F1 drivers unite in London to launch new season extravaganza

In London, the 20 Formula 1 drivers and 10 teams gathered at the O2 arena for a groundbreaking launch event on February 19, 2025. This marked the inaugural large-scale launch of the F1 season, known as the F1 75 Live event, which aims to take the sport's promotions to new heights. For the first time, the sport's governing body organized this event to draw fans directly into the F1 experience instead of teams individually holding their own unveiling ceremonies. Musicians Kane Brown, Take That, and Machine Gun Kelly added to the event's entertainment. While it provided a platform for teams to showcase their liveries for the upcoming season, the actual cars will be revealed later during individual launches. Leading teams such as McLaren and Williams have already conducted their own events to reveal their vehicles ahead of preseason testing at Bahrain, which is set to start next week. The excitement around the 75th anniversary of Formula 1 is palpable, with additional TV projects, including a film starring Brad Pitt, capturing widespread attention. Yet this new approach to the season launch has received mixed feelings from drivers and fans, raising questions about its long-term implications on the sport's image and engagement level. While several drivers and figures from teams endorsed the new format, others cautioned against potential distractions amidst important pre-season preparations.