Ferrari has become the first Formula 1 team to confirm it will host a standalone launch for its 2025 car, diverging from the sport's first-ever joint season launch event planned at London's O2 arena in February.
The O2 event, marketed as 'F175' to celebrate Formula 1's 75th anniversary, will feature all drivers and team principals alongside the unveiling of each team's liveries for 2025. Tickets for the event have already sold out.
During a recent live sim racing session, triple world champion Max Verstappen expressed skepticism about the concept. "What is F175? What are you talking about?" he asked. When informed about the event, he joked: "I hope I'm sick that week."
Formula 1 has pushed for a unified season launch for several years, though many teams have resisted due to the marketing and sponsorship advantages of individual launches. As a compromise, the O2 event will showcase show cars with 2025 liveries, though rumors suggest some teams might present their actual new cars.
Ferrari, however, has confirmed it will conduct its own traditional launch. Maranello's Musei Ferrari announced on social media: "From November 15th to January 12th, grab your fan ticket at Musei Ferrari for a chance to join the exclusive launch of Scuderia Ferrari HP's 2025 single-seater in person."
The exact date for Ferrari's event remains unannounced.
Meanwhile, Mercedes has blocked Lewis Hamilton from testing a Ferrari before the end of his Mercedes contract on December 31. The seven-time world champion is instead expected to drive a two-year-old Ferrari at Fiorano in early 2025 as per F1 regulations.
"Team principal Fred Vasseur has raised the possibility that Hamilton could test an old Ferrari as permitted by the regulations before the 2025 Bahrain tests," Sky Italia reported.
