Max Verstappen misses the premiere of the Formula 1 movie
The current Formula 1 world champion, Max Verstappen, did not attend the private screening of the new film about the sport starring Brad Pitt. The event took place this week in Monaco, where several drivers gathered.
The film, titled “F1”, produced by Jerry Bruckheimer and seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, is scheduled to be released on June 25 internationally and June 27 in the United States.
The plot follows Sonny Hayes, played by Pitt, who returns to the sport late in his career to help the fictional APXGP team.
While Hamilton was accompanied by a large group of drivers in Monte Carlo to see the film, Verstappen’s absence was quickly noted on social media.
I told the Formula 1 management well in advance that I wouldn’t be there that night. They knew.
Max Verstappen
Verstappen explained that his decision was due to his desire to spend more time at home, especially after welcoming his daughter Lily in early May.
I just wanted to spend more time at home. It wasn’t a mandatory event, it was just my private time. And I prefer to spend that private time at home, especially because in Formula 1 you’re already away from home a lot.
Max Verstappen
Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll, the other driver who did not attend, did not offer a detailed explanation for his absence.
The rest of the grid joined Hamilton, who participated in the project from the early stages.
Hamilton is listed as a producer on the project and the logo of his new production company, Dawn Apollo, will appear before the film begins.
When asked about his opinion on the film, Hamilton joked that it wasn’t the first time he had seen it, as he had watched it about 20 times.
The atmosphere surrounding the film during the press day was overwhelmingly positive.
Hamilton’s former rival, Fernando Alonso, commented that he liked the film and that he believes it accurately represents the Formula 1 aspect and the sporting side.
Esteban Ocon, from Alpine, highlighted Hamilton’s valuable contribution to making the film feel authentic.
The film includes scenes in which Pitt and Damson Idris, who plays Hayes’ teammate, drove modified Formula 2 cars on real circuits. Both drivers participated in the formation lap before the 2023 British Grand Prix as part of the filming process.
Carlos Sainz expressed that, although there were some details that caught his attention, in general he enjoyed the film and believes it will attract a new audience.
