Carlos Sainz appeared in full form at the much-anticipated F1 The Movie premiere held in New York’s Times Square on Monday night, just hours after a demanding race weekend in Montreal. Meanwhile, his girlfriend Rebecca Donaldson enjoyed a relaxing getaway on Italy’s Amalfi Coast, capturing serene moments aboard a yacht near Positano far from the F1 excitement.
Rebecca Donaldson’s Seaside Escape on Italy’s Amalfi Coast
While the F1 world converged on New York for the movie premiere, Rebecca Donaldson took a break from the high-energy environment to unwind by the sea. She shared several Instagram Stories showcasing her holiday, where she lounged in a navy blue bikini and black sunglasses, basking in the sun on a boat off the Amalfi Coast. The model was seen enjoying the company of friends on a yacht, sipping drinks and soaking up the relaxing atmosphere of the Italian coastline.
Carlos Sainz Joins Formula 1 Stars at the Times Square Premiere
Carlos Sainz arrived at the premiere alongside Williams teammate Alex Albon and Team Principal James Vowles, standing amid a gathering of prominent drivers and filmmakers. The film, directed by Joseph Kosinski and produced by Jerry Bruckheimer, Lewis Hamilton, and Brad Pitt, tells the story of fictional racer Sonny Hayes’ dramatic return to racing with the APXGP team, featuring rookie Joshua Pearce, portrayed by Damson Idris. Filmed on location during real F1 weekends and backed by Apple Original Films and Warner Bros. Pictures, the movie has been praised for its authenticity within the paddock.
Sainz Reflects on the Premiere Experience and F1’s Growing Popularity
Speaking on stage at Times Square, Sainz expressed his amazement at the event’s scale and the enthusiasm of the young audience in attendance:
“It’s incredible, especially to see such a young audience here in New York. This will capture so many new fans. I’m just enjoying the moment Formula 1 is going through, but I think there will be a before and after for this film.”
—Carlos Sainz, Formula 1 Driver
He also shared a lighthearted moment about mingling with Brad Pitt during the event:
“It felt weird seeing them on the grid. I did a couple of grid walks with Brad (Pitt) by my side, and I was like what are you doing here or what am I doing here? I was next to a movie scene, and he was also next to my driver role.”
—Carlos Sainz, Formula 1 Driver
Looking Ahead: Formula 1’s Next Race and Sainz’s Return to the Track
Following the premiere’s celebrations, the Formula 1 paddock is set to move to Austria for Round 11 on June 26. After a challenging race weekend in Montreal, Carlos Sainz will be eager to regain momentum and deliver a strong performance. The movie’s debut in Times Square offers a new platform for the sport to engage a broader audience, possibly marking a turning point in Formula 1’s growing global appeal.