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75th Anniversary of Formula 1 Makes History in London with MGK, Lewis Hamilton, and More

F1 75 Live

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 1kicked off its milestone 75th season by transforming London’s O2 Arena into a celebration of motorsport, music, and high-profile entertainment. The groundbreakingF1 75 Liveevent 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 toFerrari, appeared inFerrari'ssignature red with renewed energy alongside teammateCharles Leclerc. "I feel invigorated," Hamilton shared as he steps into this new chapter with the iconic Italian team.

Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain and Scuderia Ferrari poses for a photo as he attends F1 75 Live
Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain and Scuderia Ferrari poses for a photo as he attends F1 75 Live at The O2 Arena on February 18, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Mark Sutton - Formula 1/Formula 1 via Getty Images)

Machine Gun Kelly (MGK)electrified the arena with a high-octane opening performance, while British pop legendsTake That delivered a nostalgic finale that had the 15,000-strong crowd on their feet. ComedianJack Whitehallhosted the show, bringing his trademark wit to the unprecedented gathering of racing royalty.

MGK performs on stage during F1 75 Live
MGK performs on stage during F1 75 Live at The O2 Arena on February 18, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Rose - Formula 1/Formula 1 via Getty Images)

Aston Martin'spresentation channeled James Bond-level sophistication, complete with a performance by rising starTemsthat elevated the evening's entertainment. For the performance, the team's drivers,Fernando AlonsoandLance Stroll, showcased their 2025 challenger against a backdrop of theatrical special effects.

Tems performs during F1 75 Live at The O2 Arena
Tems performs during F1 75 Live at The O2 Arena on February 18, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Mason - Formula 1/Formula 1 via Getty Images)

The event drew an impressive array of celebrities, withIdris ElbaandGeorge Russellsharing the stage duringMercedes'segment, whileMcLaren'sreveal featured an emotional tribute to the team's heritage, parading their championship-winning cars before unveiling their 2025 challenger.

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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, reflectingFormula 1'sgrowing influence beyond traditional motorsport boundaries.

The celebration comes at a pivotal moment forFormula 1, as the sport continues to flourish in mainstream entertainment. The upcomingFormula 1movie starringBrad Pittis set to bring motorsport to an even wider global audience. Meanwhile,Netflix's Drive to Survive, now in itsseventh 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 transformedFormula 1from a niche motorsport into a global entertainment venue. With 1.1 million YouTube viewers joining the arena audience,Formula 1 75 Liveshowcased the sport's expanding influence and its ability to captivate.

The 2025 drivers and their cars on stage with Jack Whitehall during F1 75 Live at The O2 Arena on February 18, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Mason - Formula 1/Formula 1 via Getty Images)

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 ofFormula 1to be the most spectacular year yet.