360 More learning for a rookie!! Wouldn't start!!

Hi Fellows,
Yesterday was Grandparents' Day so my granddaughter and her parents brought us dinner which was great. The plan was for me to pull my 2004 360 F1 Spider to the front of the house and let my granddaugher put the top down so she, and the whole family, could watch to top operate. I put the top up the last time I drove it for its more or less monthly exercise as recommended by fellows much more familiar with the car.
Anyway, all went well as I started the car as normal in the garage and pulled it out front. However, I didn't realize it was still in first gear when I shut it off.
So, I get my passenger in the car and all buckled up and go to start the car.
Click the fob and get triangle on dash; then insert key and rotate to first position. I noticed that the gear indicator said first instead of the usual neutral but rotated the key to start position with my foot on the brake as usual.
Nothing! Dang! I hate it when that happens... especially with everyone looking on!!
I tried a lot of stuff and called several fellows more familiar with Ferraris but all of them apparently were on their lawnmowers!
Then it dawned on me that with the engine off, it might not be sensing that the brake was depressed. I pushed very firmly on the brake and began my usual starting procedure. When I rotated the key to the first position, first gear was indicated; at that point I pulled both paddles and it went into neutral!!
I got a big smile on my face and rotated the key further and it started right up!
I'm telling this tale on myself in the hope that it might help other rookies to overcome the problem and quickly get past the initial panic!!
BTW, all were impressed by the process of putting the top down.
Happy Motoring.
All the best,
Happy Al

 

I "always" put it in neutral and then set the parking brake... except when I don't!!
I just wanted to share to help others.
Thanks to all for added insight and suggestions.