75th Anniversary of Formula 1 Makes History in London with MGK, Lewis Hamilton, and More
February 21, 2025
A Night of Glamour, Speed, and Star Power: 75th Anniversary of Formula 1 Launches a New Era in Sports Entertainment
By Entertainment Editorial Staff
Formula 1 kicked off its milestone 75th season by transforming London’s O2 Arena into a celebration of motorsport, music, and high-profile entertainment. The groundbreaking F1 75 Live event marked the first time the sport has united all teams for a collective season launch, beginning a new era for sports entertainment.
Lewis Hamilton, making his first major appearance since his shocking move to Ferrari, appeared in Ferrari's signature red with renewed energy alongside teammate Charles Leclerc. "I feel invigorated," Hamilton shared as he steps into this new chapter with the iconic Italian team.
Machine Gun Kelly (MGK) electrified the arena with a high-octane opening performance, while British pop legends Take That delivered a nostalgic finale that had the 15,000-strong crowd on their feet. Comedian Jack Whitehall hosted the show, bringing his trademark wit to the unprecedented gathering of racing royalty.
Aston Martin's presentation channeled James Bond-level sophistication, complete with a performance by rising star Tems that elevated the evening's entertainment. For the performance, the team's drivers, Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll, showcased their 2025 challenger against a backdrop of theatrical special effects.
The event drew an impressive array of celebrities, with Idris Elba and George Russell sharing the stage during Mercedes' segment, while McLaren's reveal featured an emotional tribute to the team's heritage, parading their championship-winning cars before unveiling their 2025 challenger.
Each team's seven-minute slot transformed the arena through innovative use of technology, including suspended F1 cars and dynamic LED displays that created an immersive spectacle. The production value rivaled any major entertainment awards show, reflecting Formula 1's growing influence beyond traditional motorsport boundaries.
The celebration comes at a pivotal moment for Formula 1, as the sport continues to flourish in mainstream entertainment. The upcoming Formula 1 movie starring Brad Pitt is set to bring motorsport to an even wider global audience. Meanwhile, Netflix's Drive to Survive, now in its seventh season, has played a crucial role in how fans connect with the sport, humanizing drivers and fueling fanbase growth across the globe. These efforts have transformed Formula 1 from a niche motorsport into a global entertainment venue. With 1.1 million YouTube viewers joining the arena audience, Formula 1 75 Live showcased the sport's expanding influence and its ability to captivate.
The 2025 season begins with testing in Bahrain next week, before the season opener in Melbourne on March 16. If the 75th Anniversary launch is any indication, we can expect this season of Formula 1 to be the most spectacular year yet.
