F1 75 launch: highlights, reactions, and future outlook
Red Bull Racing/Red Bull Content Pool
LONDON -- Formula 1 opened its new season with an unprecedented live event that featured all the teams and drivers, marking a first in the sport's storied history.
F1 75 Live: a review of the inaugural event and its future prospects.
This unique occasion was designed to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Formula 1 championship, and unsurprisingly, Lewis Hamilton's debut with Ferrari dominated the headlines. The event provided fans with rare preseason access to the teams as they prepared for the upcoming tests.
How did the teams perform?
The event's effectiveness varied among the teams. Some shone brightly, while others struggled to hit the mark. The question arises: will such an event become a staple in preseason F1 activities?
The presentations
The concept originated during a meeting with Liberty Media at the Austin Grand Prix last October, evolving into a televised gathering held on a Tuesday evening. Drivers experienced a full day of media interactions and sponsorship showcases leading up to their seven-minute segments on stage, where they could present their cars and drivers as they saw fit.
Standout teams
Different teams adopted distinct styles for their presentations. Sauber opened the night with a dramatic, post-apocalyptic video featuring a raven’s call and ominous narration. Haas, on the other hand, turned to the O2 Arena's turntables for their showcase. Ferrari capitalized on the anniversary of Enzo Ferrari's birth and Hamilton's highly-anticipated debut, while Aston Martin introduced their team with the iconic James Bond theme, paying homage to "The World is Not Enough" with Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll appearing in helmets.
By sheer volume of fan applause, Ferrari and Hamilton emerged as clear favorites. Every mention of the seven-time world champion by host Jack Whitehall elicited the loudest cheers.
The hosting
Jack Whitehall, the British comedian, was an unexpected highlight of the event. His witty, lighthearted commentary, including a comedic jab at the event's lavish nature, resonated with the audience: "You know your sport is ridiculously minted when you book the O2 for an event to announce the color of a load of cars that are all exactly the same as last season." While not entirely accurate given the numerous changes across the grid, the joke encapsulated Whitehall's humorous take on the proceedings.
The least impressive moments
Although Red Bull presented arguably the best-looking car, their segment fell flat. Criticized for being overly produced and filled with unfunny jokes, their seven-minute presentation reportedly came at a hefty cost of nearly £800,000. A notable misstep involved leaving team boss Christian Horner on stage with a microphone, leading to a barrage of boos from the audience. Reigning champion Max Verstappen and newcomer Liam Lawson did not speak, merely waving to the crowd.
Controversial boos
While Horner's boos were significant, the FIA's logo also drew negative reactions from the crowd, albeit less loudly. The FIA's recent rule enforcement, which includes point deductions for drivers who swear, has sparked controversy. A quip by TV chef Gordon Ramsay advocating for drivers' right to swear while driving garnered cheers, suggesting discontent with the governing body’s decisions.
Event atmosphere
The event exuded a lively and enthusiastic vibe, reflecting the deep connection fans feel with F1 teams and drivers. The atmosphere was incomparable to any previous event, underscoring the unique nature of this inaugural live show.
Reception of team bosses
Other than Horner, team principals received a subdued response compared to their drivers. Despite efforts by F1 and the "Drive to Survive" series to elevate the status of all team members, the loud absence of fan-favorite Haas boss Guenther Steiner was notable. Even icons like Toto Wolff and Frédéric Vasseur experienced restrained receptions.
What comes next?
The live show served as a precursor to Ferrari's car reveal on the following day. Hamilton and Charles Leclerc's attendance at the London event meant a swift return to Italy for subsequent filming. Following this, teams will launch their cars on filming days ahead of the Bahrain preseason tests starting February 26, eventually leading to the opening race at Melbourne's Albert Park on March 16.
Final thoughts
The F1 75 Live event was a success, earning commendation for its fan-centric approach. While it elicited a mixed response from die-hard F1 enthusiasts, the substantial fan turnout and the event's energy demonstrated its effectiveness. It was an enjoyable kickoff to what promises to be one of the most competitive seasons in modern Formula 1 history.
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