Half German and half Italian, Michele grew up in Cagliari, Sardinia, cultivating a passion for water sports. He studied naval architecture with focus on fluid mechanics and performance prediction at the Universities of Hamburg (Germany) and Southampton (UK), publishing his studies in the Journal of Sailing Technology. While finishing his master's thesis, he took part in the 37th America’s Cup Joint Reconnaissance Program where he was responsible for driving the boat and writing technical reports. He later joined Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli team as driver of the support boats. The Barcelona 2024 event is his first America's Cup. In his spare time, he loves to surf waves.