Max Verstappen risks F1 chiefs’ wrath again with response to London O2 event

Max Verstappen could retain his Formula 1 world championship with victory in Las Vegas but Red Bull’s Dutch star is already unhappy with the sport’s plans for the start of next season

Max Verstappen admitted he is less than excited Formula 1’s glitzy launch event next year and hopes to be unwell so he can miss it.

The sport plans to bring 10 teams together in February to show off their 2025 liveries and driver lineups in celebration of F1’s 75th year. F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali is looking forward to starting the 2025 season in a new way.

He 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.”

London’s O2 will host the event with the expectation that old drivers and racing principals will be in attendance. Each team will be highlighted individually over the course of the event but details are being kept under wraps for now.

Whether Verstappen attends may be closely watched however. The three-time world champion is not keen in joining the celebration.

While streaming Call of Duty, the 27-year-old Red Bull star was left baffled when ‘F1 75’ was brought up. “What is F1 75? What are you talking about?” he asked. After being informed, Verstappen groaned and added: “I don’t watch any F1… I hope I’m sick that week.”

Verstappen may be more interested in a party later this month however. The Dutch driver could seal his fourth world title at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, with Lando Norris needing to better his rival’s result by three points to keep the race alive.

Organisers in Las Vegas are already preparing for Verstappen being crowned as world champion once again with the chance to celebrate on the famous Strip. Hosts are already working with Red Bull to put on a memorable celebration.

“I am sure that we would be able to pull some ideas out of our hat, maybe pre-arrange some pretty exciting opportunities,” said Renee Wilm, chief executive of the event. “When you consider the properties on the Strip – Wynn and Encore are second to none in terms of the highest class of hospitality.

“Then, of course, you have the Bellagio further down the Strip, with those iconic fountains, and the level of VIP service that the Bellagio offers. There are so many opportunities to highlight the drivers, and particularly if we actually do have the benefit of being able to get a champion [crowned].”