There was swearing, boos from the crowd and a controversial rule change was revealed as the Formula 1 season launched in front of a packed O2 Arena in London on Wednesday morning (AEDT).
Here’s everything you need to know about the glamorous event ahead of the first F1 race in Melbourne next month.
The F1 75 event was held in London ahead of the upcoming season.Credit: Getty Images
The Verstappen and Russell drama continues
Fans will remember the tension between four-time world champion Max Verstappen and Mercedes driver George Russell at the end of last season.
Russell called the Red Bull driver a “bully” who thinks he is “above the law” in December. He also alleged that Verstappen threatened to put his “f—ing head in the wall”.
The quadruple champion later responded, describing Russell as “two-faced” and saying he had “lost all respect” for the Brit.
British comedian Jack Whitehall, who hosted the event, directly referenced this conflict during the event on Wednesday.
George Russell and Max Verstappen at Qatar Grand Prix.Credit: Getty Images
“Cheer up Max, it could have been worse. We didn’t seat you next to George Russell,” the comedian said, much to the delight of the audience.
“Have you two kissed and made up yet? I am absolutely loving this beef by the way.”
Fans unhappy with the FIA
There were overwhelming boos from the O2 Arena crowd when host Laura Winter gave thanks to the FIA, the international governing body of motorsports.
The organisation faced criticism in 2024 for a number of controversial decisions, including ones that involved world championship contenders Verstappen and Lando Norris.
Following the Mexican Grand Prix in October, Red Bull team principal Christian Horner said that regulations needed to be made clearer to drivers and their teams.
“I think, really, the FIA and the drivers need to sit down and decide what is acceptable, and what isn’t. I thought two 10-seconds [penalties for Verstappen] was a bit on the harsh side today,” Horner said.
Lando Norris and Australian teammate Oscar Piastri.Credit: Getty Images
At the penultimate race of the season in Qatar in December, McLaren team principal Andrea Stella also criticised the governing body.
He said that a stop-go penalty received by Norris, which had a crucial role in the final result of the race, was disproportionately harsh.
Gordon Ramsay at the Las Vegas Grand Prix in 2023.Credit: Getty Images
“It’s definitely material that the FIA should consider very seriously if we want fairness to be part of going racing in Formula 1,” Stella said.
Gordon Ramsay backs Verstappen on swearing ban
In January, the FIA announced that drivers could be banned from races if they use inappropriate language or overly criticised the governing body.
The controversial issue has been in the spotlight since Verstappen was ordered to complete community service for swearing at a press conference following a race in Singapore last year.
“I prefer not to speak about that,” the Dutch driver said in a press conference after the F1 75 event. “Otherwise I’ll get in trouble.
“I think we shouldn’t take it so seriously. I’m also not going to tell you how you should behave in life.”
But Verstappen found an unlikely ally in celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay, who is known for his colourful language on television.
“These athletes push themselves to the extreme,” Ramsay said at the event. “So sometimes if it comes out, let them be real … they are live every time.
“They’re travelling over 200 miles an hour. So if the s–t …” Ramsay said, before his mic was cut off. Perhaps the FIA censorship extends to celebrities as well?
“You’re not getting asked back next year,” Whitehall said to the chef afterwards.
The most prestigious race faces a shake-up
Ahead of the F1 75 event, the FIA announced that it would introduce what would effectively be two mandatory pit stops at the Monaco Grand Prix.
The Monaco circuit weaves through many local streets. Credit: Getty Images
The prestigious race is renowned for its tight corners and narrow track. This makes overtaking difficult and means the race is often processional. The top 10 at last year’s race finished in identical spots to their starting grid positions.
Some have criticised the increase in pit stops as pointless, instead arguing that the circuit should be changed to allow for more overtaking opportunities.
But Red Bull’s Horner said it was the only logical solution.
“I’ve just come from that meeting and basically the discussion was, Monaco you can’t change the layout of the circuit,” he said. “The race is very much dictated by the [qualifying on] Saturday. And what we saw last year was if you get a red flag early on and everyone just puts another tyre on, it’s very static,” Horner said.
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