A few days ago, Formula 1 announced a unique event to celebrate its 75th anniversary: a huge season-opening ceremony at the O2 Arena in London in 2025, bringing together drivers, teams, and fans.
While some are excited about this unique show that is supposed to reveal the competitors’ cars, others, like Max Verstappen and Lando Norris, have shown a rather limited enthusiasm. Let’s take a look at the reactions and stakes surrounding this event.
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When F1 drivers prefer to avoid F1 75 show
Max Verstappen didn’t mince his words in expressing his complete disinterest in the event. According to him, such shows don’t reveal anything important, apart from a livery already known by most teams. Lando Norris, his main rival and friend on the grid, added a touch of humor during the press conference in Las Vegas, saying he would consider joining Verstappen “on vacation” rather than participating in this F1-organized opening event. This lack of enthusiasm can partly be explained by the busy schedule of the drivers. Between intensive training and preparations for the new season, some see this event as an unnecessary distraction. However, everyone recognizes its potential to delight F1 fans.
lando on the f1-75 launch event: “if i get told to be there, i guess i’ll be there. i might see where max’s going on holiday and join him, we might end up having the same illness or something..” HELP😭😭💀 https://t.co/maYcJ3DcPO
— ray (@ln4norris) November 21, 2024
A golden opportunity for Formula 1 fans
On the fan side, excitement is already palpable. The O2 Arena promises to become the stage for a grand and never-before-seen show where all the teams will present their cars in one single day. This unique format contrasts with the traditional geographically and chronologically scattered car reveals, which are often impractical for the public to follow. Esteban Ocon, while holding back his criticisms, emphasized the advantage of consolidating the presentations. “For the fans, it’s great to have everything in one place. It’s simpler and more engaging.” This observation is shared by Liam Lawson, who sees this event as an opportunity to attract more attention to the sport.
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Between marketing show and tradition
Behind this event is obviously also a commercial and marketing strategy. Formula 1 seeks to strengthen its brand image and capitalize on its growing popularity in the United States and globally. However, this marketing aspect doesn’t appeal to everyone. Drivers, accustomed to a certain sobriety in the paddocks, may perceive such events as a misrepresentation of the sporting spirit. But whether people love it or criticize it, “F1 75” is shaping up to be a key moment for the sport, a reminder that Formula 1 is not only about racing and competition, but also a global spectacle. And even though, indeed, teams never truly show their real F1 cars during reveals, I agree with the drivers on the advantage of bringing everything together in one place and at the same time.
This article explores the tensions around the “F1 75” event, the varied reactions from the drivers, and its potential impact on fans and Formula 1’s popularity. A celebration balancing innovation and tradition.