On Tuesday night, the world of Formula 1 came together for an unforgettable event—F1 75 Live—a spectacular launch marking 75 years of the sport’s rich history. Held at London’s iconic O2 Arena, this was the first-ever joint season launch event, bringing together all 10 teams and 20 drivers for an exhilarating two-hour celebration of speed, style, and innovation.
Fans, VIPs, influencers, and media gathered in force for the occasion, as F1 took over the Greenwich Peninsula for a night to remember. This event wasn’t just about showcasing the upcoming 2025 season; it was a chance to unveil new liveries, engage with fans, and offer a glimpse into the next chapter of F1.
Hamilton Steals the Spotlight
The night belonged to Lewis Hamilton, who turned heads with his show-stopping appearance as a Ferrari driver. Arriving in style in a Ferrari and dressed to impress in a sharp suit and red tie, the seven-time world champion quickly became the center of attention. This was his first public appearance in Ferrari colors, and he lapped up the limelight as he walked the red carpet.
Joining Hamilton on stage with Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur and teammate Charles Leclerc, the crowd erupted into applause. Hamilton, clearly energized by the new chapter in his career, shared his excitement:
“The word that I am thinking of is invigorated because I feel so full of life and so full of energy. Everything is new, and I’m just focused on what’s ahead. I’m so proud to be part of the team. It’s a new and exciting journey for me.”
Such was the anticipation around Ferrari’s livery reveal that it felt like the event’s grand finale. However, the reigning world champions, McLaren, had the honor of closing the event, which they did with style. The popularity of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, paired with a slick livery reveal, ensured the excitement remained high throughout the night.
Christian Horner and Red Bull Face the Heat
In stark contrast, Christian Horner of Red Bull Racing had a more difficult time on stage. As he entered solo to a chorus of boos, it was clear that the F1 community hadn’t forgotten the controversy surrounding the Red Bull team principal the previous year. Although Horner was later cleared of inappropriate behavior accusations, the crowd’s negative reception remained loud and clear.
Despite the boos, Horner remained composed, delivering a brief speech before introducing Red Bull’s 2025 livery, with reigning world champion Max Verstappen and teammate Liam Lawson showing off the updated design. Verstappen, not one for the spotlight, received a similarly lukewarm response. While Red Bull’s livery reveal was met with mixed reactions, it’s safe to say the crowd’s enthusiasm was nowhere near the level of Ferrari’s earlier reveal.
A Night of Surprises and Successes
As someone initially skeptical about the ‘show’ aspect of the event, I must admit that F1 struck the right balance this time. Though the event wasn’t perfect and received mixed reviews—especially from those watching remotely—the atmosphere in the venue was electric. Fans seemed to have a blast, even if some left early to avoid the notorious Tube chaos at the O2.
While there were a few cringeworthy moments, such as Alpine’s underwhelming seven-minute segment and an oddly lengthy DJ set by F1 theme song composer Brian Taylor, the event still managed to entertain.
Jack Whitehall did an excellent job hosting, delivering sharp, funny jabs at F1 stars like Horner, Valtteri Bottas (who was likened to Joe Exotic from Tiger King), and the recent Verstappen-Russell rivalry. His interactions with Lando Norris and celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay were particular highlights.
The Takeaways
Overall, F1’s season launch was a resounding success—a fun, engaging, and well-executed night that surprised many, including myself. It wasn’t flawless, but it did an excellent job of bringing fans closer to the sport and its stars. While there’s no need for such an event to become an annual tradition, it did show that F1 can find innovative ways to connect with its audience.
If this was F1’s version of the Oscars, the biggest winners of the night were certainly Ferrari and Lewis Hamilton, who dominated the evening’s spotlight.
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