Lando Norris playfully threatened to skip the F1 75 Live event at London’s O2 Arena next week, instead declaring a preference to join 2024 drivers’ championship rival Max Verstappen on holiday.

The 25-year-old whimsically suggested the pair would fall prey to the same illness to avoid attending the event on February 18.

For the first time in the championship’s 75-year history, all its teams will unveil their liveries for the next season collectively.

Each of the 10 squads has been allotted seven minutes to showcase its new look on an evening that will include a wide array of entertainments.

It is a highly-anticipated event, with thousands of F1 fans shelling out to be there. Despite some issues surrounding ticketing, it has been widely praised in the run up to the occasion.

However, some of F1’s drivers, including Norris, appear less than keen. When the event was first confirmed, he did not waste the opportunity to poke fun at the plans. Nonetheless, the McLaren driver showed an awareness for what it means for F1.

“If I get told to be there, I guess I’ll be there, you know?” Norris told media including RacingNews365.

“I might see where Max is going on holiday and join him. We might end up having the same illness or something,” he added as a joke.

“It’s a cool event. I’m happy for F1. I think it sold out extremely quickly. It’s cool for a lot of fans. It’s a big thing for Formula 1.”

Norris shares honest feelings about F1 75 Live

If he could have it his way, Norris would not be in attendance at all. Instead preferring to focus on the F1 campaign ahead.

The British driver had a successful year in 2024, winning four grands prix, including his first, and taking eight pole positions. However, he ultimately fell short of reeling in Verstappen during his long-shot drivers’ title challenge.

If McLaren provides a strong package, as anticipated, he will be expected to go one better in 2025, something he would ideally be readying himself for.

“I don’t know the layout of events, but I’d rather be at home and relaxing and preparing for the season, that’s my side,” Norris explained.

“I don’t like these types of things. I’m not a public person. I like to relax and do my things, but it’s also our job. So in the end of the day, we can’t complain.”