The Lewis Hamilton-produced F1 film featuring Brad Pitt captured global attention, earning over $500 million at the box office and drawing mostly positive reviews. While reactions among core Formula 1 viewers and drivers have varied, Fernando Alonso offered a dismissive response to the hype surrounding the movie and fans’ opinions. He emphasized that his focus remains squarely on racing rather than the entertainment surrounding the sport.
Fernando Alonso, the most experienced driver currently on the Formula 1 grid, has competed at the highest level since 2001, with a break from 2018 until he returned in 2021. With two World Championships secured in 2005 and 2006, Alonso’s perspective carries significant weight within the sport. In remarks that also involved fellow experienced driver Nico Hulkenberg, Alonso addressed the buzz around Lewis Hamilton’s dream F1 film, which was produced on a substantial budget.
Alonso highlighted that neither he nor Hulkenberg are overly concerned with what newer generations of fans think about Formula 1. Instead, he said their priority is always to win races and work collaboratively with their teams to enhance performance. Currently racing for Aston Martin, Alonso has had a challenging 2025 season, sitting at 11th in the driver standings as he strives for stronger results.
Alonso Prioritizes Performance Over Fan Perceptions
Discussing the newly emerged spectators drawn in by Lewis Hamilton’s film, Alonso observed that many fans watch the sport exclusively on television and do not fully grasp the technical and performance gaps between different teams’ cars. Despite the influx of new viewers, Alonso’s concentration remains on improving his own performance rather than appealing to this fresh audience base.
“I don’t think Nico or I care too much about what the next-generation fans think. We only try to win races, try to work with our team the best we can, and deliver the performance.” —Fernando Alonso, as reported by RacingNews365
“The fans and the people outside watching TV, don’t have the full picture of what is going on and the difference in performance between the cars.” —Fernando Alonso
Alonso Jokes About Changing Fan Opinions If Victories Come
Alonso also commented on the fickle nature of some newer fans, who often regard him as past his prime due to recent struggles on the grid. However, he joked that if he or Hulkenberg were to begin winning races consistently and challenge for the championship, public perception would quickly shift. This observation reflects Alonso’s awareness of how quickly fans’ attitudes can change based on a driver’s success or failure.
He illustrated this with a lighthearted remark about how extraordinary winning streaks might be misinterpreted by spectators unfamiliar with the complexities of Formula 1.
“So, if next year Nico and I have a winning car and we win eight consecutive races and fight for the championship, then they will think that we ate something different in winter or had a different training programme and we learned how to drive in the winter. This is not really the reality.” —Fernando Alonso
Impact of the Hamilton-Produced Film on Formula 1’s Audience
Despite mixed reviews among drivers, Lewis Hamilton’s F1 film succeeded in drawing fresh audiences to the sport, many of whom had limited prior exposure. This expanded fan base represents an important development for Formula 1’s growth and popularity worldwide. Hamilton’s contribution through this project is notable, and a follow-up film is reportedly in development, signaling continued engagement with the intersection of motorsport and entertainment.
Fernando Alonso’s remarks underscore the divide between seasoned professionals focused on competition and emerging fans captivated by the sport’s spectacle. As Alonso continues his 2025 campaign with Aston Martin, his priority remains firmly on tangible results amid evolving fan dynamics.