For Paolo Pedersoli, the road has always been far more than a surface. From an early age, motor vehicles were a source of happiness and inspiration. He transformed that passion into purpose by learning to recognize the signs that would guide him forward, providing him with the direction, resilience, and courage he needed to build his career.
At Franklin’s latest Meet the Manager event, the Next in Management team welcomed Paolo Pedersoli, Founder of Scuderia Classiche, whose journey spans elite motorsport and the international luxury automotive world. His story began in the early 1990s when, at just 21 years old, an apprenticeship opened the door to a mechanic role in Formula One. Throughout the presentation, he returned to one central message: challenge yourself. For Paolo, motorsport taught him the extremes of pressure, performance, and teamwork. He encouraged students that challenging oneself is the best way to learn.
Challenges often bring mistakes. For Paolo, one of his earliest lessons came through defeat. After incorrectly assembling a gear mechanism, a racecar engine failed. With all eyes on him, he had a choice: let the mistake define him or use it as an opportunity to grow. He embraced it as a new sign, which led to the development of a new gear-changing procedure and the introduction of sensors designed to prevent similar errors in the future. For Paolo, mistakes are not setbacks but opportunities for growth.
After his departure from Formula 1 - and his time working for Ferrari as a Team Manager - Paolo decided it was time to take a new road. Although he was at the pinnacle of one profession, he was not afraid to start again. Founding Scuderia Classiche was not a step backward, but a new chapter. He reminded students that starting over is sometimes necessary for growth because every journey has to begin somewhere.
Today, the company specializes in restoring classic and rare vehicles and curates exceptional events, including the international Lugano Elegance competition in partnership with the city of Lugano.
“Is it worth it?” he asked. “You only know at the end.” For Paolo, the answer lies not in financial success but in the happiness of his clients and in the journey itself.
Written by: Katie Wickersham
Date: 26 February 2026