If there’s one thing Formula 1 knows how to do—besides engineering cars that defy physics—it’s putting on a show. And this one? It was a spectacle. The O2 Arena in London played host to F1 75 LIVE, a high-octane, high-glamour launch event celebrating 75 years of the world’s fastest motorsport.
Ten teams. Twenty drivers. Thousands of fans. And a livery reveal so grand that it has Formula 1 fans buzzing with excitement. With comedian Jack Whitehall keeping the laughs rolling, live performances from Kane Brown, Take That, and MGK, and every team pulling out their most dramatic livery reveals, it was a night that set the tone for 2025. Most eyes, however, were locked on one man: Lewis Hamilton, making his first official appearance in Ferrari red.
Whitehall hilariously stated, “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.” And he’s not wrong. At first glance, many of thecars looked eerily similar to their 2024 counterparts. While not much has changed on the outside for some teams, what’s under the hood is where the real intrigue lies.
So, who did it best? Who played it safe? And who sent shockwaves through the paddock? Buckle up; we’re revving in.
MCLAREN MCL39
Reigning Constructors’ Champions, McLaren stuck to their iconic papaya, anthracite, and teal palette for the MCL39, with Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri looking every bit the defending champions. Martin Brundle helped unveil the car, teasing that while the outside might look familiar, the inside has some serious upgrades.
FERRARI SF-25
While the signature Ferrari red was never in doubt, the 2025 shade is a deeper, matte-finished Racing Red, accented by bold white elements that nod to the team’s storied past. Beneath the surface, however, the SF-25 is a completely new beast, featuring a major shift in front suspension design—moving from pushrod to pullrod—to refine airflow and unlock greater aerodynamic potential.
Ferrari’s display, however, wasn’t just about the car. It was also about who was driving it. As Lewis Hamilton made his first official appearance in Ferrari red, the crowd went into overdrive. The seven-time world champion emerged on stage after a cinematic tribute to Ferrari’s legendary history, standing alongside Charles Leclerc and team boss Fred Vasseur.
REDBULL RB21
When you’ve won four consecutive driver’s titles, why change what works? Max Verstappen and new teammate Liam Lawson took the stage with Red Bull’s RB21, which stuck to the classic blue, red, and yellow. The real highlight? Their over-the-top entrance, which featured a massive truck interacting with fans before rolling into the arena.
MERCEDES W16
Mercedes leaned into their sleek, aggressive identity, keeping their predominantly black and silver color scheme. Their entrance? A live pit-stop demonstration on stage, because why not? With George Russell now leading the team alongside rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Toto Wolff was all smiles as he promised a new era for Mercedes.
ASTON MARTIN AMR25
Leave it to Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll to turn their launch into a Bond movie. The Aston Martin duo arrived in a James Bond-inspired skit before singer Tems delivered a performance to unveil their striking green AMR25. Alonso, never shy, declared it the best-looking car of the night; honestly, he might have a point.
ALPINE A525
Alpine went for an electronic DJ set to kick things off, then revealed a minor update to their pink and blue livery. A littleless dramatic than their competitors, but with Pierre Gasly and rookie Jack Doohan taking charge, they’re hoping to make noise on track rather than the stage.
HAAS VF-25
Haas took the American route: loud, proud, and country music-infused. Kane Brown introduced the VF-25, as rookie Oliver Bearman and Esteban Ocon revealed its familiar black and white design.
VISA CASH APP RACING BULLS VCARB 02
Visa Cash App Racing Bulls went all in on reinvention, debuting a stunning all-white livery. The reveal was equally bold, with comedian Munya Chawawa delivering a skit before Yuki Tsunoda and rookie Isack Hadjar took the stage.
WILLIAMS FW47
Williams made sure the FW47 reveal was more than just about the car. It started with the voice of the late Sir Frank Williams before team principal James Vowles, Carlos Sainz, and Alex Albon unveiled the new navy-to-blue gradient design inspired by new title sponsor Atlassian. Emotional? Yes. Effective? Absolutely.
SAUBER C45
Sauber wasted no time setting the tone for the night. The team’s green-and-black C45 kicked off the evening with a dramatic reveal, bringing together their all-new lineup of Nico Hülkenberg and rookie Gabriel Bortoleto on stage with former Ferrari boss Mattia Binotto.
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