This is the moment police officers in Milan stop a Ferrari driver who had sped through the city but instead of issuing a ticket shake his hand and praise the car.

The Ferrari 812 Superfast was filmed driving through the popular Italian city at around 80kph (50mph) in a 30kph (18mph) zone, with the video shared on Instagram on 11th September.

The police officer says hello, and then asks if the man speaks Italian.

When he declines, the officer continues in English: "This is one of the best cars in the world. The best engine."

He then says: "Listen, listen." The man replies: "You want to listen?" before revving the engine.

Both laugh as the officer exclaims: "Mama mia." The driver then says: "I love the police here."

The officer asks if the car belongs to him, and the man answers that it does.

The footage was recorded from inside the car by the driver using video glasses.

There is no sign in the video that the driver was fined or warned.

Police compliment a Ferrari driver who violated the speed limit in Milan, Italy, undated. The video sparked outrage. Note: Photo is a screenshot from a video. (Newsflash/NX)

The video has been widely shared online, sparking criticism from viewers who accused the officers of ignoring dangerous driving.

One Instagram user titled 'dome_schweizer' wrote: "In Germany we would say: 'Driver’s license, ID and vehicle documents, sports friend'."

Another called 'kwstas_paulidis_meerkat' said: "so Ferrari has a free pass at Italian police."

And user 'debo.milano' added: "Absolutely crazy instead of (at least) FINING him they even compliment him."

(Mike Leidig / newsX)