Formula 1 made motorsport history this week with its first-ever season launch event, F1 75 Live, held at London’s iconic The O2. The sold-out event marked the sport’s 75th anniversary and the official start of the 2025 season with a night of jaw-dropping entertainment, star-studded appearances, and exclusive first looks at the latest liveries for the upcoming races.
Over 15,000 passionate fans filled The O2 arena, while millions more tuned in worldwide. Formula 1 reported staggering global viewership figures, with nearly 7.5 million fans watching the live event via social media channels, peaking at 1.2 million concurrent viewers. Across Formula 1’s YouTube channel alone, 4.6 million people joined the livestream. Internationally, the event was broadcast by 42 major broadcasters across 37 territories, showcasing the sport’s massive and growing global appeal. On social media, #F175 trended globally, with over 20,000 posts in the United Kingdom alone.
The event brought together all 10 Formula 1 teams, their 20 drivers, and team principals for a series of exclusive interviews, unveiling moments, and celebrations. Fans witnessed the highly anticipated debut of the 2025 season liveries, with teams like Red Bull, Ferrari, Mercedes, McLaren, and more revealing the cars that will battle for glory on the track. Each team’s story was dynamically told through an innovative LED screen show, featuring cars suspended up to eight meters in the air and mesmerizing lighting effects that captivated the audience.
Adding to the event’s electrifying atmosphere, acclaimed comedian and actor Jack Whitehall hosted the evening with his trademark humor, while live musical performances kept the energy high. Multi-platinum artist Machine Gun Kelly delivered a powerful set, country star Kane Brown brought his unique sound to the stage, and legendary British band Take That closed the night with their iconic hits "Greatest Day" and "Rule The World."
Behind the scenes, creative mastermind Brian Burke of BrianBurkeCreative, alongside his team at Stufish Entertainment Architects, DX7 Design, and production company 1826, pulled out all the stops to deliver a visually stunning show. Their efforts included utilizing the largest LED screen in The O2’s history, setting the bar higher than ever for live sports entertainment events.
The event drew an enviable celebrity guest list, including Idris Elba, Gordon Ramsay, and producer Jerry Bruckheimer, alongside numerous sports, entertainment, and fashion industry icons. The dazzling fusion of motorsport and live entertainment emphasized Formula 1's unique appeal while setting the stage for what promises to be an unforgettable season.
Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula 1, expressed his excitement and gratitude for the event's success. “Tonight was an amazing event and a huge success. As a sport, we did something together that has never been done in the history of F1 before. We are always celebrating and respecting our incredible history while looking to the future to engage new fans around the globe. We had a packed O2 arena, passionate fans sharing their love and excitement for the sport here in person and watching around the world. We saw all the drivers and team principals on stage alongside great music and entertainment. We are now excited for the season ahead and what is set to be a great battle on the track for the ultimate prize in motorsport. Thanks to all our fans and the teams.”
The buzz surrounding F1 75 Live has set an electric tone for the 2025 season, which kicks off with the first Grand Prix in Australia from March 14-16.