F1 news: Launch event for new F1 season confirmed for 2025 at London O2 Arena
Formula 1 has revealed there will be a season launch event for the 2025 season at London’s O2 Arena on February 18, with all of the 20 drivers and 10 teams present.
The launch will be open to fans from across the world with tickets set to go on sale this Friday morning for the ‘epic’ event to celebrate the 75th anniversary year of F1.
F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali said: “For the first time we will bring together our fans, all 20 superstars of our sport and some very special guests to officially kick off our new season and mark our 75th year of racing.
“With 2025 set to be a classic season following all the drama so far in 2024, this is a fantastic opportunity for fans of all ages to experience up-close the incredible entertainment spectacle that is Formula 1.”
Elsewhere, Alpine announced that they would be using Mercedes engines and gearboxes from the 2026 F1 season onwards.
It was rumoured for weeks that Alpine would switch to the Brackley-based outfit as a customer after Renault, who supplied Alpine, confirmed that they would be ending their engine programme in F1.
Aston Martin also confirmed on Tuesday that Dan Fallows would step down as their technical director but would remain with the team, ahead of Adrian Newey’s arrival in 2025 as managing technical partner.
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FIA confirm exit of F1 race director
The Formula 1 race director Niel Wittich, meanwhile, has stepped down from his role with immediate effect after he took over from Michael Masi after the 2021 Abu Dhabi controversy.
Wittich had been the sole race director since the 2022 Japanese Grand Prix after Masi was removed by the FIA for his role in the controversial ending to the F1 2021 season, which saw Max Verstappen win his first world title.
The FIA has also confirmed that the sport’s feeder series racing director for Formula 2 and Formula 3, Rui Marques, will step up into the role from the upcoming Las Vegas Grand Prix.
In a statement from the FIA, it read: “The FIA can confirm that Niels Wittich has stepped down from his position as F1 Race Director to pursue new opportunities.
"Niels has fulfilled his numerous responsibilities as Race Director with professionalism and dedication.
“We thank him for his commitment and we wish him the best for the future.
"Rui Marques will assume the role of Race Director from the Las Vegas Grand Prix.”
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