The seven-minute rule, often cited by LinkedIn experts—”Always speak within this time frame at the start of a meeting, or risk losing the room”—finds a surprising new application in Formula 1.
Next month, F1 will host the F175 event, a grand showcase at London’s O2 Arena on February 18, where all ten teams on the grid will have seven minutes each to present the liveries of their cars for the 2025 season. It will be a unique chance to impress fans ahead of pre-season testing and the first Grand Prix, set to take place in Australia on March 16.
Not just cars, but a show for the fans
F175 will not be a typical car launch. Instead, the event will spotlight the colors, sponsors, and aesthetic details of the cars. The goal is twofold: to celebrate Formula 1’s 75th anniversary and strengthen the connection between teams and fans in a symbolic year for the championship.
Some teams, like Williams—which has already announced its own separate event on February 14—will keep their final liveries under wraps until the O2 evening.
How the evening will unfold
The order of team appearances will follow last season’s Constructors’ Championship standings, with Sauber kicking things off and McLaren closing the event. Each team will have creative freedom in using their seven minutes, whether through spectacular videos projected on a giant screen, interviews with drivers or team members, or other surprises.
However, nothing will be left to chance: all content must be pre-approved by Formula 1 before the event. Between presentations, there will be musical interludes and entertainment moments, with a host guiding the audience through the evening.
A unique opportunity for all teams
This grand launch required years of work to secure the participation of all teams. The 2025 season marks the final year under the current technical regulations, with minimal changes expected before the major shift in 2026. For this reason, many teams view the event as an ideal way to kick off the season with a strong stage presence.
Even teams with smaller budgets will be able to shine, as Formula 1 is funding the event’s organization. This collective structure allows smaller teams to gain rare visibility in a high-profile setting.
Each team will aim to outshine the others with a memorable presentation. Seven minutes may seem brief, but in Formula 1, it’s an eternity when it comes to dazzling the audience. Drivers will also play a key role, as all twenty are expected to attend despite some initial jokes. “I hope I’m sick that week,” Max Verstappen quipped, while Lando Norris joked about taking a holiday with Max. But full participation is considered crucial by organizers and teams, who will also use the evening to strengthen ties with sponsors.
This event will not only kick off the championship’s 75th anniversary but also offer a rare opportunity to celebrate motorsport in a completely new and spectacular way.
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