Not every car launch needs to be “the event of the season” because it’s not actually a car launch. Most teams are launching liveries that are more carbon than anything else. And we have the entire spectrum from a simple post on social media to a full blown event in Las Vegas during Super Bowl Weekend. From fake contract extensions to drivers wishing they were anywhere else in the world, this livery launch season had it all.
Haas VF-24: February 2nd
Haas revealed their VF-24 livery on the first Friday of February with a video on socials. Ayao Komatsu, new Team Principal, appeared with Kevin Magnussen and Nico Hulkenberg to face the media a few days ahead of their shakedown at Silverstone on February 11th.
In addition to providing fans with the first “we’d rather be anywhere else but here” genre of photos, Komatsu remained realistic while curbing performance expectations as he expects the team to remain towards the back at Bahrain. And when speaking to Sky Sports F1, Komatsu explicitly stated that he’s “never going to try and replicate Gunther.”
In an unfortunate series of events, Alex Harrington, a journalist for Sports Illustrated, took Nico Hulkenberg at his word and mistakenly confirmed that Nico would be racing for Haas in 2025. This tweet was picked up by Fastest Pitstop, an account that breaks F1 news, and spread to their 146 thousand followers. Within minutes, the news was everywhere.
Hulkenberg responded with a tweet of his own and Alex Harrington apologized. In the apology tweet, Harrington mentions that he didn’t realize it was a joke as he questioned him further. How long did this back and forth go one? Did nobody think to clarify to the journalist that he, in fact, did not have a major scoop on silly season
Williams FW-46: February 5th
Williams launched their FW-46 with a pre-recorded video, with Will Buxton presenting, and a fan event at Puma’s NYC Flagship store. The livery is an evolution from the FW-45. The primary addition is a red and white pinstripe going along the nose and sidepods as a tribute to their British heritage and their descent from legendary cars such as Nigel Mansell’s FW-10 from 1985 and Jacques Villeneuve’s FW-19 from 1997.
Williams also announced a multi-year partnership with Komatsu, a multinational Japanese manufacturing company, as they revisit their relationship that began in the 1980s in the heyday of Williams’ success. And no, there is no connection between Ayao Komatsu, the Team Principal of Haas, and Komatsu, the manufacturing company.
Stake C-44: February 5th
As Alfa Romeo has fully transitioned into Stake, they began their journey with a spectacle of an event. With Naomi Schiff presenting and cracking a few cheeky jokes at the expense of journalists in the room, the dramatic green and black livery was unveiled. What seemed as a glitzy and glamorous event with free-flowing champagne, the Stake car launch was not entirely superfluous as Sauber’s technical director, James Key, explained a new front suspension layout and countless aerodynamic changes.
We did manage to add another photo to the “we’d rather be anywhere else but here” collection thanks to Zhou Guanyu and Valtteri Bottas as they answered questions from the media. Sure the world may be poking fun at their team’s name, but at least people are talking about them.
A personal favorite from the Stake launch was the accompanying content that was released. While it may seem like an arbitrary choice in aesthetics, it was perfectly suited for the event venue. The Stake F1 team’s car launch was held at the Guildhall which happens to be one of the oldest standing buildings in London, tracing its roots back to the 15th century. The building where where the trials of Lady Jane Grey, Anne Askew, Thomas Cranmer, and Henry Garnet may not be what most fans picture when imagining a venue for a car launch, but their new “Unleash the Beast” motto does fit the gothic vibe.
Alpine A-524: February 7th
Alpine hosted a Motorsport Launch at the headquarters in Enstone to showcase their competitors both in Formula 1 and the World Endurance championship.
The buzz on social media was all about how fans had been duped as Alpine had been advertising a pink camouflage livery across social platforms leading up to the launch. The liveries presented included carbon with pink and a carbon with blue variations on the same design.
However, all was not lost. The Alpine launch allowed us to add our third picture to the collection of “we’d rather be anywhere else but here” photographs. Pierre Gasly was probably thinking about his post-launch birthday plans and it’s hard to blame him for that. A personal favorite from the Alpine Launch was seeing Condiment Claire ask both drivers about their favorite condiment. These are the questions that need asking!
RB VCARB-01: February 8th
Visa CashApp RB F1 Team held an event in Las Vegas before Superbowl weekend to reveal their new car. With performers such as Kendrick Lamar and Baby Keem, it’s a shame that the event was not livestreamed or made available to the fans. The livery itself seems to be a tribute to the Torro Rosso days which is slightly odd considering the team is in the process of a rebrand. Nonetheless, it is a beautiful blue.
The presence of the CEO of the Formula 1 Group, Stefano Domenicalli, was quite intriguing as he famously declined to be present on stage last year during Red Bull’s car launch for fear that he would overshadow the news about Red Bull and Ford’s partnership. It begs the question of why he decided to be on stage for the VCARB launch, or maybe it’s not that deep.
The team also showcased in their new apparel partnership as all three drivers were dressed in Hugo Boss, a final nail in the coffin for Alpha Tauri. All eyes were on this car launch as it was preceded by the NFL Honors. And so what if the fans were not able to watch? At least they were able to see Buffalo Bills Quarterback, Josh Allen, help Daniel Riccardo offstage from multiple angles. My favorite pieces of content were Yuki Tsunoda answering “Christian McCaffrey” to every single question he was asked about football and Yuki getting basically every NFL team name horrendously wrong.
Aston Martin AMR-24: February 12th
Aston Martin opted for the video to showcase their new livery followed by a shakedown at Silverstone that a few lucky fans were able to attend. Craig Slater of Sky Sports F1 sat down with Dan Fallows, Mike Krack, Lance Stroll, and Fernando Alonso to gauge the team’s mindset and expectations ahead of the 2024 season.
There may be more carbon than last year, but the car is still mostly green. In other news, Fernando Alonso took part in some causal mewing on TikTok ahead of the launch. Wow, there are some words you never think you’ll string together to make a sentence.
Ferrari SF-24: February 13th
Ferrari choosing to go the pre-recorded video was an unexpected change, but they still found away to pay tribute to their storied history. Their livery reveal was followed by a shakedown at Fiorano with tons of Tifosi waiting to catch glimpses of and send support to both Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz.
Ferrari not having an event to launch their newest challenges seems to stray away for their penchant for drama, but maybe Fred Vassuer is choosing to focus on the SF-24’s performance rather than a car launch. Fred Vasseur trying to down play the 2024 challenger manifested itself in a car launch with less fanfare than usual for the Scuderia.
As Charles and Carlos left Maranello, the Tifosi promised them a surprise the following day during their shakedown on filming day. On Valentines day, the Tifosi showed up with red smoke bombs and their usual fervor for their Ferrari drivers. They’re sitting in the trees and on the catch fence, just for a glimpse of Charles and Carlos. Robert Schwartzman, Ferrari reserve driver, teases Charles for timing his teammate’s time. To which Charles responds, “Of course I am.”
McLaren MCL-28: February 14th
McLaren launched their livery on socials at 8:38 a.m. GMT which preceded Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri took to the track do a shakedown. The excitement for McLaren didn’t end there as both drivers sat down with Lawrence Baretto to discuss their winter breaks, takes on Lewis Hamilton to Ferrari, and their continued partnership providing McLaren with stability.
Lando: It was a shock to everyone, I’m sure, but I was caving in Vietnam. So, I was without my phone for four days. So, when I got out the cave… when I found my way out..um [chuckles]
Oscar: Lando Norris goes into a cave offseason [hearty laughs]
Lando: I was sleeping on the bus on the way home. And my friend’s gone “oh Lewis is joining Ferrari.” And I’ve just gone “shut up.”
“We Can Take The Fight!” | Oscar Piastri And Lando Norris On Challenging Red Bull In 2024
In other McLaren news, the Reiss x McLaren Formula 1 Team Collection was released the following day, and certain pieces have already begun to sell out. Zak Brown continues to advocate against co-ownership in Formula as he spoke to Craig Slater of Sky Sports F1 ahead of the shakedown.
Whoever made the creative decision to have both Lando and Oscar take photos from this particular angle deserves a raise. The McLaren drivers did not add to the “we’d rather be anywhere else but here” folder indicating the the team are maintaining their upwards trajectory to catch up and take the fight to Red Bull.
My favorite piece of media to come out of McLaren’s filming day was a portion of the Fast and Curious podcast with Oscar Piastri as a guest.
Greg James: Wouldn’t it be incredible if Lewis Hamilton won this year at Mercedes.
Oscar Piastri: No, it would not be incredible. What are you talking about?
Greg James: No, no, no, not… as a story.
Christian Hewgill: That’s a brave thing to say in a McLaren interview, isn’t it?
Oscar Piastri: I think Oscar Piastri winning his first world championship is a much better story.
Greg James: You’re half his age. He’s 40.
Oscar Piastri: I’m firmly removing myself from this conversation.
The Fast and the Curious: McLaren’s 2024 Shakedown with Lando Norris, Oscar Piastri, and Zak Brown
Mercedes W-15: February 14th
The W15’s livery puts the silver back into the silver arrows. Do not be fooled, there’s plenty of carbon on the sidepods and the front wing. The launch was a short event with Toto Wolff, Lewis Hamilton, George Russell on camera during the launch.
This was Lewis Hamilton’s 12th and final car launch with Mercedes as next year he’ll be dressed in that famous rosso corsa in Maranello with the Tifosi. For now, he and the silver arrows must continue climbing the mountain towards Red Bull.
Red Bull RB-20: February 15
Red Bull’s Season Launch acted as an homage to their 19 years in Formula 1. David Coulthard was present to recount his memories of Red Bull’s early days with a reputation as a “fizzy drinks company” and “a bunch of party animals” that the team have managed to reclaim with a “Forever Rebl” (had to double check that it was rebl and not rebel” catchphrase. Their tribute to 20 years of Red Bull Racing was an homage that included drivers such as David Coulthard, Mark Webber, Sebastian Vettel, Daniel Ricciardo, Max Verstappen, and Checo Perez. The event held at the factory was followed by a pre-filmed video of the RB1 and the RB20 on track together.
Both Max and Sergio were cracking jokes about how “different’ the livery and their team kit are from last year. Both drivers are optimistic for the coming season.
Many were surprised to see Christian Horner as a central figure at the car launch due to the recent allegations and being placed under investigation by the team’s parent company, Red Bull GmbH.
Now it’s onto for preseaon testing in Bahrain and cars on track!
The MotorChive 
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