A list of some of the most iconic car launches in Formula 1

From glitz and glamour to unveiling at a historic location, F1 has seen it all when it comes to the car launches.


A list of some of the most iconic car launches in Formula 1

One of the most thrilling phases in Formula 1 is the car launch. The teams unveil their new car for the season, it is a much-anticipated event. Unfortunately, the past few years have been modest, it does not match the grandeur and brilliance of what it once was. During the winter break, in January the F1 teams announce their launch date which is usually spread across February right before the pre-season testing. 

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Though the event used to be a pomp and show, it is not like that anymore, these days the teams do with a mild celebration if we can call it that, they have an online reveal and a photo session. During the launch, we get the first glimpse of the new car which is very exhilarating for all the Formula 1 fans who patiently wait for this event. 

Here are some of the most iconic car launches witnessed in the history of Formula One:

McLaren’s magnificent event in 1997 

McLaren’s car launch in 1997

In 1997, at Alexandra Palace London, McLaren launched their new car in an event full of glamour. The Spice Girls were the biggest sensation at that time bagging four awards that year for their music. The Spice Girls along with Jamiroquai performed during the unveiling of the new McLaren MP4/12 which was a phenomenal event. 

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Of course, it was their biggest hit “Wannabe” that was performed in front of the car. Mika Hakkinen and David Coulthard went on to the stage to answer the Q & A along with the Spice girls. Geri Horner and Victoria Beckham were 2 of the Spice Girls, and Geri had no association with Formula 1 at that time. David Coulthard mentioned that he had never seen anything like this before in a car launch and Ron Dennis found the event quite unusual, it was an extraordinary performance and event. 

Related : “Worst car I’ve ever seen,” Haas’ 2023 livery draws mixed reactions

Mclaren from the streets of Valencia, Spain in 2007

Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton (F1)

McLaren launched their MP4/22 in the streets of Valencia. The team unveiled their car in style. It was a huge celebration in downtown Valencia. There were circus acts and fireworks involved making it look almost like a festival. Alonso made quite a speech saying, he felt like a little boy with a new toy. 

It was the first pairing of Alonso and Hamilton which stirred up the Formula 1 world. Hamilton found the event quite phenomenal and he confessed he was buzzing. Ron Dennis who was very happy with the McLaren line-up mentioned that they won’t be lacking driver talent and is credited for the spectacular events. 

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2004, Sauber in Austria

The Sugababes were a British pop band who helped launch the 2004 Sauber in Austria. This girl band group dressed in the drivers’ racing kits performed their famous song, Hole in the Head. During their electrifying performance, they were seen fixing tyres and doing the pit crew’s jobs as a part of the performance which was quite unexpected and unique. The racers then posed with the Sugababes for pictures. It was Giancarlo Fisichella and Felipe Massa who piloted C23 that year. 

Benetton 2001, Italy 

Benetton had revealed their 1996 car in an Ancient Sicilian town with a grand celebration and the drivers parading in their racing kits, there was quite a turnover to witness this event. In 2001, the Benetton family launched their new car in Piazza San Marco, Italy. The drivers and test drivers were all smiles as the car launch was a huge hit. 

Force India’s unveiling at the Gateway of India

In 2008, Force India launched its Formula 1 car at the Gateway of India in Mumbai. Till date, it is one of the historic stage settings. The team chairman and managing director, Vijay Mallya was delighted to present the new livery and as the first owner of India’s Formula 1 team, he felt that it was a memorable day. The launch event was attended by several celebrities and political leaders. 

Apart from the above-mentioned, DHL, in 2002, unveiled their car at Brussels Airport. In 2004 Renault took to the streets of Palermo and the drivers had fun doing donuts. 2005 Jordon unveiled their car in Moscow’s Red Square, a historic place. Honda had a unique car reveal in 2007, it was different to normal colours and had Earth all over the car, Jenson Button was so amazed by it and said that it was fantastic. As it’s time for the 2023 car reveal, fans across the world can’t wait to take a peek at the new liveries. 

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