Formula 1 considers another glamorous joint-season unveiling for 2026, but Red Bull firmly opposes the idea, calling the event entirely unnecessary.
Formula 1 has not yet decided whether it will organise a joint unveiling of new liveries each year.
Although not very popular among drivers, the new wave of fans was highly satisfied with “F1-75,” hosted at London’s O2 Arena.
“After this event, we clearly saw that young women are the target group with the fastest growth in the sport,” said Mercedes F1 team principal Toto Wolff.
He emphasised this was particularly evident at the autograph area as drivers entered the Melbourne paddock.
“There were around 2,000 people, of whom 80% were girls. It also shows that young drivers and social media are having a major impact.”
As expected, Red Bull—whose team principal Christian Horner and driver Max Verstappen were booed by the O2 Arena crowd—is not enthusiastic about another F1-75-inspired launch event in 2026.
“The 75th anniversary of Formula 1 justified it,” said team advisor Dr Helmut Marko, “but I can’t imagine doing it every year now.”
“It was clearly a pro-Hamilton crowd. You could really feel it.”
The FIA even issued a statement condemning the booing.
“This was absolutely not what we expected. I haven’t had any conversations with the FIA after the event,” Horner repeated during the Australian GP.
“We don’t see the benefit of another joint launch in 2026. This year marks F1’s 75th anniversary, so it made sense. Perhaps we’ll meet again for the 80th?”
F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali stated no decision has been made regarding a similar event for 2026.
“There’s certainly strong interest from various promoters worldwide, some even suggesting making it like a 25th Grand Prix to start the season.”
“We’ll make the decision very, very soon.”
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F1 eyes joint 2026 launch, but Red Bull hits the brakes F1 eyes joint 2026 launch, but Red Bull hits the brakes
