Toto Wolff acknowledges hardcore fans may not love the F1 launch, but data proves fan engagement is strong, making the event a success.
Hardcore fans may not be eagerly anticipating the unprecedented collective launch of the 2025 season, set to take place tonight in a packed O2 Arena in London.
Instead of the usual approach, where the ten teams unveil their new cars individually, F1 owner Liberty Media has organized a large-scale event that all teams, drivers, and team principals must attend.
Max Verstappen even joked last year that he hoped to be “sick” when the project was announced.
“It’s cool for a lot of fans,” said Lando Norris. “It’s a big event for Formula 1, but I’d rather be at home, relaxing and preparing for the season.”
Since then, the Briton has changed his stance and, in light of the planned event, admitted he is now “actually excited for the show.”
As for hardcore fans, Mercedes F1 boss Toto Wolff acknowledges that they might be disappointed—since teams will only reveal their 2025 liveries on old or demo cars.
“There will be a lot of media buzz around it, but maybe some of us, the hardcore fans, will be a bit disappointed not to see the final product.”
“But the truth is, you won’t see the final product until the end of testing anyway.”
“At least the fans are happy. You know, I’d also rather not have sprint races, but the data shows that fans like them. Fans also like these events.”
“We are in a data-driven sport, and if the data says it’s good, then let’s try it.”
Ferrari boss Fred Vasseur added: “It’s not the first time teams have launched an F1 car using the previous year’s model. I think we’ve all unveiled a car with fake parts in the past.”
“I think it’s more for the fans. We don’t have to criticize everything.”
Each team will have just seven minutes for its segment of the launch event. Esteban Ocon, now with Haas F1, admits he is looking forward to seeing all ten new liveries in a single event.
“As a fan of the sport, honestly, it’s tedious to watch a new livery every day, and sometimes you miss one because you’re doing something else.”
“Of course, it’s one more event for us, which isn’t ideal because there will be a lot of people. We need to be fully prepared before the season starts. But I think it’s much better organized than before when two teams launched on the same day.”
“So I’m really looking forward to it.”
- Discover More>Mercedes engine 2026, ‘a key reason for my transfer,’ says Sainz
- Follow us on >Facebook and >Twitter for F1 updates
Wolff: F1 Launch Divides Hardcore Fans Wolff: F1 Launch Divides Hardcore Fans
