The highly anticipated F1 movie premiere took place amid a bustling red carpet event in Times Square, drawing in large crowds of fans and featuring many drivers from the current Formula 1 grid. However, reigning world champion Max Verstappen was notably absent from the occasion, citing personal family commitments as his priority over attending the event.
Verstappen Prioritizes Family Following Recent Fatherhood
While the film premiere attracted a significant number of Formula 1 drivers and team personnel, Max Verstappen decided to skip the event to spend time with his newborn daughter. The Red Bull driver welcomed his first child with partner Kelly Piquet earlier in May, which influenced his choice to remain with family rather than join the spectacle. Speaking to the media after finishing second at the Canadian Grand Prix, Verstappen explained his reasons.
I’m going home to my daughter,
Verstappen said.
He also expressed openness to watching the film at a later date, mentioning that if the timing was right, or if someone else suggested it, he might view it and was hopeful about the experience.
Whether I will watch that film again at a later time? Maybe yes. If it suits me or if someone else wants to see it, then I’m fine with it. And maybe I will be positively surprised.
Verstappen’s absence was consistent with his decision to skip a private screening of the movie held before the Monaco Grand Prix, further reflecting his commitment to not being pressured into attending promotional events.
I also sincerely hope that it is a good and successful film and that it has a positive effect on Formula 1,
he added, emphasizing his support for the project despite not being physically present.
You just shouldn’t force me to go somewhere, because that’s not quite how it should be.
Other Notable Drivers Missing the Premiere
Besides Verstappen, several other F1 drivers were also absent from the Times Square event, including Oscar Piastri, Kimi Antonelli, Lance Stroll, and Fernando Alonso. Despite their absence, the premiere still drew an impressive gathering of the sport’s key personalities and a huge fan presence along the nearby streets.
Overview of the Film and Its Production
F1: The Movie, set for a worldwide release next week, stars Brad Pitt and is produced by seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton. The film, directed by Joseph Kosinski known for Top Gun: Maverick, also features veteran producer Jerry Bruckheimer. The story centers on fictional former Formula 1 driver Sonny Hayes, portrayed by Pitt, who mentors rookie driver Joshua Pearce, played by Damson Idris.
The movie has garnered attention for its unique approach, incorporating real race weekends during the 2023 and 2024 seasons. Filming was done on location at Grand Prix events, with full cooperation from Formula 1 officials and the FIA, melding fiction with authentic motorsport action.
Cast and Crew Express Enthusiasm About the Project
Brad Pitt shared his excitement during the premiere, reflecting on the extensive three-year process behind the film’s creation.
It’s great to share this now, it’s been three years in the making,
Pitt said.
He highlighted the close collaboration with Formula 1 throughout the production, stating,
They (Formula 1) were so kind, we couldn’t do the movie without them, without the drivers, without every team principal, every team and they are a big part of this movie.
Lewis Hamilton, who took on the role of producer, expressed his enthusiasm about combining his passions for film and motor racing during a Q&A session at the premiere.
Coming on board to this project as a producer has been such an incredible learning process for me,
said Hamilton, who races for Ferrari.
Seeing what goes into making a feature film, and there’s been a lot of learning on the other side too as everyone has got to grips with Formula 1.
I’ve always loved film and telling stories, and I’ve loved this sport since I was five years old, so when I got the opportunity to speak with Joe Kosinski and Jerry Bruckheimer about the project, it felt like the two worlds I’m passionate about coming together.
Film’s Upcoming Release and Anticipation Among Fans
F1: The Movie is scheduled for release in Australia on June 26, with a global launch planned shortly thereafter. The combination of a star-studded cast, real-world racing footage, and the involvement of high-profile figures from the sport has built strong anticipation among fans and industry insiders alike. Despite some top drivers missing the premiere, the film is expected to enhance the profile of Formula 1 and potentially attract new audiences to the sport.