Max Verstappen skips F1: The Movie screening as drivers react to Hollywood’s take on racing
Max Verstappen Skips Premiere of F1: The Movie, Stirring Buzz Among Fans and Drivers
MONACO — Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen elected to forego a private screening of F1: The Movie, leaving fans and fellow drivers buzzing during the media day for Sunday’s Monaco Grand Prix.
The film, starring Brad Pitt and co-produced by seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton alongside Jerry Bruckheimer, portrays the fictional story of Sonny Hayes, a veteran driver making a late comeback to rescue the ailing team APXGP. It’s set for release globally on June 25 and in the United States on June 27.
While a majority of the grid joined Hamilton for the debut screening in Monte Carlo, Verstappen’s absence quickly became a talking point on social media. Addressing the matter, Verstappen clarified his decision:
"I told FOM [Formula 1 management] way in advance that I would not be there that evening. They knew about that. It wasn’t a mandatory event either; it was just my private time. And I prefer to spend that private time at home, especially because in Formula 1, you're away from home so much already."
The Dutchman welcomed his first child, daughter Lily, earlier this month with girlfriend Kelly Piquet, amplifying his desire to focus on family. "Now that the family is growing, I definitely prefer to spend more time at home," Verstappen added. However, footage circulating online showed Verstappen enjoying an evening of virtual racing during the movie's screening, a detail not lost on fans.
Aston Martin's Lance Stroll also skipped the screening but was less specific about his reasons: "Just stuff," the Canadian remarked, adding, "At some point I’ll watch it."
Hamilton Nervous Yet Proud About Screening
Hamilton, who played a crucial advisory role throughout production, said he had already watched the movie “like 20 times.” The Mercedes driver revealed his nerves about screening it for his peers:
"I've got all the drivers there, and I was sat in the middle; I was nervous! I was like, 'Oh God, everyone seeing it for the first time.' It was great to look around and see some of the reactions, particularly the drivers. I really care what the drivers think."
Hamilton noted the authenticity of the film as a point of pride, despite its inevitable Hollywood flair. "The sound is great, the image is incredible. It’s something that has never been done before, so something I'm really proud of," he said.
Driver Reactions: Positive Reviews With Caveats
By and large, drivers offered positive reviews of the film, praising its portrayal of the sport despite acknowledging a few dramatized moments for cinematic effect. Fernando Alonso was pleasantly surprised:
"It was good. I like the movie, and I think it represents quite well the Formula 1 part of it and the sportive part of it, which is never a guarantee with these kinds of movies. If everything is fake or you don’t feel it represents well what you do, but I think they kept that quite good."
Alpine’s Esteban Ocon echoed this sentiment, highlighting Hamilton's contributions to ensure realism.
"I really see where Lewis has put his touch to try and make everything as realistic as possible," Ocon shared.
The drivers were particularly impressed by the innovative filming techniques involving Pitt and co-star Damson Idris, who drove modified Formula 2 cars during real-life races, including the formation lap at last year's British Grand Prix. Ocon added, "The scenes with them driving the cars—that’s fantastic, something we’ve never seen before."
Cinematic Liberties and Hollywood Flair
Still, the movie’s willingness to take artistic liberties remained a point of discussion. Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz admitted there were some moments that didn’t sit perfectly:
"There were just a couple of icks, but honestly, not as many as I thought. They warned us also. They said, 'Guys, we love your sport. We are in love with your sport. But this is Hollywood.' I was like, OK."
Sainz suggested the film would resonate more with newcomers to F1 than seasoned fans:
"I think for us F1 experts, we’re going to see things like we sometimes see with Netflix [Drive to Survive]—a bit Hollywood-esque. But for a new fan, it will attract a lot of new audiences. It will do very well for people who don’t know anything about F1. For hardcore fans and us drivers, we might think some parts are a bit too American or too Hollywood. But honestly, I enjoyed the whole thing."
Film Sparks Optimism for Motorsport Growth
As Formula 1 continues attracting a global audience, opinions on F1: The Movie highlight both optimism and reservations. Many drivers, led by Hamilton, hope the film sparks deeper interest in motorsport.
For Verstappen and Stroll, however, it appears their Hollywood experience will have to wait.
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