season continues, Hamilton and Leclerc are not only focused on the technical aspects of the car but are also inspired by the fervor of the tifosi. The energy they experienced in Milan will surely be a driving force as they head to Australia, where they will aim to kick off the season in style and set the stage for a battle for the championship.
