Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Kieran Jackson

Ferrari F1 launch LIVE: Lewis Hamilton makes shock admission as he drives 2025 car for first time

F1 Lewis Hamilton Ferrari Jack Whitehall Take That

Lewis Hamilton will take to the track for the first time in Ferrari’s 2025 F1 car as the Scuderia officially launch the SF-25 in Italy on Wednesday.

F1 kicked off the 2025 season in style with a star-studded launch event, F1 75 Live, at The O2 Arena in London on Tuesday evening with Hamilton appearing in an official public capacity for the first time in Ferrari red.

READ: Hamilton’s Ferrari F1 bow steals the show in London – on a night Horner will want to forget

All 10 teams unveiled their car liveries with all 20 drivers present on stage throughout the night. The event was hosted by comedian Jack Whitehall and iconic British pop group Take That closed out the show.

Now, with one week to go until pre-season testing in Bahrain, Hamilton will get his first taste of his new car in Fiorano, as will teammate Charles Leclerc. Both are expected to speak later this afternoon.

Follow all the updates from Ferrari’s 2025 F1 car launch with The Independent

Ferrari 2025 F1 car launch - LATEST UPDATES

  • Lewis Hamilton has driven the Ferrari SF-25 for the first time on Wednesday
  • Hamilton and Leclerc are expected to speak later this afternoon
  • Ferrari have also released their first interview with Hamilton
  • F1 75 Live kicked off the 2025 season on Tuesday night in London
  • Hamilton appeared in Ferrari red for the first time in public

Lewis Hamilton insists Ferrari’s F1 car is ‘nothing like’ past Mercedes or McLaren cars

17:05

“It’s nothing like the car that I’ve had before the last 10, 12, 17 years,” Hamilton said, in his first official interview in Ferrari colours.

“It’s unique on its own. To feel the vibration of the Ferrari engine for the first time, wow! That’s what I think ultimately put the biggest smile on my face.

Lewis Hamilton makes stark revelation about Ferrari’s F1 car compared to Mercedes

Lewis Hamilton takes to the track!

13:07 , Kieran Jackson

Hamilton takes to the Fiorano Circuit, in the cockpit of the SF-25 for the first time!

A key day in the British driver’s season.

(Getty Images)
(Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

VIDEO: Hamilton in the SF-25

18:18

Lewis Hamilton at the track earlier!

17:51 , Kieran Jackson

Greeting the fans at the Fiorano Circuit to conclude a mad 24 hours for the British driver!

He will next be in action for Ferrari at the official pre-season test next week (26-28 February) in Bahrain!

(Getty Images)

Lewis Hamilton attempts Italian on live TV!

17:36 , Kieran Jackson

He did his best!

Russell and Hamilton meet again!

16:44 , Kieran Jackson

Russell: “It’s Lewis Hamilton coming through, watch out guys!”

‘I predicted Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari move six years ago – but he doesn’t need eighth F1 title’

16:22 , Kieran Jackson

“I basically predicted Lewis moving to Ferrari,” Ted Kravitz tells The Independent.

“It was a bit of a guess at the time but it seemed that the lure of Ferrari and their significance in the sport… he always thought it would be very cool to be a Ferrari driver.

“He likes the brand, he has some of the road cars which is always a help. When you look at it now, it seems a natural thing to do. It’s put a spring in his step, hasn’t it? A spring in the step of F1, just to see how he’s going to do too.

Read full interview below:

‘I predicted Hamilton’s Ferrari move six years ago, but he doesn’t need to win title’

The biggest event of the evening: Lewis Hamilton debuts with Ferrari

15:50 , Olivia Hicks

Lewis Hamilton makes his first public appearance with Ferrari with a word for the 2025 season: “Invigorated.”

Hamilton and Charles Leclerc join a crimson car on stage. The livery has a noticeable large white stripe for its HP logo.

Ferrari celebrates its legacy with a tribute video to Enzo Ferrari and the brand’s many F1 liveries throughout the years.

15:25 , Kieran Jackson

“It’s nothing like the car that I’ve had before the last 10, 12, 17 years. It’s unique on its own.

“To feel the vibration of the Ferrari engine for the first time, wow! That’s what I think ultimately put the biggest smile on my face.

“I’d always seen all the drivers who had come before me in red and how that would look on me, and it’s a real honour to wear this badge and suit. I hope I get out and make it look good.”

Lewis Hamilton in his first official interview as a Ferrari driver (Scuderia Ferrari)

Carlos Sainz makes second Williams debut at F1 75 Live

15:07 , Olivia Hicks

Carlos Sainz made his second official debut with Williams F1 Team on Tuesday as the team showed audiences around the globe its 2025 livery covered in blue.

Sainz joined the Grove-based team after Lewis Hamilton scored his seat at Ferrari. The 30-year-old’s first public appearance came on Friday during Williams’ special livery launch at Silverstone.

From compatibility quizzes to innuendos, the Valentine’s Day livery reveal was more silly than serious, but team principal James Vowles was clear about one thing: “We have two of the strongest drivers who will give everything, as will I.”

Read more about Sainz’s place at Williams below:

How Carlos Sainz can still fulfil F1 title dream at Williams with James Vowles’s masterplan

Lewis Hamilton's first official Ferrari interview!

14:36 , Kieran Jackson

“There are only a handful of special first times in life.

“The first kiss, the first date, the first time of school, the first time in the job. I honestly thought I had all my firsts and nothing was ever going to be new again.

“I’ve raced for so long... and even I’m surprised at just how much I still love what I do and it felt so new.”

More to come throughout the afternoon!

F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali speaks about F1 75 Live

14:22 , Olivia Hicks

The sport’s CEO deemed the evening “an amazing event and a huge success. As a sport we did something together that has never been done in the history of F1 before. We are always celebrating and respecting our incredible history while looking to the future to engage new fans around the globe.

“We had a packed O2 arena, passionate fans sharing their love and excitement for the sport here in person and watching around the world. We saw all the drivers and team principals on stage alongside great music and entertainment.

We are now excited for the season ahead and what is set to be a great battle in the track for the ultimate prize in motorsport. Thanks to all our fans and the teams.”

Toto Wolff on 2025 Mercedes: “This is really a new milestone”

13:56 , Olivia Hicks

Mercedes’ team principal Toto Wolff waxed poetically about the 2025 car and driver pairing of rookie Kimi Antonelli and George Russell at F1 75 Live: “This is really a new milestone.”

The team’s brief presentation began with a statement: “Dreams don’t push themselves over the finish line, we do.”

Christian Horner booed by British crowd at F1 75 Live event in London

13:22 , Olivia Hicks

Christian Horner was jeered by fans inside The O2 Arena as Red Bull unveiled their 2025 car livery on Tuesday night.

Horner, who has been team principal since 2005, walked on to the stage to a chorus of boos as he introduced Red Bull’s 2025 challenger, the RB21.

The Red Bull boss seemed caught off-guard by the reception, ahead of drivers Max Verstappen and Liam Lawson walking on stage.

Read full story below:

Christian Horner booed by British crowd at F1 75 Live event in London

Charles Leclerc greets fans after SF-25 test run

12:55 , Kieran Jackson

The Monegasque waved to the hundreds of fans watching on at the Fiorano Circuit on Wednesday morning!

How did that first run in the SF-25 feel, I wonder?

(Getty Images)
(Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

McLaren lifts the lid off 2025 livery

12:49 , Olivia Hicks

The 2024 World Constructors’ Championship title winners debut a papaya orange 2025 livery in the team’s classic fashion.

Driver Lando Norris remains hopeful ahead of the season, saying the car is “similar on pace.”

Monaco Grand Prix set for drastic new rule to ‘promote better racing’ at famous F1 circuit

12:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The FIA announced on Tuesday that F1 are looking at increasing the amount of pit-stops at the Monaco Grand Prix this year.

The famous race on the streets of the principality is regularly criticised for its lack of overtaking opportunities, with Red Bull’s Max Verstappen labelling last year’s race as “boring” – with the top-10 not changing order at all from the start of the race to the end.

As a result, after a meeting of the F1 Commission on Tuesday morning in London, it was agreed that the number of mandatory pit stops (one) per driver should be increased.

Monaco GP set for drastic new rule for 2025 race at famous F1 circuit

WATCH: Moment Charles Leclerc takes to track in SF-25!

12:21 , Kieran Jackson

Less than 12 hours after appearing on stage at F1 75 Live, Leclerc took to the track at Ferrari HQ!

Watch the moment he left the garage here:

The crowd at F1 75 Live boos the FIA

12:16 , Olivia Hicks

In response to the FIA being mentioned at the live show, the crowd responds with boos. The ruling body has been criticized by drivers and fans alike for its recent swearing clampdown.

Get now your 2025 F1 cars, by name!

11:45 , Olivia Hicks

The process of naming a Formula 1 car is — unfortunately for fans — not streamlined. Some cars are named by the current year, others by the number of years the team has raced in Formula 1.

So study up, here are all the 2025 title challengers:

  • Alpine: A525
  • Aston Martin: AMR25
  • Ferrari: SF-25
  • Haas: VF-25
  • Kick Sauber: C45
  • McLaren: MCL39
  • Mercedes: W16
  • Racing Bulls: VCARB 02
  • Red Bull: RB21
  • Williams: FW47

The crowd speaks out on swearing sanctions

11:22 , Olivia Hicks

At F1’s 75th anniversary event, host Jack Whitehall brought up the news on everyone’s minds: the FIA’s clampdown on swearing.

Gordon Ramsay denounced the increasingly strict rules while fans booed from the crowd when the ruling body was mentioned.

F1 reveals mammoth viewership figures on YouTube for 75 Live event at The O2 in London

11:00 , Olivia Hicks

Formula 1 shattered its previous live event viewership record on Tuesday during the sport’s 75th anniversary event, F1 75 Live, at The O2 Arena in London.

The event amassed 1.1 million concurrent live YouTube viewers at its peak and 4.6 million total viewers across YouTube’s live broadcast. The sport’s previous largest crowd for a live event was just 289,000 at its peak.

The two-hour spectacle, where all 20 drivers revealed the 2025 F1 car liveries paired with musical acts and celebrity appearances, was broadcast for free across the sport’s social media channels.

Read more below:

F1 reveals mammoth viewership figures on YouTube for 75 Live event at The O2 in London

No words from Red Bull

10:55 , Olivia Hicks

Despite Red Bull’s livery reveal which featured what was essentially one big party onstage, neither four-time world champion Max Verstappen nor rookie Liam Lawson spoke during the team’s allotted nine minutes of stage time.

"Everything is new:" Lewis Hamilton speaks about joining Ferrari

10:40 , Olivia Hicks

Lewis Hamilton on 2025 season with Ferrari: “I feel so full of life and so much energy because everything is new and just focused on what is up ahead.”

Lewis Hamilton is preparing for a first season in Ferrari red (Bradley Collyer/PA) (PA Wire)

Charles Leclerc the first driver in the SF-25!

10:19 , Kieran Jackson

From London last night to Fiorano this morning, a quick turnaround for Ferrari this morning!

Charles Leclerc had the honour of being the first driver behind the wheel of the SF-25, taking it for some shakedown laps at Ferrari’s own private track!

Lewis Hamilton will be in the car later and we will hear from both drivers later this evening!

Look at the fans gathered... it’s only a fllming day!

(Getty Images)
(Getty Images)
(Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

Charles Leclerc on writing history alongside Lewis Hamilton

10:10 , Olivia Hicks

Charles Leclerc’s one word for the 2025 Formula 1 season: “If I have to choose one word, I was going to say fulfillment: fulfilling my childhood dream of becoming a Formula 1 world champion. But I think the one that fits better is probably honored. Honored to be part of this team.”

Leclerc added that he’s “looking forward to write history alongside Lewis [Hamilton].”

Coming up today...

09:10 , Harry Latham-Coyle

It’s another major day in Formula 1 as the new season draws ever nearer, with Wednesday bringing the full launch of the Ferrari that Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton will be driving in 2025. The pair will be on track a little later in the SF25 at the team’s Fiorano circuit.

Ferrari reveal name of Lewis Hamilton’s first Scuderia F1 car for 2025 season

‘I predicted Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari move six years ago – but he doesn’t need eighth F1 title’

09:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Few figures in F1 have a better knowledge of the paddock than Ted Kravitz, a long-standing member of the Sky Sports broadcast team. Ahead of a new season that promises plenty, Kieran Jackson caught up with the roving reporter to find out how he predicted Lewis Hamilton’s big switch to Ferrari:

‘I predicted Hamilton’s Ferrari move six years ago, but he doesn’t need to win title’

Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari F1 bow steals the show in London – on a night Christian Horner will want to forget

08:35 , Kieran Jackson at the O2 Arena

Strutting out in front of 20,000 euphoric British fans, sporting the most striking of Ferrari red race suits, Lewis Hamilton placed a solitary finger to his ear and beamed.

Entering season number 19 in Formula 1, the 40-year-old knows he is now always the star of the show. And on Tuesday night at F1 75 Live, as F1 tried an event as razzle-dazzle as it was experimental in a nod to its 75th anniversary, the biggest transfer in the history of the sport made certain that their high-rolling London bet came up big.

Hamilton’s Ferrari bow steals the show – on a night Horner will want to forget

Lewis Hamilton speaks for the first time in Ferrari red

08:25 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari stint is properly underway, with the seven-time world champion getting a mighty reception from a home crowd in London last night.

Lewis Hamilton snubbed by Carlos Sainz's four choices for 2025 F1 title

08:15 , Jack Rathborn

“I don’t know,” former Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz told SoyMotor when pushed for his pick to win the title in 2025.

“I think it will be between those first three you have said [Verstappen, Norris, Leclerc].

“If Mercedes make a good car I would put Russell in too. I think he is at a very good level.

“Any of those can beat each other this year.”

F1 75 Live: Top four storylines you missed

08:00 , Olivia Hicks

From jokes to jeers, here are the top things you missed at F1 75 Live:

  • Jack Whitehall’s opening monologue: From crushing on Charles Leclerc to calling out the FIA’s swearing sanctions, the comedian’s hosting material was for the fans.
  • Hamilton’s Ferrari debut: The 40-year-old made his official launch with the Scuderia clad in red on Tuesday.
  • The music festival-meets-fashion show vibe: With Take That, mgk, Tems, Brian Tyler and Kane Brown headlining while teams strutted down a runway, the event had a unique tone.
  • An unhappy crowd: Christian Horner and the FIA were subject to booing by The O2’s crowd of 20,000

Alpine goes pink

07:30 , Olivia Hicks

Last year, the French team teased a pink camo livery that had fans on Twitter up in arms after the paint job failed to show up on track. The team ran a pink and blue livery across the 2024 season.

This year, the team has stuck with a somewhat similar design concept that features the teams colors throughout.

McLaren teased 2025 car early

03:30 , Olivia Hicks

McLaren held a separate car launch last week with a special livery reveal in Silverstone.

McLaren teased a bright and bold black and papaya orange car that resembled camouflage on Thursday. The 2025 title challenger offered a first look at the technical developments the World Constructors’ Championship-winning team will bring to the opening race on Sunday, March 16 in Australia.

McLaren goes into the 2025 season hoping to take home both titles with the obstacle of balancing a major design upheaval with building upon last season’s progress. “Pretty much every fundamental component of the layout has been subject to some innovation,” team principal Andrea Stella said.

Aside from the car’s competitiveness, McLaren was candid about the team dynamic this year: “We’ve shown time and time again that we can race each other hard, but cleanly, and as long as we’re not taking points off the team, then that’s how we’re going to go racing.”

Williams unveils new title sponsor at F1 75 Live

03:00 , Olivia Hicks

Despite Williams going into 2025 with a rocky recent history — including crashing in 20 races of last season’s 24-race calendar — the team has a new title sponsor for the 2025 season.

Atlassian, an Australian software company, marks the largest title sponsor in Williams’ history.

“I was one of the first ones to believe in our journey, especially with Carlos and Atlassian joining, there’s a buzz around the team,” Albon said on Friday at the team’s special livery launch.

2026 regulations remain top of mind

02:30 , Olivia Hicks

The 2025 season is just around the corner with the first race hitting the streets of Melbourne in mid-March. And among F1 75 Live’s spectacle and sparks, it’s easy to forget all 10 F1 teams will be gazing towards the horizon as a new era of technical regulations land on track come 2026.

The 2026 regulation changes mostly feature engineer-speak, but overall include increased hybrid power, 100 percent sustainable fuels, lighter cars and replacing DRS (the Drag Reduction System) with X-mode.

Read more about the 2026 regulations and Adrian Newey’s bold performance predictions: Adrian Newey makes bold prediction for 2026 F1 season ahead of Aston Martin move

Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari F1 bow steals the show in London – on a night Christian Horner will want to forget

00:30 , Olivia Hicks

Strutting out in front of 20,000 euphoric British fans, sporting the most striking of Ferrari red race suits, Lewis Hamilton placed a solitary finger to his ear and beamed.

Entering season number 18 in Formula 1, the 40-year-old knows he is now always the star of the show. And on Tuesday night, as F1 tried an event as razzle-dazzle as it was experimental, the biggest transfer in the history of the sport made certain that F1’s high-rolling London bet came up big.

And here’s the thing: Hamilton likes a catwalk. Every morning as he enters the Formula One paddock, sporting a high-end fashion outfit from his extravagant wardrobe, onlookers stop and stare. And amid two hours, 10 teams and 20 drivers on stage at The O2 Arena in east London, there was no doubting who the crowd had come to see.

See the full story below:

Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari F1 bow steals the show in London – on a night Christian Horner will want to forget

A new dawn at Ferrari? The Scuderia unveils a new red

Tuesday 18 February 2025 23:00 , Olivia Hicks

Ferrari isn’t just welcoming a new driver this year. A rebrand may not seem typical for a team with a history of bringing crimson to Formula 1, but Ferrari goes into the 2025 season with a new shade of red.

Ahead of the 2025 season, the Maranello-based team had teased new red hue in promo videos.

Ferrari lifted the curtain on the SF-25 on Tuesday evening to reveal a car clad in a dark cherry red.

Lewis Hamilton makes first public appearance in Ferrari colours at F1 75 Live in London

Tuesday 18 February 2025 21:57 , Olivia Hicks

Lewis Hamilton has made his first official public appearance in Ferrari colours as he arrives at The O2 Arena in London on Tuesday night for F1 75 Live.

Ferrari will unveil their 2025 car livery this evening, as will the other nine teams, in front of 15,000 people in east London.

Hamilton will then drive the SF-25 tomorrow at Ferrari’s own launch in Fiorano, before pre-season testing next week in Bahrain.

See full story below:

Lewis Hamilton makes first public appearance in Ferrari colours at F1 75 Live in London

Main act Take That takes the stage

Tuesday 18 February 2025 21:54 , Olivia Hicks

The ‘90s pop boy band hailing from Manchester closes out the show.

The three-man group includes Gary Barlow, Mark Owen and Howard Donald, but originally had two other members: Jason Orange and Robbie Williams — who Alex Albon revealed at Friday’s Wiliams’ launch sings his favorite karaoke song. The group has won eight BRIT Awards and has 12 UK number-one singles, amassing 45 million record sales worldwide.

Mercedes reveals a black and silver livery with touches of mint green

Tuesday 18 February 2025 21:23 , Olivia Hicks

Mercedes’ team principal, Toto Wolff, shows racing is in the team’s blood: “The first ever Mercedes that was built was a race car.”

The team’s rookie, Kimi Antonelli, said he wants to “make the best out of this opportunity.”

Racing Bulls lift sheet off of 2025 white livery

Tuesday 18 February 2025 20:40 , Olivia Hicks

Yuki Tsunoda and Isack Hadjar pull a black sheet off of a nearly completely white car with Tsunoda’s voicing his opinion: “One of the best liveries I’ve ever seen in my life from a team.”

F1 75 Live has already surpassed F1's previous live event numbers

Tuesday 18 February 2025 20:35 , Olivia Hicks

439,000 people were watching live on Formula 1’s YouTube alone at F1 75 Live’s opening. It rose to 824,000 now during Kick Sauber’s car debut. The highest ever previous live event was 289,000 at its peak, according to F1.

Lando Norris: "I did the best I could in every situation”

Tuesday 18 February 2025 20:33 , Olivia Hicks

Lando Norris at F1 75 Live when asked about regrets over his 2024 performance: “I did the best I could in every situation,” but said he has learned from the experience going into 2025.

Williams unveils its 2025 car

Tuesday 18 February 2025 20:27 , Olivia Hicks

Williams’ 2025 single-seater drops from the ceiling after a tribute to the team’s 47-year history. Team principal James Vowles takes center stage with intent: “The start of a new era.”

Alex Albon’s take on the 2025 all-blue car: “It feels really good. It feels like an improvement from last year.”

(Williams/Getty)

Jack Whitehall asks the important questions: boot space and Mike Krack

Tuesday 18 February 2025 20:25 , Olivia Hicks

“Is there genuinely a guy named Mike Krack?”

The comedian and host for tonight asks the pressing questions new F1 fans need to know: like if F1 drivers can listen to podcasts or fit anything in the car’s boot (hint: there isn’t one).

Stake Kick Sauber is first up with a neon display

Tuesday 18 February 2025 20:17 , Olivia Hicks

The neon green team is first up with an intense drumming squad and intros from drivers Gabriel Bortoleto and Nico Hulkenberg.

“It’s about what is ahead of us ... We are ready to hustle harder.”

Mattia Binotto walks alongside the team’s two drivers as the 2025 livery follows. The paint job features an almost spray paint-like transition from bright green to black.

“I feel energised,” the team principal says ahead of the season.

Kick Sauber live from The O2 (The Independent)

Everyone gets a shoutout from Whitehall's monologue: “I love James Vowles”

Tuesday 18 February 2025 20:13 , Olivia Hicks

Everyone from Williams’ team principal James Vowles to Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton gets a shoutout: “I love James Vowels. Do we have any more Vowles-heads?”

The comedian also addresses Hamilton’s fashion icon status: “Dressed like a Fortnite character.”

Jack Whitehall kicks things off with some zingers

Tuesday 18 February 2025 20:09 , Olivia Hicks

“It turns out some of them actually didn’t change,” comedian and actor Jack Whitehall makes a dig at the 2025 liveries staying the same.

“He’s so excited to be here,” Whitehall pokes fun at Max Verstappen. “It could be worse, we didn’t sit you next to George Russell”

The first musical act takes the stage: “I still don’t give an F1"

Tuesday 18 February 2025 20:04 , Olivia Hicks

The lights go down and we’re off: F1 75 Live is live.

mgk, Machine Gun Kelly, is the first musical act to appear with a fire-filled display and a Formula 1-branded car behind him.

“I still don’t give an F1,” the rapper and singer changes his lyrics for the special event.

Just five minutes until F1 75 Live hits the screen and stage

Tuesday 18 February 2025 19:55 , Olivia Hicks

Grab your popcorn, there’s just five minutes until the show begins.

Follow the live coverage here at The Independent. Formula 1’s social media channels will also show the event live. For UK viewers, you can watch the event live via Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports F1.

F1 Academy driver Doriane Pin arrives with Mercedes

Tuesday 18 February 2025 19:43 , Olivia Hicks

Mercedes’ two F1 drivers, George Russell and rookie Kimi Antonelli, drove in together, but team reserve Valtteri Bottas and Mercedes-backed F1 Academy driver Doriane Pin followed closely behind.

Pin came in second place in the standings last year.

Charles Leclerc on Ferrari's 2025 challenger: "I haven't seen the full car yet."

Tuesday 18 February 2025 19:32 , Olivia Hicks

Charles Leclerc on the red carpet: “As crazy as this might sound, I haven’t seen the full car yet. So it’s also a car reveal for me!”

The event, beginning at 8pm (GMT), will also be full of surprises for some drivers.

Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc join red carpet

Tuesday 18 February 2025 19:12 , Olivia Hicks

The much-anticipated Ferrari duo just pulled up to the red carpet with signature Ferrari-red ties.

Reigning world champion Max Verstappen arrived with his new teammate, Liam Lawson.

McLaren’s Lando Norris, Oscar Piastri and Zak Brown pulled up in a papaya McLaren. Celebrity chef Gordan Ramsay and the first of several musical acts have shown up.

Just an hour to go before showtime

Tuesday 18 February 2025 19:00 , Olivia Hicks

With just an hour before F1 75 Live begins, drivers, team bosses and F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali have arrived at the red carpet.

Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll pulled up in an emerald green Aston Martin.

Live event coverage is available for free on Formula 1’s YouTube and other social platforms. For UK viewers, you can watch the event live via Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports F1. ESPN, Formula 1’s U.S. media rights holder, will air the event live for American viewers.

Next up: Williams, Haas, and Alpine arrive while the Racing Bulls duo hits burnouts

Tuesday 18 February 2025 18:46 , Olivia Hicks

Williams’ Alex Albon, Carlos Sainz and team principal James Vowles arrived at the red carpet closely followed by Haas’ Ollie Bearman, Esteban Ocon and Ayao Komatsu.

But it was Yuki Tsunoda and Isack Hadjar who made a real entrance by doing some burnouts in front of the crimson carpet.

Alpine’s driver pairing Jack Doohan and Pierre Gasly also arrived.

F1 greats take the red carpet

Tuesday 18 February 2025 18:39 , Olivia Hicks

Formula 1 world champions Mario Andretti, Nigel Mansell and Damon Hill among star-studded guests gracing the red carpet ahead of F1 75 Live.

What to look for at F1 75 Live: Key storylines ahead of the highly-anticipated event

Tuesday 18 February 2025 18:31 , Olivia Hicks

If it were any other year, teams would be huddled around a test track, in garages decked out in team colors or at their respective headquarters to show the world a sneak peek of their cars for the upcoming season. But it’s 2025, marking 75 years of Formula 1 galavanting across the globe to put on motor races.

The event has promised a night of surprises and spectacles. Here are a few things to keep an eye out for during the two-hour event starting at 8pm (GMT).

A Rosso Corsa-red debut: Nothing has had the Formula 1 world abuzz quite like Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari. The news broke last February that the 40-year-old British driver would leave Mercedes after the 2024 season, ending a 12-year stint at the team. Hamilton made his debut with the prancing horse team in Italy in late January and fans were quick to dub him the “king” of Maranello.

The star-studded red carpet: Despite the event organizers keeping much of the evening under wraps, several celebrity appearances have been teased, including Jared Leto, Idris Elba, Fatboy Slim, Dina Asher-Smith Giggs and Vikkstar to name a few. The red carpet is expected to commence at 6:30pm (GMT)

A four-act concert: Three American musicians and one ‘90s British boy band will converge on The O2 this evening. Tune in to watch country singer Kane Brown, rapper mgk (Machine Gun Kelly), Brian Tyler’s Are We Dreaming and Manchester boy band Take That take the stage.

The liveries: With all the surrounding spectacle, it is easy to forget F1 75 Live is actually a livery reveal. From neons to papaya, each team will have under 10 minutes to present their 2025 challengers.

Coverage is available for free on Formula 1’s YouTube channel and other social platforms. For UK viewers, you can watch the event live via Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports F1. ESPN will air the event live for U.S. viewers.

The red carpet begins: Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto first to arrive

Tuesday 18 February 2025 18:30 , Olivia Hicks

Kick Sauber’s duo of drivers are the first to arrive on the red carpet which just kicked off in London.

Max Verstappen goes full Jose Mourinho in response to F1 swearing rules: ‘I prefer not to speak’

Tuesday 18 February 2025 18:16 , Olivia Hicks

Max Verstappen did his best impression of Jose Mourinho in response to questioning about F1’s controversial new swearing rules.

The FIA, F1’s governing body, have moved to codify punishments for swearing in the sport’s regulations and, last year, Verstappen had to undergo community service in Rwanda for using foul language in a press conference.

Under new FIA regulations, a first offence carries a £33,800 fine; a second offence a £67,600 fine and suspended one-month suspension and a third offence a £101,000 fine and one-month race ban.

(Getty Images)

See full article below:

Max Verstappen goes full Jose Mourinho in response to F1 swearing rules: ‘I prefer not to speak’

Lewis Hamilton set to appear on red carpet in London

Tuesday 18 February 2025 18:14 , Kieran Jackson

Hamilton’s appearance for Ferrari tonight is his first official public engagement in Scuderia colours!

Ferrari will reveal the livery for their 2025 car, the SF-25 this evening, before Hamilton and Charles Leclerc drive the car in Fiorano tomorrow at the team’s own launch event.

The British driver is sure to get a rapturous reception tonight in front of his home crowd!

We are expecting Hamilton on the red carpet at around 7pm (GMT).

Lewis Hamilton (Getty Images)

Max Verstappen expands on swearing sanctions: "I think we shouldn’t take it so seriously"

Tuesday 18 February 2025 18:05 , Olivia Hicks

“I prefer not to speak about that, otherwise I’ll get in trouble,” Max Verstappen said on Tuesday.

Later, he told national media regarding the swearing sanctions: “If you look at everyone’s reaction to it, I think that says enough.

“I think we shouldn’t take it so seriously. I’m also not going to tell you how you should behave in life.”

Meet Liam Lawson: The not-so-new addition to Red Bull

Tuesday 18 February 2025 18:00 , Olivia Hicks

To call Liam Lawson a “newbie” might be a stretch. Although 2025 marks his first full season racing in F1, the 23-year-old driver filled in for Daniel Ricciardo in 2023 and replaced the Australian driver in the final few months of the 2024 season.

The not-so-new addition to the grid, hailing from New Zealand, has raced in 11 Formula 1 races so far. He will be tasked with the unique challenge that being four-time world champion Max Verstappen’s teammate at Red Bull brings.

(Getty Images)

Meet the full Formula 1 grid: Who are the drivers racing on the F1 2025 grid?

Meet 20-year-old Isack Hadjar: One of six 2025 newbies

Tuesday 18 February 2025 17:55 , Olivia Hicks

Isack Hadjar joins Racing Bulls alongside Yuki Tsunoda as one of three rookies who didn’t fill in for an F1 driver during the 2024 season.

The French driver brings five wins and 10 podiums from his Formula 2 career. While driving in the first free practice session at the 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the 20-year-old was 15th on the leaderboard.

(Getty Images)

Mercedes welcomes Kimi Antonelli to the 2025 grid

Tuesday 18 February 2025 17:45 , Olivia Hicks

Perhaps the most anticipated addition to the 2025 Formula 1 grid comes in the form of an 18-year-old Italian driver. Andrea Kimi Antonelli joins Mercedes alongside George Russell after Lewis Hamilton left the team for Ferrari. Despite the widespread hype, fans have seen little of Antonelli on track. While driving in the first free practice session at the 2024 Italian Grand Prix, his lap time was two seconds behind the fastest time before he crashed out early in the session.

Not only does the teen driver have the super licence points to compete in the 2025 Formula 1 season, but Antonelli just passed his road driving test in January.

Kimi Antonelli passed his driving test this week (Instagram - @kimi.antonelli)

Gabriel Bortoleto joins Kick Sauber: Meet the 20-year-old rookie

Tuesday 18 February 2025 17:40 , Olivia Hicks

At 20 years old, Gabriel Bortoleto joins Kick Sauber with a mentor in the experienced Nico Hulkenberg. The Brazilian driver brings with him the legacy of a nation known for producing F1 talent and marks the first Brazilian on the grid full-time since 2017.

“It’s very helpful,” Bortoleto said in response to teaming up with Hulkenberg who has been in the sport for 15 years.

Bortoleto won the 2023 Formula 2 championship with two wins and six podiums to his name.

(Getty Images)

Meet Oliver Bearman: Haas' 2025 rookie driver

Tuesday 18 February 2025 17:30 , Olivia Hicks

Oliver Bearman, also known as Ollie, is a rookie who has had some extended time behind the wheel. The 19-year-old British driver first slotted into the driver’s seat for a full race while replacing Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz at the 2024 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. He competed in three F1 races last season.

Like so many F1 drivers, Bearman revealed that off the track his driving prowess isn’t what it is on track (finishing seventh while standing in for Sainz). “We don’t have those on racetracks, that was my first sighting of a stop sign,” Bearman said on Tuesday of failing his first driving test.

(Getty Images)

Read more: British F1 star Ollie Bearman reveals he failed first driving test

Meet Alpine's new driver: Jack Doohan joins the 2025 grid

Tuesday 18 February 2025 17:25 , Olivia Hicks

Jack Doohan is better known to fans for his commentary and race weekend interviewing abilities than driving an F1 car. The 22-year-old Australian, who served as Alpine’s reserve, has driven in just one race, the 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, finishing 15th.

On Tuesday, Doohan said he is “embracing” the pressure of his Formula 1 spot amid Franco Colapinto, the Argentine driver who took Logan Sargeant’s place at Williams last year, signing as Alpine’s reserve.

Jack Doohan is Alpine’s test driver (Getty Images)

Max Verstappen responds to FIA swearing clampdown

Tuesday 18 February 2025 17:10 , Olivia Hicks

Max Verstappen on the FIA’s swearing clampdown: “I prefer not to speak about it, might get me in trouble! Best not to answer that.”

The Red Bull driver and four-time world champion was fined and required to complete community service for swearing during the 2024 F1 season. In the ruling body’s 2025 sporting code, Formula 1 drivers could face more extensive punishment with monetary fines and a potential race ban on the horizon.

Read more about the 2025 sporting code changes: F1 stars face 2025 race ban under controversial new swearing rules

MAX VERSTAPPEN (AP)

"We kind of have no excuses:" Lando Norris on being 2025 title favourite

Tuesday 18 February 2025 17:00 , Olivia Hicks

Lando Norris: “I hope so for sure," on being a 2025 title favourite. “I mean, after last year, I think we kind of have no excuses.

“I guess in the past, we’ve had our fair share. I think this year we kind of don’t have any. We have nothing to hide behind.

“We proved last year we have everything we need and everything it takes to fight at the top and be the best.

“If we’re not [quick] at the beginning of the season, then we’re just not good enough, and then we’ve not done a good enough job. But that’s certainly not how we’re thinking of things. It’s not how our mentality has been.”

MCLAREN-NORRIS (AP)

Zak Brown anticipates Lewis Hamilton challenging for 2025 title

Tuesday 18 February 2025 16:45 , Olivia Hicks

Zak Brown: “I’m anticipating Lewis being a championship contender, we and Ferrari ended last year nothing between us – that will continue. Mercedes very close. Of course, Red Bull super strong first half of the year.

“I don’t think there’ll be anything between it. Kimi and Liam being rookies/inexperienced, that for a constructors will present more of a challenge.”

FIA discusses Monaco-specific regulations with increased pit stops

Tuesday 18 February 2025 16:35 , Olivia Hicks

FIA: “Furthermore, with the aim of promoting better racing at the Monaco Grand Prix, the commission discussed proposals for Monaco-specific regulations. The commission agreed to increase the numbers of mandatory pit stops in the race. These proposals will be further discussed by the Sporting Advisory Committee in the coming weeks.”

(AFP via Getty Images)

Full story: Monaco Grand Prix set for drastic new rule to ‘promote better racing’ at famous F1 circuit

George Russell makes bold ‘five laps’ statement on F1 title chances in 2025

Tuesday 18 February 2025 16:20 , Kieran Jackson

George Russell insists he will know “within five laps” of testing whether he can win the F1 world championship this year.

The Mercedes driver, who is entering his fourth year with the team but first without Lewis Hamilton as a teammate, finished sixth in last year’s standings but did win two races, in Austria and Las Vegas.

Italian teenager Kimi Antonelli joins Russell in the garage this year but having joined the once-great Silver Arrows just after their period of domination ended in 2021, the 27-year-old is hoping for a car capable of challenging McLaren, Ferrari and Red Bull at the front this year.

Full quotes below:

George Russell makes bold ‘five laps’ statement on F1 title chances

https://www.independent.co.uk/f1/george-russell-f1-championship-2025-mercedes-b2700233.html

Ferrari release behind-the-scenes Lewis Hamilton video:

Tuesday 18 February 2025 16:05 , Kieran Jackson

Hamilton’s first few days at Ferrari last month were iconic!

Now, Ferrari have released a behind-the-scenes, emotional video following the British driver as he met staff and drove his first laps in Scuderia red!

Watch the video here:

Lewis Hamilton is driving for Ferrari this year (Twitter/X - @ScuderiaFerrari)

F1 drivers' championship - odds!

Tuesday 18 February 2025 15:56 , Kieran Jackson
  • Lando Norris - 9/4
  • Max Verstappen - 5/2
  • Charles Leclerc - 4/1
  • Lewis Hamilton - 11/2
  • Oscar Piastri - 8/1
  • George Russell - 11/1
  • Liam Lawson - 35/1
  • Kimi Antonelli - 55/1
  • Yuki Tsunoda - 70/1
  • Fernando Alonso - 80/1

Odds provided by Betfair

Carlos Sainz drives Williams car in filming day

Tuesday 18 February 2025 15:30 , Kieran Jackson

British F1 star Ollie Bearman reveals he failed first driving test

Tuesday 18 February 2025 14:58 , Kieran Jackson

Sign up to our free sport newsletter for all the latest news on everything from cycling to boxingSIGN UPI would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy

Britain's latest Formula One star Ollie Bearman has revealed he failed his first driving test.

The 19-year-old, who was thrust into the limelight at last year's Saudi Arabian Grand Prix as a late stand-in for Carlos Sainz at Ferrari, has been handed a full-time seat with Haas for the forthcoming F1 campaign.

But, speaking at the sport's 2025 launch event at London's O2 Arena, Bearman said he required another go at obtaining his road driving licence.

"I passed second time and I shouldn't have said that," said the teenager with a smile.

Full story below:

British F1 star Ollie Bearman reveals he failed first driving test

Zak Brown makes ‘realistic’ statement for 2025 F1 season after McLaren title win

Tuesday 18 February 2025 14:15 , Kieran Jackson

Zak Brown believes “every team will have made progress” over the winter break as McLaren boss looked ahead to defending their F1 constructors’ title in 2025.

He said in a McLaren press release: “Today is a big milestone in our journey in the fight for the 2025 title, it’s great to get our championship challenger, the MCL39, on track for the first time and to launch the culmination of the team’s hard work.

“We must be realistic that every team will have made progress over the winter. Last year highlighted just how much the grid has closed up, which is a brilliant thing for the sport.”

Full quotes below:

Zak Brown makes ‘realistic’ statement for 2025 F1 season after McLaren title win

George Russell on Max Verstappen row:

Tuesday 18 February 2025 14:03 , Kieran Jackson

Asked whether he has spoken to Verstappen since last year’s row in Qatar and Abu Dhabi, Russell said in London on Tuesday:

“I haven’t spoken [to him], no concerns about his driving or anything. That happened last year, I want to focus on myself.

“Obviously I felt things got out of line at the end of last year, I made it pretty clear I’m not going to take it.

“But now it’s 2025 and I’m focused on the job and the job is to win, I’m not going to change my approach fighting him or any other drivers, the goal is to win.

“We’ll see when we get to Melbourne.”

George Russell and Kimi Antonelli (Getty Images)

Jack Doohan’s blunt response to Franco Colapinto’s arrival at Alpine: ‘Is that a question?’

Tuesday 18 February 2025 13:42 , Kieran Jackson

Argentinean driver Colapinto – who impressed during a nine-race stint at Williams at the back end of the 2024 season – has joined the French team as a reserve driver on a multi-year deal.

Inevitably, this has placed scrutiny on Doohan’s position but the 22-year-old – who is the son of five-time motorcycle world champion Mick Doohan – insisted he is “embracing” the pressure that comes with a spot on the grid.

Full story below:

Doohan’s blunt response to Colapinto’s arrival at Alpine: ‘Is that a question?’

Where can I watch it F1 75 Live?

Tuesday 18 February 2025 13:35

F1 will stream the whole event on their YouTube channel.

UK rights holder Sky Sports will broadcast the event, with programming on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports F1 set to start at 8pm (GMT).

ESPN holds the rights to F1 in the United States and is the place to go to watch the event on TV stateside.

How Carlos Sainz can still fulfil F1 title dream at Williams with James Vowles’s masterplan

Tuesday 18 February 2025 13:12 , Kieran Jackson

After two years in the job, it is no longer a surprise when Williams boss James Vowles – former chief strategist at Mercedes and architect of numerous Lewis Hamilton victories – makes his well-worn bold statement on the future of the team. So bold, in fact, that it would be unadvisable if his words did not carry so much authority and his experience so much respect.

In short, Vowles has dismissed this current era of F1 as a free hit for a fallen giant of the sport. On Friday morning, as Williams launched their 2025 FW47 car at an ice-cool Silverstone, his message did not waver.

Read full piece below:

How Sainz can still fulfil F1 title dream at Williams with Vowles’s masterplan

Jack Doohan on Franco Colapinto joining Alpine as a reserve driver:

Tuesday 18 February 2025 12:54 , Kieran Jackson

“I’ve been told he’s a reserve driver,” Jack Doohan told media in London on Tuesday.

“I don’t think necessarily that someone inside the team, outside the team, you know, anyone that’s performing well, you’re always going to have pressure on your shoulders, because you’re in such a cut-throat sport.

“But whatever pressure there may be, I look forward to enjoying that, embracing it, and just enjoying my Formula 1 season.”

When asked whether he feels undermined by Colapinto’s arrival, Doohan replied: “Is that a question?”

“I was a 21-year-old reserve driver last year with a long-term contract, but no I don’t [feel undermined]. Maybe I should, I don’t know. I don’t really understand how that’s a question, but definitely not.”

Jack Doohan (Getty Images)

Martin Brundle says Lando Norris needs 'razorblades' on his elbows in battles with Max Verstappen

Tuesday 18 February 2025 12:50 , Kieran Jackson

“I think Lando knows how to lead from the front now,” Brundle told Sky Sports News last week at McLaren’s launch.

“I think he probably believes he can win a World Championship. He’ll have to get his elbows out and get some razorblades on those elbows in some wheel-to-wheel combat with Max.

“That’s clear, as everybody has to because that’s how Max goes racing. He’s tough, and that’s why he’s won the last four World Championships.”

Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, left, and McLaren’s Lando Norris had a battle last season (PA) (PA Archive)

Valtteri Bottas on new role as Mercedes reserve:

Tuesday 18 February 2025 12:30 , Kieran Jackson

“I think mentor is not too far off,” Bottas said, when asked about his reserve role.

“When you are a rookie, when you join the sport, there’s so many new things you’ve got to learn and I definitely can help with that. My job is to try and help the team the best I can.

“Of course, Kimi is a rookie so he will probably have more questions than George [Russell] and the team will have an extra pair of eyes during the race weekend, looking at the data, looking at the driving line, stuff like that.

“I’ll be involved in all the meetings, the technical stuff and can help a lot in the simulator, things like that. It’s going to be a busy year, a different one for me but, yeah, looking forward [to it].”

Valtteri Bottas (Getty Images)

Red Bull unveil new team kit and race suits

Tuesday 18 February 2025 12:11

Liam Lawson will partner four-time world champion Max Verstappen for Red Bull this year!

Liam Lawson and Max Verstappen (Red Bull Racing)
Max Verstappen (Red Bull Racing)
Liam Lawson (Red Bull Racing)

F1 75 LIVE - start time:

Tuesday 18 February 2025 11:49

The event will run from 8pm to 10pm (GMT) on Tuesday night, with drivers and team principals of all 10 teams – Alpine, Aston Martin, Ferrari, Haas, Sauber, McLaren, Mercedes, Racing Bulls, Red Bull, and Williams – revealing their car liveries for the new season.

Each team will have just under 10 minutes each on stage, with the team’s car livery revealed to 15,000 fans inside the arena and interviews set to take place with drivers and team bosses.

The O2 Arena will host F1 75 Live in London (F1)

F1 news - latest: F1 75 Live acts revealed!

Tuesday 18 February 2025 11:30 , Kieran Jackson

The show will be hosted by comedian and actor Jack Whitehall, and will feature US country sensation Kane Brown, award-winning multi-platinum recording artist mgk (Machine Gun Kelly), composer Brian Tyler’s Are We Dreaming, and the iconic British band Take That.

They will take to the stage for an unforgettable night of entertainment at London’s O2 Arena alongside all ten Formula 1 teams and twenty drivers to celebrate the sport’s 75th anniversary.

Jack Whitehall will also be joined throughout the night by familiar faces from F1TV Laura Winter, Ariana Bravo and Lawrence Barretto.

(Getty)
Take That (Getty Images)

Throwback to when Machine Gun Kelly stormed off after bizarre ‘air guitar’ exchange with Martin Brundle

Tuesday 18 February 2025 11:02 , Kieran Jackson

Machine Gun Kelly is performing at F1 75 Live tonight - and made headlines at the 2023 Brazil GP after a conversation on the grid with Brundle!

Read more below:

Machine Gun Kelly storms off after bizarre ‘air guitar’ exchange with Martin Brundle

When does the 2025 season start?

Tuesday 18 February 2025 10:30 , Kieran Jackson

The official pre-season test takes place from Wednesday 26 February to Friday 28 February.

In line with previous years, the track will be open for eight hours each day, starting at 7am (GMT) and ending at 4pm (GMT).

The first race of the 2025 season, the Australian Grand Prix, is on Sunday 16 March (4am GMT).

Max Verstappen 'won't be a problem' for Lewis Hamilton in 2012, says ex-F1 star

Tuesday 18 February 2025 10:15 , Kieran Jackson

“Max Verstappen is not going to be Lewis’s problem this year,” F1 race winner Juan Pablo Montoya told OnlineCassino.com.

“I’d be surprised if Red Bull comes out swinging like the last few years, Adrian Newey came out the other day saying that the problems at Red Bull are not as simple as they think it is.

“It’s really difficult because when you believe what you’re doing is right and all of a sudden things stop working, how far back do you go, and at what point do you go, ‘Is what we’re doing now right or are we still wrong?’

“That hole can be very deep, that’s the problem.”

Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen (AP)

Oscar Piastri explains McLaren’s 2025 ‘papaya rules’ stance with Lando Norris

Tuesday 18 February 2025 10:00 , Kieran Jackson

“We are going to be able to race each other,” Piastri said, at McLaren’s car launch in Silverstone last Thursday.

“We’ve shown time and time again that we can race each other hard, but cleanly, and as long as we’re not taking points off the team, then that’s how we’re going to go racing.

“If there becomes a points difference in either direction towards the end of the season and we need our teammate’s help, then we’ll try and help each other out.”

Norris and Piastri (AP)

PREVIEW: Eight years after Lewis Hamilton’s snub, F1 returns to London for 2025 launch event

Tuesday 18 February 2025 09:46 , Kieran Jackson

Prior to the Drive to Survive era which triggered the sport’s unprecedented boom, one of Liberty Media’s first ventures as Formula One’s bright-eyed American owners came in the summer of 2017. The next best thing beyond the unrealistic concept of a race around London’s streets, the capital opened itself up to F1 Live London, depicted as a “world-first” event to “celebrate a new era”.

Taking place a few days before the British Grand Prix, on a gorgeous Wednesday night in the heart of July, it turned Trafalgar Square into a one-day hub of high-energy, fast-moving activity. From Sebastian Vettel executing doughnuts in his Ferrari car to Little Mix performing on stage, it was the first step on Liberty’s unrelenting journey towards a younger, more diverse audience. The results – in eyeballs and wealth – are plain for all to see today.

With 100,000 people attending, it was a rip-roaring success. There was just one problem: Lewis Hamilton did not turn up.

Full preview below:

Eight years after Lewis Hamilton’s snub, F1 returns to London for 2025 launch event

F1 75 Live - Jack Whitehall reacts to hosting gig!

Tuesday 18 February 2025 09:40 , Kieran Jackson

“As soon as I heard about F1 75 Live at The O2 I knew I wanted to be involved.

“It promises to be a truly unique show, bringing together the cars and stars of Formula 1 with incredible global musicians and entertainment to celebrate 75 years of this incredible sport.

“I can’t wait to get on stage and bring the show to everyone at The O2 and those watching at home around the world!”

Jack Whitehall is hosting F1 75 Live (PA Archive)

Who will be at F1 75 Live?

Tuesday 18 February 2025 09:35

All 20 drivers, including six rookies with full-time seats, will be present in east London on Tuesday 18 February.

Lewis Hamilton, who snubbed London’s last F1 event in 2017, is set to attend the event, which starts at 8pm (GMT). It finishes at 10pm.

Each team will have just under 10 minutes each on stage, with the team’s car livery revealed to 15,000 fans inside the arena and interviews set to take place with drivers and team bosses.

On Monday, British comedian Jack Whitehall was confirmed as the show’s host.

Take That will perform, as will Machine Gun Kelly (who endured an awkward moment with Martin Brundle at the 2023 Brazilian Grand Prix), country star Kane Brown and composer Brian Tyler, whose unique F1 theme tune has been streamed over 75 million times.

A hologram of the 2025 F1 season launch event (F1)

‘I predicted Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari move six years ago – but he doesn’t need eighth F1 title’

Tuesday 18 February 2025 09:02 , Kieran Jackson

“I basically predicted Lewis moving to Ferrari,” Ted Kravitz tells The Independent.

“It was a bit of a guess at the time but it seemed that the lure of Ferrari and their significance in the sport… he always thought it would be very cool to be a Ferrari driver.

“He likes the brand, he has some of the road cars which is always a help. When you look at it now, it seems a natural thing to do. It’s put a spring in his step, hasn’t it? A spring in the step of F1, just to see how he’s going to do too.

Read full interview below:

‘I predicted Hamilton’s Ferrari move six years ago, but he doesn’t need to win title’

Haas pair drive 2025 F1 car at Silverstone

Tuesday 18 February 2025 08:01 , Kieran Jackson

Ollie Bearman and Esteban Ocon had a private ‘shakedown’ day at Silverstone on Sunday in Haas’ 2025 F1 car

The team’s season livery will be revealed at F1 75 Live tomorrow night at The O2 Arena in London.

This will be British teenager Bearman’s first full-time season in F1, after three appearances last year including a debut for Ferrari in Saudi Arabia.

Esteban Ocon and Ollie Bearman (Haas F1 Team)

McLaren sticks with a similar design

00:39 , Olivia Hicks

“It turns out some of them actually didn’t change,” Jack Whitehall’s opening monologue teased at the 2025 liveries. Turns out, he was correct.

McLaren’s livery didn’t change all that drastically from last season and rival teams were quick to call them out.

Sainz on Hamilton's chances of winning world title with Ferrari:

Tuesday 18 February 2025 04:00 , Kieran Jackson

“I’ve seen Charles [Leclerc] and I know how good Charles is, but I’ve never been team-mates with Lewis.

“And the only way you can more or less evaluate a driver is when you’re their team-mate and you see what they’re capable of doing.

“I can only say when I left Ferrari, I did feel the team – both Ferrari and Charles – were ready to fight for a World Championship.

“And with Lewis joining, that chance only got increased.”

(Getty Images)

Alex Albon on Carlos Sainz joining him at Williams:

Tuesday 18 February 2025 02:18 , Kieran Jackson

"In terms of pressure, no, I see it as more of an opportunity,” Albon said, when asked about Sainz joining him at Williams.

“Carlos is a very proven driver and he’s just come off of one of his best seasons in F1, so I’m confident in myself and excited to have a great teammate who I can learn from. I hope I can bring something for him as well and in the end, the direction of the team is to go forwards in the future.

"I think we are going to work well together, just from what we have spoken about and what we like about the car, it’s quite similar.”

Albon and Sainz (Williams F1)

Click here to read the full blog on The Independent's website

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Martha Stewart's 'homekeeping room' is a sophisticated twist on a classic garage – it's changed how I think about essential storage solutions
Martha transforms a room in her home into a storage space that is both highly functional and elevated thanks to its layout and accessories
Homes & Gardens
Homes & Gardens
Carnival Cruise Lines adds new ban families won't like
Carnival's rules just went affect while Royal Caribbean's ban has been in place longer but has some exceptions.
The Street
The Street
“All anyone wanted to hear was awful new wave garbage like Elvis Costello and The Police. Rock groups like ours were strangled us to death”: The rise and fall of Starz, the 70s rockers who should been the next Kiss
Starz were one of 70s rock’s greatest near misses
Louder
Louder
Mother of Dave Grohl’s new baby ‘revealed’ after months of secrecy
Musician shocked fans when he announced he had fathered a baby outside of his 21-year marriage
The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Diane Keaton's kitchen sink is the most unique I've ever seen – she's created a bespoke nook in a Spanish Colonial Revival space
The '90s kitchen uses metallic accents for a practical space with European-inspired undertones – and the sink makes an unexpected statement
Homes & Gardens
Homes & Gardens
My boiler has broken and I’m finding solace in a slice (or several) of toast
There are whole chapters in cookbooks dedicated to it and now an endless variety of new things to spread on top, including butters with a waiting list
The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.
Download on the AppStore Get it on Google Play