F1 75 Live in London delivers on spectacle and controversy
Formula 1 roared into its 75th anniversary season with a dazzling showcase at London’s O2 Arena on Wednesday morning (AEDT), where teams unveiled their 2025 challengers amid an electric atmosphere of spectacle and controversy.
Headlining the event, Ferrari lifted the covers off the SF-25, marking the dawn of a new era with Lewis Hamilton joining Charles Leclerc in the team’s iconic red.
The seven-time world champion, making his first public appearance as a Ferrari driver in front of thousands of fans, described the moment as “invigorating”, while Leclerc expressed his honour in continuing his dream with the Scuderia.
Team boss Fred Vasseur made Ferrari’s ambitions clear, stating their determination to capture both the drivers’ and constructors’ championships after last season’s close battle.
The most dominant team in history are equal favourites to claim the 2025 Constructors’ Championship at $2.20 odds with leading bookmakers.
The SF-25 will hit the track on Wednesday for a shakedown at Fiorano before preseason testing in Bahrain later this month.
Elsewhere, Racing Bulls introduced their 2025 livery, with Yuki Tsunoda and rookie Isack Hadjar set to carry the team forward after an eighth-place finish last season.
Meanwhile, Williams officially presented their final FW47 look, with Alex Albon and Ferrari exile Carlos Sainz debuting their new partnership.
While the night was a celebration of speed and engineering, tensions were palpable in the crowd.
The FIA, along with Red Bull’s Max Verstappen and Christian Horner, faced boos from the British audience, signalling ongoing discontent with recent governance decisions and the reigning champions’ dominance.
Yet, the event delivered on spectacle, with jaw-dropping visuals, laser shows, and Hollywood-worthy production elevating the excitement for the season ahead.
With the first race in Australia on March 16 fast approaching, teams now turn their focus to fine-tuning their machines in Bahrain’s preseason testing.
Early F1 betting odds at Marantelli Bet have Verstappen and McLaren’s Lando Norris as joint favourites at $3.70 to salute in Melbourne, ahead of Leclerc ($4.50), Hamilton ($6.50) and local hope Oscar Piastri ($9.50).
