The ‘F1 75’ launch dazzled fans, but should it return? While some praise the spectacle, Leclerc fears it adds strain to an already packed calendar.
The ‘F1 75’ launch event at London’s O2 Arena, showcasing team liveries in an American-style show, was almost unanimously praised in the paddock. Even Max Verstappen, who was reluctant to attend, admitted it was better than expected!
The big question now is whether the event will return next year and become a recurring fixture. And, more importantly, do the drivers want it?
“It would be nice if it were a one-off event, but I imagine it will stay,” Alexander Albon remarked.
Is the Williams F1 driver not too keen on seeing it return next year?
“I don’t know how it was generally received, but I think it was quite positive. It’s a different environment for the drivers.”
“As an event, they did a good job with what they had and what it was designed for. That’s all. It just feels a bit strange to walk on stage.”
Other drivers are far more enthusiastic, starting with the vice world champion.
“It was great,” acknowledged Lando Norris.
However, the McLaren F1 driver doesn’t think the event should become an annual tradition…
“I think it was for the fans. I don’t know if it’s something we should do every year. Maybe every few years.”
Lando Norris suggests a few improvements, such as giving each team more time to speak and more presence on stage.
“I think every team would like to hold its own event and showcase its car better, talk about it more, rather than just being on stage for seven minutes to say ‘hello’ and ‘goodbye,’” he pointed out.
“I know there was a lot to fit into one evening, but I’m sure every team would have liked a few more minutes to discuss the car and highlight certain aspects. I’m also sure the fans would rather hear us talk a bit more than just see the car on stage.”
“Maybe change the format if it’s done again and allow the drivers or team principals to speak a little more. But I’m sure they can make improvements next time.”
Charles Leclerc doesn’t want to overload the calendar
A more skeptical voice came from Charles Leclerc. The Monegasque isn’t against the event but is alarmed by the growing number of commitments, with races already filling up his packed schedule.
“It was fine, I mean, it was nice,” said the Monegasque.
“But I wouldn’t want to lose too many days.”
“We have very few free days at the start of the year, so the less time events like this take, the better it is for the teams and for us. Also for logistics. But apart from that, the event was quite nice.”
Ocon and Russell delighted
Let’s finish with two drivers who were absolutely thrilled by the event: Esteban Ocon and George Russell.
The Haas F1 driver believes Formula 1 put on a show worthy of the UFC—no surprise, given that F1’s owners, Liberty Media, are American…
“The energy was incredible!”
“Honestly, being at the center of the stage, unveiling the car, and hearing the crowd roar is something that will stay with me forever. It was pretty crazy.”
“I’ve watched a UFC event in a stadium with a central stage—it’s quite similar, but we never really get the chance to experience something like that. Apart from the drivers’ parade at the Mexican Grand Prix, but that’s very different. This was truly special, quite incredible.”
George Russell, the new head of the GPDA, the drivers’ union, has a voice that carries more weight than most. Good news for FOM: he also supports bringing the event back.
“I think it was really good for the sport,” he said.
“Everything F1 is doing right now seems to be adding a lot to the sport as a whole.”
“I really enjoyed it. They did an excellent job, and I’d be happy to see it return next year or at another time.”
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Leclerc Warns: Packed F1 Calendar Needs No Extra Show Leclerc Warns: Packed F1 Calendar Needs No Extra Show Leclerc Warns: Packed F1 Calendar Needs No Extra Show
