What to expect from F1 teams trying ‘normal’ car launches in this very different pre-season

The 2025 Formula 1 launch season is like no other.

It’s a modern fixation anyway. By this stage in the 1953-58 actual racing seasons, the first rounds in Argentina had already been held – and later a schedule arrangement repeated the early year rounds for the South African race.

And yet, promoting upcoming grand prix campaigns is also a time-honoured tradition that has evolved over time. Remember Essex Lotus and the Royal Albert Hall in 1979 (OK, in December ahead of the 1980 season)? Or McLaren’s “grand pricks” – per Geri Horner – launch with the Spice Girls at Alexandra Palace?