Formula 1 is exploring the possibility of staging another grand season launch event following the resounding success of the F1 75 Live spectacular held at London's O2 Arena in early 2025. The event, which celebrated the championship's 75th anniversary, sold out the 20,000-capacity venue and attracted millions of viewers worldwide.
O2 Arena Bids to Host Again
Gael Caselli, senior vice president for sport at AEG International, which owns the O2 Arena, confirmed that the venue has submitted a bid to host another F1 launch event. Speaking to City AM, Caselli expressed enthusiasm: "It was an amazing event, honestly. We are having discussions with them. We've heard that they've been assessing different options – I just don't know whether that will be in London or in a different city."
Caselli added: "We'd love to have them back and they know it, and I'm sure they'd love to come back. It just has to make sense for them." The O2 Arena is also in talks about potential reservations as far ahead as May 2031, which could include hosting a future London NBA franchise.
Potential Milan Host for 2027
While London remains a strong candidate, reports suggest that Milan is being considered as a host for a 2027 launch event. However, no final decision has been made, and the championship is weighing the logistical challenges of moving the event outside the UK, where most teams are based.
F1's Stance on Future Launch Events
F1 chiefs were thrilled with the success of F1 75 Live, which sold out within minutes and drew over 7.5 million live viewers on social media, with a peak of 1.2 million concurrent viewers. However, there is reluctance to hold a launch event without a significant milestone. The next round number would be the sport's 80th anniversary in 2030, which is seen as the ideal time to replicate the event.
For the current season, no launch event was held, allowing teams to conduct their own launches as usual. If a future launch event is planned, it could take place in a different country, with Europe or even the USA as potential hosts.
NBA Franchise Possibility at O2
Caselli also revealed ongoing discussions with the NBA about hosting a London franchise at the O2 Arena. "The O2 is and has been the NBA venue in London for the last 20 years, and we're very much looking forward to hosting any future NBA franchise based in London," he said.
Formula 1 fans eagerly await news of the next launch event, which could become a regular fixture in the motorsport calendar.
