๐ฏ | This is Max Verstappen's response after finding out about F1's plans for the 2025 season launch event in the O2 arena that is supposed to include all F1 teams, drivers, and team principals. ๐ #F1 #Formula1
Max Verstappen clarified his comment concerning Formula 1's 2025 special season launch event, where all F1 car liveries will be revealed.
Formula 1 recently announced that the 2025 season will have a special launch event. Until now, all the F1 teams used to unveil their cars and liveries separately and on their own, but that won't be the case next year.
To celebrate the 75th anniversary of Formula 1, all F1 teams, drivers, and team principals will gather in O2 Arena in London on February 18th for the special "interactive season launch event," which will include new liveries, interviews as well as "top entertainment."
Tickets for this event sold out within seconds. While many F1 fans are looking forwards to this special show, not all F1 drivers were so keen about it.
Asked during his stream on Twitch about his thoughts on the F1 75 (the name of the season launch event), Max Verstappen replied that he hoped he would get sick and not have to attend.
Clips of his response went viral on social media. When the triple World Champion was asked about it ahead of the 2024 Las Vegas Grand Prix, he told the press:
"I was joking on the stream and people always take it too seriously. I think it's great for Formula 1 that all the cars are there with the liveries and it gets all announced."
"I made a joke that I was hoping that I was sick and everyone thinks that I mean that is the case. Let's see how it goes. It's never been done before."
Verstappen's championship rival, Lando Norris, was also asked about his thoughts about the season-opening event, and it was clear that he wasn't particularly looking forward to it. The McLaren F1 driver told the media at Las Vegas Strip Circuit:
"I mean, if I get told to be there, I guess I'll be there. I might see where Max is going on holiday and join him. We might end up having the same illness or something!"
"But I don't know, I think it will still be, it's a cool event. I'm happy for F1, you know. I think it sold out extremely quickly. It's cool for a lot of fans. It's a big thing for Formula 1."
"So I don't know, I don't know how it's going to be done. I don't know the layout of events, but I'd rather be at home and relaxing and preparing for the season, that's my side."
"I don't like these types of things. I'm not a public person. I like to relax and do my things, but it's also our job. So in the end of the day, we can't complain."