London: Formula 1 kicked off its 75th anniversary season with a glamorous event at the O2 arena, featuring all 20 drivers and dramatic performances, amid excitement for the upcoming racing year and a focus on broadening its appeal beyond traditional motorsport fans.
Formula 1 has officially commenced its 75th anniversary season with a lavish event at the O2 arena in London, showcasing a blend of entertainment and motorsport aimed at broadening the appeal of the racing series. The grand occasion took place on Tuesday, featuring a two-hour televised show that marked a departure from traditional team launches, instead presenting a unified spectacle for the sport.
Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time world champion now racing for Ferrari, made a memorable entrance dressed in a Ferrari red tie, later donning his race suit to unveil the team’s livery alongside his new teammate, Charles Leclerc. Speaking to the Toronto Sun, Hamilton expressed his excitement, stating, “Invigorated, because I feel so full of life and so much energy, because everything’s new,” highlighting the fresh beginning he anticipates this season.
The F1 75 Live event distinguished itself by being the first large-scale launch organised directly by Formula 1, bringing together all 20 drivers on stage, amidst their respective team cars. The event was marked by an array of extravagances, including a Bond-themed presentation by Aston Martin, a lively performance featuring drummers with glowing sticks, and a parade of historic McLaren cars. Musical acts added to the atmosphere, with country singer Kane Brown introducing the Haas team, while Machine Gun Kelly electrified the audience with a high-energy performance.
Fans in attendance contributed to the unique ambience, demonstrating enthusiasm that sometimes translated into jeers, notably when the FIA, the sport’s governing body, was mentioned. This reflects ongoing tensions surrounding enforcement regulations, particularly regarding conduct penalties among drivers.
While teams displayed their 2025 liveries, they retained the option to host individual launch events, with McLaren and Williams having already presented their cars in the past week, and Ferrari expected to follow suit. This season is pivotal for Formula 1 as it tries to extend its reach beyond traditional motorsport circles, bolstered by notable events including the release of a movie titled “F1” featuring Brad Pitt, set to premiere in June, and the success of Netflix’s “Drive To Survive” series.
McLaren’s chief executive Zak Brown emphasized the success of the launch, stating, “To have this many fans out shows that we bring the sport together away from the racetrack. There’s a lot of excitement,” suggesting that both the movie and the Netflix series are likely to elevate interest in Formula 1.
While many drivers embraced the new concept of a unified launch event, concerns were raised by two-time champion Fernando Alonso, who suggested it might become “a little bit of distraction” during a crucial preparation phase for the new racing season. Christian Horner, head of Red Bull Racing, remarked on the potential for regularity in such events, hinting that if financial benefits are perceived, they could become an integral part of the F1 calendar.
Looking ahead, teams are gearing up for preseason testing at the Bahrain International Circuit next week, with the inaugural race of the season—the Australian Grand Prix—scheduled for March 16. This unique blend of entertainment and sport heralds a significant chapter in Formula 1’s evolving narrative as it approaches this milestone season.
Source: Noah Wire Services
