LONDON — “Haven’t I done this already?”

Liam Lawson is stepping into the rigorous demands of being a full-time driver for Red Bull Racing in Formula One, which includes adapting to a plethora of media engagements.

As he settled into the rather ominous ‘War Room’ for his second media roundtable within just 20 minutes, the press officer reassured him that a fresh set of journalists would be in attendance this time.

“Don’t fret, we’ll repeat the same questions,” one journalist chimed in.

Lawson chuckled and graciously allocated his time to the media. However, engaging with journalists isn’t the preferred task for many F1 drivers, especially with their minds focused on how their new vehicles will perform and what they can aspire to this season.

The F1 75 Live event at The O2 placed significant demands on all ten teams. Lewis Hamilton mentioned he squeezed in just two hours of sleep after arriving in Italy for Ferrari’s launch the following day. Nonetheless, the event effectively unified the grid, especially following a substantial winter of changes.

My editors at The Athletic tasked me with the challenge of speaking with the entire F1 grid in a single day (challenge accepted). Here’s a peek into my observations from F1 75 Live’s media day.

Sauber’s Exciting New Lineup

The first team on media day at The O2 was Sauber, which is undergoing a transition year. There’s a significant emphasis on its upcoming transformation into Audi’s works team next year. Following a challenging finish last season, new signings Nico Hülkenberg and reigning Formula Two champion Gabriel Bortoleto recognize that expectations for 2025 should be realistic.

The chemistry between Hülkenberg and Bortoleto, who are at entirely different stages in their F1 careers, is promising. Bortoleto’s vibrant personality was evident in F2, and there’s hope that the added pressure of F1 won’t stifle that. So far, so good. Hülkenberg, at 37, remarked that they enjoy a great rapport, full of playful banter—clearly demonstrated during their brief news conference.

“I always aim to remain authentic,” Bortoleto, at 20, expressed. “I don’t change when I’m on the track or in front of cameras; I strive to be true to myself… Nico might say I’m a bit humorous?”

“You’re definitely funny,” Hülkenberg replied.

“Thanks,” Bortoleto said. A charming and light-hearted moment.

Doohan Navigates Colapinto Inquiries

Alpine drivers Jack Doohan and Pierre Gasly faced pressing topics during their media session. The first was their hairstyles: Sky Sports F1’s David Croft jokingly asked if they had given each other haircuts, as both sported shorter, race-ready styles. Then, reporters shifted the focus to Doohan’s thoughts on Franco Colapinto joining as Alpine’s reserve driver this winter.

Alpine agreed to a long-term loan for Colapinto from Williams, which naturally placed some pressure on rookie Doohan, who just began his F1 career after debuting late last season in Abu Dhabi.

Yet, Doohan handled the inquiries with ease. He noted that Alpine had informed him that Colapinto would act merely as a test and reserve driver and brushed aside concerns about feeling threatened by a 21-year-old with a long-term deal.

“I was a 21-year-old reserve driver last year with my own contract,” he asserted. “I find that question confusing. But definitely, I’m not worried about it.” A follow-up inquiry on the subject was halted by Alpine’s press officer, who stated they had “addressed the Franco topic sufficiently, so let’s move on.”

Unfortunately for Doohan, the inquiries are likely to persist early in the season. Performing well on the circuit is undoubtedly his best strategy to quell the speculation.

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Bearman’s Driving Test Lessons

Haas is embracing its American identity this season, as showcased during its F1 75 Live presentation. New drivers Esteban Ocon and Ollie Bearman have bonded over excursions in New York, including a visit to the Empire State Building and enjoying local pizza (details to follow on The Athletic this Sunday). Their camaraderie is evident.

One amusing takeaway from the Haas drivers? Bearman revealed that he needed two attempts to pass his driving test at 17.

“I probably shouldn’t have shared that,” he recounted, admitting he failed for not stopping at a stop sign. “I was creeping along, but you have to stop. We don’t have those on the race track. That was my first encounter with a stop sign.”

“Being me, or a typical racing driver, I thought I could ace the test without any lessons—definitely a miscalculation. I took a few lessons before the second attempt.” Bearman now drives an Alfa Romeo Tonale company car, which he described as “fantastic.”

This light-hearted detail adds to Bearman’s appeal, and from the cheers inside The O2 later that evening, it’s clear he’s already a favorite among F1 fans. As the saying goes, those who take their test twice often become better drivers.

Antonelli Exhibits Remarkable Maturity

With the exit of Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes is entering a new era, as George Russell steps into the more senior ‘team leader’ role alongside 18-year-old Andrea Kimi Antonelli, who, unlike Bearman, passed his driving test on the first try just weeks ago.

Russell, known for his wise demeanor in F1, has quickly emerged as a pivotal voice for drivers through the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association. Antonelli seems to reflect the same maturity, presenting an old soul within a young frame.

He spoke intelligently about his preparations for the rookie season, detailing his “intensive” training and numerous hours spent at the factory, affirming his goal is not to replace Hamilton—an impossible feat—but rather to carve out his own path as the next Mercedes driver. He’s aware of the Learning curve ahead, especially given his swift rise through the junior ranks, and candidly acknowledged the expectation for challenges.

“Are you sure you’re really only 18?” Russell remarked after Antonelli wrapped up his answer. “You articulate yourself so well, it’s impressive.”

Tsunoda and Hadjar Ensure No Misconduct

In light of the FIA’s new stewarding guidelines concerning ‘misconduct’ in 2025 (which include potential fines, points penalties, and race bans), the topic of swearing has persisted over the winter break. As I noted last year, it’s a rather tiresome discussion but continues to be relevant.

Yuki Tsunoda has gained attention for his animated radio exchanges in the past, although he has notably dialed it back recently. His new Racing Bulls teammate, Isack Hadjar, is known for occasionally getting fiery over the radio in F2. So, naturally, they were asked about the FIA’s new directive.

Tsunoda shared sentiments with other grid members, highlighting that while some words are best left unsaid, a genuine emotional expression is part of sports, especially over the radio.

“Overall, in sports, it’s not just about cursing,” Tsunoda explained. “But yes, I suppose we need proper training to temper our language. Actually, I’ve been swearing less lately. I’ll try very hard not to \u2018mess up’ and get fined.” Well played, Yuki.

Peter Bayer, the team’s CEO, gently placed his hand on Tsunoda’s arm while discussing the need to “keep the emotions alive” in sports following the F1 Commission meeting.

Music Isn’t Alex Albon’s Forte

The F1 75 Live event reduced the necessity for teams to conduct launches this year, yet McLaren and Williams still held separate events last week at Silverstone, coinciding with their shakedown tests.

Having previously spoken with Alex Albon and new addition Carlos Sainz (who remarked he was joining his fifth team in a decade), there wasn’t much left to inquire. I asked Albon for his thoughts on F1 75 Live, to which he responded that the event fostered camaraderie among teams, but humorously added that such shows were “not my strong suit.”

He soon revealed that music isn’t his strong point either. During an awkward pause when I grabbed the mic to ask a follow-up question, a journalist quipped, “You can’t repeat your question,” before another joked, “What’s your favorite Take That song?” (The British band performed to conclude the event that evening.)

Albon caught on and laughed, prompting me to ask him jokingly before moving on to my real question. Yet, another journalist was insistent, “What’s the answer to that? We need a response!”

“Who even sings in Take That? Who’s their lead singer?” Albon responded. “How old is Take That?” (“Older than you,” I replied.)

“We just had an influencer asking us about music; it was horrible,” Albon admitted. “My musical knowledge? Let’s just say it’s lacking.”

McLaren Recognizes the Shift from Underdogs

Similar to Williams, McLaren drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri had already addressed the media the week prior following their car unveiling. After clinching the constructor’s championship last season, both drivers acknowledge that their ambition this year must be to secure a double title. Norris expressed that the team is “confident but composed” heading into the season, in contrast to previous years. Piastri added that it would be “naive for us to enter the season expecting anything short of a title challenge.”

F1 75 Live provided a platform for McLaren Racing’s CEO Zak Brown, who stated the team must be “ambitious” this year, aiming for both titles, with an ideal goal of achieving a 1-2 finish in the driver standings. He acknowledged the fierce competition expected in F1 this season, predicting as many as eight different winners, while commending F1 for its innovative approach with the event at The O2.

“It feels like there’s an electrifying concert on the horizon tonight,” Brown remarked. He has consistently emphasized the importance of bridging the gap between the sport and its fans, even suggesting that test events or launches be made more approachable for supporters. As for the entire grid’s interest in this idea, that remains uncertain.

Bortoleto, Ocon, and Alonso engage with media at F1 75 Live (Dave Benett – Formula 1/Formula 1 via Getty Images)

Alonso’s Insight for F1’s 100th Anniversary

Jack Whitehall received accolades for his hosting role at F1 75 Live on Tuesday night, delivering several clever jokes. He made the expected ‘Mike Krack’ quip more than once, but Krack has now transitioned from his position as Aston Martin team principal to chief trackside officer.

Andy Cowell, appointed as group CEO of Aston Martin late last year, has now also taken on the team principal role. His objective is to steer Aston Martin back towards realizing its ambitious goals after a lackluster 2024 season.

Cowell spoke alongside drivers Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll, who didn’t reveal much regarding their ambitions for the upcoming season. The 2025 car will be an evolution of last year’s model, with a significant rule shift arriving in 2026, and the recent additions of Honda and F1 design icon Adrian Newey—who joins shortly—will be pivotal.

Perhaps the most captivating tidbit came from Alonso, the only current F1 driver to attend a special legends dinner held in London on Monday. The guest list included legendary champions Sir Jackie Stewart, Mario Andretti, and Nigel Mansell, along with former F1 CEO Bernie Ecclestone. All attending were invited to pen down thoughts or phrases into a book that will not be opened until F1’s centennial anniversary in 2050.

“It will be exciting for future generations — I may still be around — to open that box and see what was inscribed there,” Alonso shared.

Lawson Gears Up for the Challenge of F1’s Toughest Role

Red Bull engaged in the most media interactions ahead of F1 75 Live, holding a concise press conference followed by breakout discussions featuring Max Verstappen, Lawson, and team chief Christian Horner.

Verstappen touched on the swearing issue in F1, proposing the FIA should prioritize more pertinent matters. He also addressed last year’s tensions with George Russell, confirming he has no intentions of carrying any “beef” into the new season.

Lawson is readying himself for his inaugural full season with a top-tier team. He acknowledged that the rapid trajectory of his career still feels surreal, although he no longer considers himself a rookie. Competing alongside Verstappen is a formidable challenge, yet the New Zealander feels adequately prepared. Horner and other Red Bull members have noted Lawson’s confidence, which is crucial for navigating the demands of F1’s most challenging position—one that Sergio Pérez, Albon, and Gasly all recognize.

Relaxed with the media, Lawson expressed his eagerness for the opening race in Australia, where he anticipates strong support from his fellow New Zealanders. At one point, he became sidetracked mid-answer due to a journalist’s resemblance.

“Sorry, mate, you look just like Timothée Chalamet,” Lawson exclaimed. The pleasantly surprised journalist relished the acknowledgment. Just wait until he learns about the look-alike contests ahead.

Ferrari’s Day in the Spotlight

Ferrari was the only team that didn’t engage in media activities prior to F1 75 Live, opting instead for a series of press conferences the following day in conjunction with their new car launch.

During the event at The O2, the most enthusiastic cheers came when Lewis Hamilton made his first public appearance in his new red race suit. He conveyed feeling “invigorated” by the change, a sentiment that was evident during our subsequent discussions with him. Clearly, the championship is on his mind as he embarks on this new journey.

Teammate Charles Leclerc and team principal Fred Vasseur both praised how fluidly Hamilton has integrated into the Maranello setup. Nevertheless, with fierce competition anticipated in the season ahead, it will only be through testing that we gain insight into the legitimacy of any title aspirations from front-runners.

Showtime has concluded. Next up: Bahrain for preseason testing, signaling the long-awaited return to racing action in 2025.

(Illustration: Demetrius Robinson / The Athletic; Photos: Clive Mason – Formula 1, Getty Images, Mark Thompson, Henry Nichollas/AFP, Karwai Tang/WireImage)