At a private screening in Monaco ahead of the 2025 Grand Prix, Formula 1 drivers were treated to an exclusive first look at the upcoming film “F1,” starring Brad Pitt and co-produced by Lewis Hamilton. The movie, directed by Joseph Kosinski of “Top Gun: Maverick” fame, has garnered significant attention for its realistic portrayal of the sport, blending Hollywood storytelling with authentic racing elements.leclerc-lando-norris-and-pierre-gasly-impressed-with-brad-pitts-movie-say-the-storytelling-is-really-cool/articleshow/121340749.cms?utm_source=chatgpt.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener" class="flex h-4.5 overflow-hidden rounded-xl px-2 text-[0.5625em] font-medium text-token-text-secondary! bg-[#F4F4F4]! dark:bg-[#303030]! transition-colors duration-150 ease-in-out">
Drivers’ Reactions: A Blend of Enthusiasm and Critical Insight
Carlos Sainz expressed his enjoyment of the film, noting its potential to attract new audiences to Formula 1. He acknowledged that while the movie had Hollywood elements, it effectively captured the essence of the sport:
“I truly enjoyed it. I think for us F1 experts we’re going to see things a bit like we sometimes see with [Drive to Survive], that are a bit Hollywood-esque. I truly believe that it will attract a lot of new audiences and it will do very well for the people that don’t know anything about Formula 1.”
Oliver Bearman praised the film’s depiction of the racing experience, highlighting its potential to engage viewers:
“I thought the movie was fantastic. It really depicts what we go through, [but] in a bit of a Hollywood way, as you would expect. It’s going to make people want to watch F1, which is really the goal of it.”
Lando Norris appreciated the film’s storyline and its inspirational aspects:
“It was a very good movie, a nice storyline. It was a cool story, I think an inspirational story – it had a lot of different meanings behind it all.”
Esteban Ocon noted the film’s realism and the influence of Lewis Hamilton in maintaining authenticity:
“You can really feel that Lewis has pushed to keep it super realistic. But there were some parts that they needed to make it a little bit more Hollywood, which is obviously for all the public and needs to be catching the eye of everyone.”
George Russell commented on the integration of real F1 personalities into the film:
“The way they integrated drivers and team principals into a Hollywood movie, it was like we’re real characters in this Hollywood scene.”
Hamilton’s Vision and Future Endeavors
Lewis Hamilton, who played a significant role in the film’s production, shared his nervousness about the drivers’ reactions:
“I sat in the middle and I was nervous. Everyone is seeing it for the first time. It was great to look around and see some of the reactions. Particularly the drivers, you know. I really care what the drivers think and I wanted them to think highly of it.”
Hamilton also revealed plans for future projects through his production company, Dawn Apollo Films, including two animations and a scripted film, indicating his continued commitment to storytelling beyond the racetrack.
Notable Absences and Personal Choices
While most of the grid attended the screening, Max Verstappen and Lance Stroll were absent. Verstappen chose to spend time with his family, stating:
“It was just my private time … .”
Stroll simply mentioned “just stuff” as his reason for missing the event, indicating a personal choice without further elaboration.ferrari-driver-reveals-more-films-in-pipeline-after-incredible-f1-movie-screening-ahead-of-monaco-gp?utm_source=chatgpt.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener" class="flex h-4.5 overflow-hidden rounded-xl px-2 text-[0.5625em] font-medium text-token-text-secondary! bg-[#F4F4F4]! dark:bg-[#303030]! transition-colors duration-150 ease-in-out">
Anticipation Builds for Public Release
The film “F1” is set for international release on June 25, 2025, with North American audiences gaining access on June 27. With its blend of high-octane racing, personal drama, and authentic representation of the sport, the movie is poised to captivate both dedicated fans and newcomers alike.
As the drivers’ reactions suggest, “F1” offers a compelling glimpse into the world of Formula 1, balancing the thrill of the race with the human stories behind the wheel. The film stands as a testament to the sport’s enduring appeal and its potential to inspire audiences around the globe.




