On June 16, during the world premiere of the Hollywood production “F1” in Times Square, New York, Williams driver Carlos Sainz encouraged fans to approach the film with an open mind. The movie, starring Brad Pitt and filmed over two years at actual race events and locations, aims to authentically portray the world of Formula 1 racing while attracting new enthusiasts to the sport.
The Apple-produced film features an ensemble cast including Kerry Condon, Javier Bardem, and Damson Idris. Directed by Joseph Krasinski of “Top Gun: Maverick” fame and produced by Jerry Bruckheimer, the project also counts on seven-time F1 world champion Lewis Hamilton as an Executive Producer. Sainz, alongside other drivers, appears in select scenes to blend real racing elements with cinematic storytelling.
Carlos Sainz’s Perspective on the F1 Movie Premiere
Speaking on the red carpet at the premiere, Carlos Sainz shared his views on the film’s appeal to both seasoned fans and newcomers. He highlighted the movie’s mix of authentic sport elements and Hollywood style, saying:
“There’s something for everyone, for sure. I’ll just say for the pure F1 fan, be open-minded to Hollywood F1 films, but then for all the new fans, that’s our true sport that’s what a sport is all about, teamwork about sacrifices that we need to make and I think for the new fans enjoy it because it’s a good entrance to our sport,” —Carlos Sainz, Williams F1 Driver
Despite Sainz’s hopeful message, reactions among the F1 fanbase on social media were divided. Some voiced skepticism and disappointment, while others showed support or amusement at the situation.
“For the F1 fans, be open-minded to Hollywood” he really hated this movie,” —Anonymous Fan
“My fav actor in the F1 movie is Carlos Sainz btw,” —Anonymous Fan
“Good to know I can skip the American c**p,” —Anonymous Fan
“Thanks to him, I will not watch this movie then…” —Anonymous Fan
“Took everything in him to not fully s**t on it haha,” —Anonymous Fan
“Thanks for being real with us Carlos,” —Anonymous Fan
Carlos Sainz Reflects on Watching the Film
In a later interview with RacingNews365 in Monaco, the 30-year-old driver expressed that he enjoyed the movie overall and believed it would successfully introduce Formula 1 to a wider audience. Sainz acknowledged that while some elements might appear exaggerated to long-time F1 followers familiar with documentaries like those on Netflix, the film still holds promise for drawing in newcomers.
“I truly enjoyed it, I think for us F1 experts, we’re going to see things that we sometimes see with Netflix that you can tell are a bit Hollywood-esque. I truly believe that for a new fan, it will attract a lot of new audiences, and it will do very well with people who don’t know anything about Formula 1.” —Carlos Sainz, Williams F1 Driver
The “F1” movie is set for global release on June 25, with a U.S. release following on June 27. As one of the summer’s most anticipated films for 2025, it aims to blend high-octane racing action with Hollywood storytelling, potentially expanding the sport’s fan base beyond its existing followers.