The F1 75 Live event celebrating Formula 1's 75th anniversary, promised to be a grand spectacle, a celebration of the upcoming season, and an opportunity for teams to showcase their latest challengers in a setting fit for the sport’s growing entertainment focus. But as with all things Formula 1, it was a night of mixed emotions, with moments of brilliance, awkwardness, and even controversy.
An uncomfortable spotlight for the drivers
Max Verstappen, known for his intense on-track demeanor, appeared notably reserved during the event's glitzy proceedings. His discomfort highlighted the contrast between his racing persona and the entertainment-focused atmosphere of the evening. This echoed the sentiments from 2023s Las Vegas Grand Prix opening ceremony, where several drivers, including Verstappen, expressed visible unease at the over-the-top showbiz approach Liberty Media has embraced. The shift from traditional, team-controlled unveilings to large-scale marketing spectacles signals a broader evolution in F1’s identity under Liberty Media’s ownership. While these events help grow the sport’s global reach and engage new audiences, they also force drivers—many of whom prefer the purity of racing over the dazzle—to adapt to a more commercialized approach to fan engagement. The question remains whether F1 can strike a balance between entertainment value and the essence of the sport that its core audience cherishes.
Liveries: A canvas of art and identity
In Formula 1, car liveries aren’t just a design; they are a reflection of the team’s identity, ethos, and ambition for the season (alongside their highest paying sponsors). At F1 75 Live, liveries were more than just paint—they were bold statements of what each team intends to convey to fans and competitors alike. Some made waves with innovative designs, while others chose a more cautious approach, hoping to build on established legacies.
Visa Cash App Racing Bulls: A bold white statement
One of the most eye-catching liveries of the evening belonged to the Visa Cash App Racing Bulls, who unveiled a striking white design that immediately set them apart. The pristine white base, accented by deep blue, yellow and red elements, was a refreshing departure from their traditional colour scheme. This was a livery that demanded attention—not just for its aesthetic appeal, but for the statement it made.
The choice of white was a bold one, evoking memories of classic Alpha Tauri, but with a modern twist that emphasized the team’s fresh start under new branding. Paired with the Visa and Cash Appsponsorship logos, the livery symbolized a sleek, forward-thinking image, aligning with the team’s ambition to carve out a distinct identity within the Red Bull family. Fans and pundits alike praised the look, with many arguing that it was even more visually exciting than Red Bull Racing’s own car.
Red Bull Racing: The familiar face
In contrast, Red Bull Racing chose to maintain their iconic livery for another season. Known for their classic combination of dark blues, reds, and yellows, Red Bull Racing’s design has become synonymous with success. While many fans were hoping for a dramatic update to signal a new era, the team decided to stay with their tried-and-tested look, which remains a symbol of their dominance in recent seasons.
The choice to keep the livery unchanged may have disappointed some fans looking for a visual shift, but it was a reflection of Red Bull Racing’s confidence in their established identity. Sometimes, when you're at the top, sticking to what works feels like the best strategy.
Mercedes: Silver Arrows with a contemporary twist
Mercedes, too, opted for a largely familiar look, returning to their roots with a nod to the traditional silver that gave birth to their Silver Arrow legacy. However, the livery’s muted tones and classic design didn’t excite as much as many had hoped. Fans who have come to associate Mercedes with their championship dominance might have expected something bolder—perhaps an evolution that could signify a renewed effort to reclaim the title from Mclaren and Redbull.
Adding to the intrigue was the continued use of the slogan “Every Dream Needs a Team,” which had been introduced to mark Lewis Hamilton’s departure but was reintroduced in a tribute that left fans scratching their heads. The livery was solid, but the message behind it felt forced, especially in the aftermath of the 2024 season’s awkward moments. The slow, clumsy pit stop reveal only added to the sense of unease, highlighting the tension between Mercedes’ historical dominance and their current search for direction.
Ferrari: A new spirit, same passion
In contrast to Mercedes, Ferrari’s livery evoked excitement and energy. Their design felt fresh and vibrant, a clear departure from the traditional red that had been their signature for years. At the heart of the design was an emphasis on bold lines and a more modern aesthetic that spoke to a renewed sense of purpose within the team.
The event also showcased Ferrari’s ability to blend past and present, ensuring that the car’s look was both a tribute to their racing heritage and a forward-thinking statement of their 2025 ambitions. The atmosphere at the O2 Arena seemed to mirror this new energy, with Ferrari fans electrified by the promise of a team that is clearly gunning for the top spot.
McLaren: Nostalgia meets innovation
McLaren’s decision to showcase a lineup of their championship-winning cars was not only a nostalgic trip down memory lane but a clever strategy to visually communicate their ambitions. The liveries of McLaren’s past—bold, elegant, and rich in history—stood side by side with the team’s current livery, which carries the weight of their legacy but also hints at an evolving future.
This juxtaposition of past and present sent a powerful message: McLaren is proud of its heritage but is equally committed to innovation. The orange and black design of their current car, while not drastically different from previous years, is a nod to their rich history of success, with a contemporary twist that reflects their ongoing quest for the top.
The Controversy: Boos, politics, and the unavoidable tensions of F1
No modern F1 event would be complete without its fair share of controversy, and F1 75 Live was no exception. What was meant to be a celebration of the sport quickly became a stage for underlying tensions that have been bubbling beneath the surface for months.
The boos that Echoed through the arena
At multiple points throughout the evening, any mention of the FIA was met with loud boos from the crowd—a stark indication of the growing frustration among fans. While FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem wasn’t present on stage, his organization’s recent decisions have left a sour taste in the mouths of many. Whether it’s inconsistent stewarding, controversial penalty calls, or a perceived lack of transparency in governance, fan discontent was on full display.
But the FIA wasn’t the only target of the crowd’s displeasure. Red Bull team principal Christian Horner also found himself at the center of the audience’s frustrations, receiving audible jeers whenever his name was mentioned. While some of this reaction can be attributed to Red Bull’s dominance in recent years—naturally making them a divisive force—the level of hostility suggested something far deeper.
The allegations that fans haven’t forgotten
In the buildup to the 2024 season, Horner was the subject of harassment allegations—a controversy that Red Bull’s upper management seemed eager to sweep under the rug. The matter was investigated internally, and Horner was cleared of any wrongdoing, but the lack of transparency left fans skeptical. Many saw it as a convenient resolution designed to protect Red Bull’s corporate interests rather than a thorough examination of the claims.
Though the allegations may have been officially put to rest within the team, the F1 fanbase has a long memory. The boos directed at Horner during F1 75 Live made it clear that, for many, the issue hasn’t simply gone away. In a sport where off-track drama is as intense as the on-track battles, Horner’s reputation has taken a hit—one that won’t be repaired simply by ignoring the controversy.
A sport divided?
This open display of hostility highlighted a stark reality: Formula 1 is in a period of internal strife. The fractures between teams, the governing body, and even the fanbase have become more apparent than ever. Whether it’s Red Bull’s continued supremacy, Mercedes’ struggle to return to the top, or Ferrari’s resurgence, there is an undeniable feeling that Formula 1 is on the brink of a new era—one where tensions may boil over more frequently.
The politics of F1 have always played a role in shaping the sport, but in recent years, fan engagement in these disputes has reached new levels. Social media amplifies every disagreement, and the lines between team rivalries and organizational disputes have blurred. The FIA, Liberty Media, and the teams are all pushing their own visions for the sport’s future, but the direction isn’t always clear—or agreed upon.
Manufactured entertainment vs. traditional motorsport
Another talking point of the night was whether events like F1 75 Live are truly the best way to present the sport. While the spectacle was meant to engage fans and bring a fresh, entertainment-driven approach, some felt it leaned too heavily into showbiz at the expense of authenticity. The presence of scripted moments, forced interactions, and awkwardly staged drama made it feel less like an organic celebration and more like a carefully curated product—one that not all fans appreciated.
The booing, in some ways, felt like a rejection of this shift. Many traditional fans long for the days when car launches were about the machines, not the manufactured theatrics. The contrast between McLaren’s historical showcase and Red Bull’s theatrical yet unchanged livery was a prime example of the divide.
Was It Worth It?
The event itself was an enjoyable watch, despite its moments of awkwardness and manufactured theatrics. Do I prefer the traditional car unveilings? Absolutely. But was it still fun? Without a doubt. Perhaps next year, teams will allocate larger budgets to create high-quality production values for their livery reveals on social media—an approach that might strike a better balance between spectacle and substance.
