The 2025 season is set to be one of the most special campaigns in Formula 1 history. As the last year of the current regulations, it promises to bring a sense of equality to the top of the table. Moreover, it marks the 75th anniversary of the premier category, a milestone that celebrates the rich history of a championship that has been thrilling fans since the ‘50s, with Giuseppe Farina being the pioneer who took the first title. Over the years, Formula 1 has been graced by legends of all kinds, shaping the sport into what it is today. One such legend is Fernando Alonso, who stands as an indefatigable bastion of the modern era.
Formula 1 wouldn’t be the same without these legends, each driven by an unrelenting passion for the World Championship. They all came together to celebrate the 75th anniversary, specifically at the F175 Live Event in London, but instead of the main event, they opted for an exclusive dinner the night before. This private gathering brought together recognizable faces of the ‘Grand Circus,’ with Fernando Alonso being the only active driver in attendance. Alonso shared that other big names, like Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen, were too busy to join. Regardless, the Aston Martin driver found himself in unique company.
It was almost a ‘league of superheroes’ with their combined achievements and contributions to the sport. Alongside Alonso were names like Bernie Ecclestone, the key figure behind Formula 1’s rise to stardom, and Luca di Montezemolo, the aristocrat from Piemonte who served as Ferrari’s president for 23 years. There were also champions like Mika Hakkinen, Emerson Fittipaldi, Mario Andretti, and Nigel Mansell, each bringing their own piece of history to the table.
The Legends Unite
This exclusive group of legends wasn’t just about reminiscing over past glories; they were there to leave their mark on history. They created a time capsule, filling it with messages of all kinds, to be unveiled in 25 years when Formula 1 celebrates its centenary in 2050. This will be a poignant moment, marking 100 years since the sport’s inception, where pioneers battled with Alfa Romeo, the dominant force before World War II.
As Fernando Alonso described, “We wrote something on a piece of paper and put it in a box. It won’t be opened for 25 years, and it will be nice for the new generation to discover what we left behind.” Alonso’s joy was palpable as he met with such a diverse and iconic group of figures. He expressed his admiration for Mario Andretti, his former boss during the 2017 Indianapolis 500 adventure, where Alonso led until the Honda engine failed him.
This moment, while celebratory, also underscores the enduring legacy of Formula 1 and its ability to bring together generations of racing legends. As the sport looks towards its future, events like these remind us of its rich past and the characters that have made it so compelling. For fans, the knowledge that there’s a time capsule waiting to be opened in 25 years adds an exciting layer of anticipation, promising a glimpse into the thoughts and experiences of these racing heroes.