There are two religions in Italy: the Catholic church and Ferrari, or so the saying goes. This makes Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc more famous in Italy than anywhere else in the world, bar maybe Monaco, where he was born and raised. This weekend, the driver and his teammate, Lewis Hamilton, are heading to Monza for the Italian Grand Prix. On the outskirts of Milan, Monza is Ferrari’s home race, where fans (the Tifosi) are known to storm the track and break through the metal fencing to prove their devotion to the team in cherry red. 

It’s the biggest weekend of the year in Italian motorsport, and to celebrate, Leclerc is raising a glass of whiskey. The driver just launched his own whiskey with Chivas Regal, the ‘16’, aged for 16 years to match Leclerc’s racing number. “It’s very special,” he tells me over video call, while enjoying the last few days of his brief summer break. “Going to Scotland and working with the Chivas Regal team was an incredible experience.” 

As all the drivers and their teams touch down in Milan ahead of race weekend, Leclerc shares his ultimate guide to the city – from his favourite pasta dish to an unexpected date night location.

What’s your earliest memory of Milan? 

Charles Leclerc: One of the first times I went to Milan was when I was an ambassador for Giorgio Armani. I remember discovering such a vibrant city where fashion is everywhere. I think it’s very cool when a city has a clear identity – and Milan’s identity is so fashion. That’s my first memory of Milan, walking around the streets and seeing different types of style wherever you look. 

Do you get to explore the city much when you’re there for the race? 

Charles Leclerc: It’s more and more difficult now [he laughs]. I had that chance earlier in my life and career, but it’s a bit more tricky now to walk around in Italy! It’s a city that’s so culturally rich, so I’m glad I’ve had the chance to visit. 

What makes Milan so special? 

Charles Leclerc: I love architecture and fashion, and there’s nowhere better for that than Milan. But more generally, Italy is a country where I feel very good. Italian people are very genuine and true – they show their emotions and there’s no filter, it’s infectious! 

What’s the best meal you’ve ever eaten in Milan? 

Charles Leclerc: You eat well wherever you go, but I was once at an event where Massimo Bottura was making pasta – he’s one of my favourite chefs – that was incredible. 

Pizza or pasta? 

Charles Leclerc: That’s a difficult question. Probably pasta at the moment. 

What’s your favourite pasta dish? 

Charles Leclerc: Pasta all'Amatriciana is probably my favourite one. 

Where’s your favourite Milan date spot? 

Charles Leclerc: Piazza del Duomo. Whenever I go to Milan with my wife, Alexandra, if there’s one spot we always want to go it’s Piazza del Duomo. There are some very good restaurants there. 

Who’s one Italian everyone should know about? 

Charles Leclerc: For me it’s Enzo Ferrari. He’s the perfect person to represent Italy. 

Of all the cities on the F1 calendar, where has the best style? 

Charles Leclerc: Milan. Tokyo is a very interesting place for fashion as well, but for me, Milan is number one. 

Where’s one place in the world you’ve never been that you’d love to visit? 

Charles Leclerc: Africa as a whole, is a place that I haven’t had the chance to spend as much time in as I’d want. I’d love to spend time and have long holidays there. I’m not sure where exactly yet, but it’s a place I want to discover.