As is tradition before the start of each Formula 1 Grand Prix, the starting grid is opened to a more or less limited number of VIPs, guests of the teams and the circuit, all equipped with special passes that allow them to get close to the cars and drivers as they prepare for the race.
In Monza, this privilege was denied to Lapo Elkann. The brother of Scuderia Ferrari President John Elkann was blocked in the pit lane by security personnel. Below are all the details.
Lapo and the issue in the pit lane
A few minutes before the lights went out at Monza, security personnel guarding the access gates to the starting grid had to deny Lapo Elkann the opportunity to reach the Ferrari cars, which were starting from the front rows in their home race.
In recent days, numerous videos have depicted this episode, which became quite embarrassing for all parties involved. Lapo, after being blocked, tried in every way to get the attention of the Ferrari mechanics, but not even the assistance of Gerhard Berger or the extravagant embrace given to Carlos Sainz was enough to change the minds of the track personnel. According to what has been learned, the issue was related to the type of pass Lapo Elkann had around his neck. Apparently, the access badge to the racetrack for Gianni Agnelli’s nephew and former member of Ferrari N.V.’s Board of Directors did not include access to the starting grid, and the vigilant security personnel at the Italian track did not grant him permission to cross the access point.
Before being definitively ejected from the area where he was located, the Italian took the opportunity to reciprocate the affection that the many fans in the stands were showing him after recognizing him.
The video:
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