Formula 1 has enthusiastically announced the big news for the 2025 season: a unique presentation for all single-seaters, which will be held in London on February 18th on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the top category. A grand event, designed to give fans a show never seen before. Yet, not everyone seems to be enthusiastic, and among them the reigning world champion Max Verstappen stands out.
A changing tradition
The launch of the single-seaters has always been a moment eagerly awaited by fans, a ritual at the start of the season that allows them to discover the new cars, revealed one by one by the teams. With the event in London, Liberty Media aims to create a grand opening ceremony, with all ten teams and their twenty drivers gathered together to celebrate the start of what promises to be a memorable season. However, the uniformity of this choice has already raised criticism among fans, who fear losing the element of surprise and the uniqueness of the individual presentations.
Verstappen and the fight against theor show
Max Verstappen has always preferred to focus exclusively on the track, avoiding the spotlight as much as possible. This philosophy has often led him to clash with the current direction of the circus, more oriented towards an all-round spectacle to attract a global audience. From his aversion to the Netflix documentary “Drive to Survive” to his displeasure with pompous presentations, Verstappen continues to represent a voice out of the chorus, an old-school driver who puts competition before show business.
During a live broadcast on Twitch with his friends from the RedLine team, Verstappen did not hide his opinion on the London event. “I hope I’m sick that week,” he said with his typical sarcasm. It’s not a surprise, considering that the Dutchman has repeatedly expressed his displeasure with off-track initiatives, calling them an excess of spectacularization that has nothing to do with the true spirit of racing. The Red Bull driver is in fact known for his “old-school” approach: no show, no frills, just pure racing.
His aversion to these events is not new. Already last year, during the Las Vegas Grand Prix, Verstappen had criticized the presentation of the drivers, considering it a waste of time and a forced act dictated by media needs. This time too, the mega event organized by Liberty Media in London does not seem to convince him. "I don't watch Formula 1, let alone participate in these shows," he added jokingly during the live broadcast.
A decisive end to the season
Max's comments come at a crucial time for the 2024 season. The victory at the Brazilian Grand Prix has put the Dutch driver in a favorable position: in Las Vegas, already next weekend, he will have the first match point to win his fourth consecutive world title. A victory on the Strip would mean not only securing the championship, but also to do it in the most spectacular way possible, in an iconic location for glamour and entertainment.
If Max can win the title in Las Vegas, he could turn an event he has criticised into a historic celebration for Formula 1. But until then, Verstappen seems intent on maintaining his detachment from the media hype, preferring to focus on his main goal: winning on the track, away from the spotlight and the hype of events like the one in London.
