For the first time in history, the Formula 1 season will open with a special Season Launch party and Melbourne will have the honours of hosting the historic event.

Taking place at the city’s iconic Federation Square, all 20 drivers and all 10 Team Principals, along with legends of the sport, will participate in a live stage show to kick off the 2019 Formula 1 season.

With an array of the sport’s current and former superstars all in the one place, as well as a host of musical acts and entertainment on show, fans can expect a sensational show with plenty of action. 

Australian Grand Prix Corporation CEO, Andrew Westacott was proud the event was chosen to be held in Australia as a way to kick off the Formula 1 Rolex Australian Grand Prix 2019.

“We’re immensely proud and honoured to host the first ever Formula 1 Season Launch event on the eve of the Formula 1 Rolex Australian Grand Prix 2019,” Westacott said.

“From Formula 1 superstars and electric music acts, to the ultimate in fan engagement opportunities, the Federation Square takeover will be a huge celebration that will be broadcast around the world.”

The spectacular season launch in Australia’s sports capital won’t be the only milestone to take place in what will be a huge year for Formula 1, with 2019 to witness other historic events to take place. 

Formula 1 Managing Director of Commercial Operations Sean Bratches was thrilled to announce Melbourne’s hosting duties of the party, with loyal motor sport fans the main motivation behind the event’s creation.  

“Since 1996, except on two occasions, Formula 1, the greatest racing spectacle in the world has kicked off its year in Melbourne and there really couldn’t be a location better than this fantastic city,” Bratches explained.

“The passion, knowledge and enthusiasm of the Melbourne crowd deserved a special thanks and this is why we have decided to organise the first ever Season Launch event in the history of the sport. 

“We are incredibly excited to be putting on such a spectacle for our fans. It’s vital that we put them at the heart of everything we do, and this event provides us with a platform to engage with fans not just locally but also globally

“The 2019 season also marks another historic moment for the sport as we celebrate our 1000th Grand Prix in China later this year and we are excited to see all the teams come together to kick off the season with a bang”

With the event to be live-streamed across the globe via Formula 1’s broadcast partners, Lord Mayor of Melbourne, The Hon. Sally Capp was confident the launch will once again boost Melbourne’s profile on the world stage. 

“We’re delighted to be a part of the Formula 1 Season Launch ahead of the much-anticipated Formula 1 Rolex Australian Grand Prix 2019 coming to town,” Capp said. 
 
“Melbournians and visitors alike will be able to come together in Melbourne’s civic centre at Federation Square and get a free taste of the Grand Prix’s electric atmosphere, while seeing some of racing’s greatest athletes up-close.
 
“The City of Melbourne is proud to support the Grand Prix which sees more visitors to our city, providing a welcome boost to our cafes, retail stores and restaurants.”

The Formula 1 Season Launch will take place at Federation Square on Wednesday 13 March.