(The Post News)– Lewis Hamilton got a taste of Ferrari fever as he and teammate Charles Leclerc tore through Milan’s Piazza Castello on Thursday, thrilling thousands of passionate supporters ahead of the Formula One season opener in Australia.
An estimated 35,000 tifosi packed the event, organised by Ferrari sponsor Unicredit, to witness the spectacle. The atmosphere was electric as Hamilton, a seven-time world champion, executed tyre-smoking burnouts, filling the city with the roar of Ferrari engines. Hamilton took to the streets in a 2021 SF21, while Leclerc drove an SF90—the same car he steered to his maiden Ferrari victory in 2019. The two raced side by side, exchanging passes to the delight of the crowd.
Reflecting on the overwhelming fan reception, Hamilton noted that he had seen the tifosi’s devotion to past Ferrari drivers like Sebastian Vettel, Fernando Alonso, Leclerc, and Carlos Sainz, so he was not surprised by their enthusiasm. He admitted that he is gradually connecting with the tifosi and hopes to improve his Italian to engage with them more directly.
Ferrari, the most decorated team in Formula One history, has not won a championship since securing the constructors’ title in 2008. Hamilton’s move from Mercedes to Maranello is driven by his pursuit of an unprecedented eighth title—something that would be monumental for both the fans and the team.
Driving for Ferrari is already a privilege, Hamilton said, acknowledging the team’s rich legacy. While another title is not essential to cement their place in history, he understands that winning is at the heart of Ferrari’s mission and something their supporters are desperate for.
Ferrari has left no detail unchecked in their preparations, and Hamilton feels confident heading into the season. His teammate, Leclerc, who won in Monaco and at Ferrari’s home race in Monza last year, added that the tifosi’s passion fuels their motivation, making the responsibility of driving for Ferrari even more meaningful. The 2024 Formula One season kicks off in Melbourne on 16 March.
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