Motorsports

What F1 drivers think of Brad Pitt’s movie: ‘Icks’ and ‘the best racing movie of all-time’

MONACO — Through the past two years, Formula One’s paddock has doubled as a real-life movie set thanks to the immersive filming approach taken for Apple’s upcoming film, “F1: The Movie.” Drivers have helped stage scenes during pre-race grid ceremonies, welcomed Brad Pitt into their briefings with the FIA, and even shared a podium with […]

Published

1 month ago

May 23, 2025

Your Sports Nation

MONACO — Through the past two years, Formula One’s paddock has doubled as a real-life movie set thanks to the immersive filming approach taken for Apple’s upcoming film, “F1: The Movie.”

Drivers have helped stage scenes during pre-race grid ceremonies, welcomed Brad Pitt into their briefings with the FIA, and even shared a podium with one of Hollywood’s biggest stars in Abu Dhabi last year.

But on Wednesday evening in Monaco, the 2025 F1 grid saw the finished movie a month early at a private screening ahead of this weekend’s grand prix. “F1: The Movie” will get its international release on June 25 before hitting screens in North America on June 27.

Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time world champion, has been the most involved driver, working as a producer and helping to ensure the movie’s accuracy. These efforts extend to details such as correct engine note sounds, as well as acting as a valuable sounding board for producer Jerry Bruckheimer and director Joe Kosinski. For Hamilton, seeing the logo of Dawn Apollo, his film company, appear on screen and spotting his name as a producer in the credits gave him a special feeling of joy, even though he had already watched it about 20 times.

But this screening was different.

“All of a sudden, I’ve got all the drivers there and I was sat in the middle, (and) I was nervous,” Hamilton told reporters on Thursday. “I was like ‘Oh God, everyone is seeing it for the first time.’”

Such a select audience would provide the first opportunity to gauge just how successful the film has been at becoming the most immersive and accurate racing film of all time, as the producers intended. The drivers who live such scenes are arguably its toughest audience.

After the screening, Hamilton messaged all his peers to ask for their honest feedback. “For sure, there’s parts you’d be like, ‘Hey, the timing may be off on a strategy stop,’ or whatever it might be,” he said.

“But I think the great thing is, the sound is great. The image is incredible. It’s something that has never been done before. So, it’s something I’m really proud of.”

How realistic is the F1 movie?

“I thought some of you were there!”

Laughter echoed in Haas’ hospitality unit during Esteban Ocon’s media session in Monaco on Thursday.

The initial questions had focused on the screening, and Ocon, unaware that the present journalists had not seen the movie yet, shared a few spoilers (which won’t be repeated here). Although none with significant, ground-breaking detail.

The general feel from across the Monaco paddock is that the movie is broadly accurate. But a Hollywood-type flair, to be expected, was noted. Williams driver Carlos Sainz shared Thursday, “There were a couple of icks, but honestly, not as many as I thought. They warned us and they said, ‘Guys, we are in love with your sport, but this is Hollywood.’”

One of the biggest questions “F1: The Movie” faces is how accurately it portrays everyday life for those working in the paddock. Netflix docuseries “Drive to Survive” uses footage filmed at race weekends and from direct driver interviews, but series producer Box to Box and the streaming platform have historically faced criticism for taking creative license with the storylines in what is supposed to be a fly-on-the-wall production.

Racing Bulls driver Liam Lawson described the film as “very immersive” and said “it captures the feeling of being in Formula One.” The movie includes racing battles and crashes with real-life competitors, but utilizes CGI rather than sending Pitt and co-star Damson Idris out on track in Formula Two cars against the F1 drivers. But if the drivers can tell there is an element of Hollywood touch at work, will viewers need an open mind?

“You can always find holes and poke holes in things,” Lawson said. “But I think it’s a movie, at the end of the day. It’s the same if you’re watching ‘Top Gun.’ I’m sure if you’re a fighter pilot and you’re watching a movie like that, you’re going to pick things in there that you might see differently. But I think the movie is incredible. That’s what most people are going to see when they see this.”

Max Verstappen and Lance Stroll were the only F1 drivers not to attend the private screening ahead of the 2025 Monaco Grand Prix (Bryn Lennon / Formula 1 / Getty Images)

Ocon detected Hamilton’s involvement as a producer. “Some of the parts you can really feel that Lewis has pushed it to keep it super realistic,” he said. While Ocon would’ve liked more racing and fewer crash sequences, he said, “It’s still by far the best racing movie of all time.”

“I think proper racing fans will enjoy it,” Ocon said. “They are going to comment about some of the things that maybe don’t make 100 percent sense. But honestly, for such a big movie with such an audience, it’s the closest to reality racing movie that I’ve ever seen, in comparison to all the other ones.”

Can the movie capture a new audience?

Two members of the 2025 grid have yet to watch the film, including the reigning world champion Max Verstappen. He notified F1 in advance that he would not attend the screening to spend more time at home. His partner, Kelly Piquet, gave birth to a girl, Lily, at the end of April.

“I wanted to spend more private time — because the evening is also private time, at the end of the day,” Verstappen said. He was streaming on iRacing on Wednesday evening, but claimed he’d download the film in a few weeks and watch it when it is released. “I heard good stuff from the movie,” Verstappen said. “So, I’m sure it’s going to be exciting.”

The other absentee was Aston Martin driver Lance Stroll, who only arrived in Monaco on Thursday. Asked why he didn’t make the screening, he said it was “just stuff,” but he does plan to watch the film.

While the drivers may be best-placed to judge the accuracy and merits of the film, they know they are not the direct target audience. The film’s goal, and F1’s goal, is to reach far wider, so that the “icks” that Sainz mentioned are only picked up by a small percentage of viewers — the most hardcore F1 fans.

“Nearly all of the movie, in terms of track action and things like that, it was very original and very representative,” said Fernando Alonso. “So that was a very good thing.”

Lawson felt those who hadn’t watched F1 before seeing the film would be the most impressed by the footage, which he and other drivers agree is accurate. Both Pitt and Idris trained to drive the custom-built APXGP car in real life.

Lewis Hamilton produced and consulted on the film (Bryn Lennon – Formula 1/Formula 1 via Getty Images)

“I can imagine somebody who’s watching the sport for the first time, watching that movie, they’re going to think it’s amazing,” Lawson said.

Current championship leader Oscar Piastri was impressed by the degree of realism. He cited a moment when the editors added the two APXGP cars to existing racing footage from real races. “The CGI in a lot of areas was very convincing,” Piastri said. “I can’t give too much away, but there are some things that if you don’t follow F1 fully, you wouldn’t be able to tell the difference if it was real or not.

“I think for all the people involved in F1, they’ll be at least somewhat satisfied with the accuracy of all the little details.”

Piastri’s McLaren teammate, Lando Norris, didn’t want to comment when pressed on some of the scenes involved, respecting the need not to give away spoilers. But he acknowledged it was “a much bigger stage” for F1. “It’s a movie, it’s got movie stars in it, and I think that’s something a lot more historical than just a Netflix documentary,” Norris said. “It’s something that in 20 years your kids can still watch and it’ll still be kind of cool.”

The success of “Drive to Survive” in bringing F1 to a new, broader fanbase has transformed the sport. To have F1 portrayed on the biggest screens, with some of Hollywood’s biggest-name actors, directors and producers involved, has the potential to boost F1’s popularity — especially if it can capture that intended new audience.

“Apparently they did a survey with a lot of people that hadn’t ever watched a Formula One race, and after watching the film, they would ask, ‘would you watch a Formula One race now?’ And 100 percent of people said yes,” said Sainz. “So, that just tells you how good I think it is going to be for the sport.

“Maybe I’m completely wrong. But I think it’s going to do a lot of good.”

(Top image: Bryn Lennon / Formula 1 / Getty Images)

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Motorsports

Dale Earnhardt Jr. trolls Hendrick Motorsports after NASCAR levied suspension

Feeling fresh off his first win as a crew chief in his first race on the box, Dale Earnhardt Jr. trolled his Hendrick Motorsports friends. Dale Jr. helped lead Connor Zilisch to the win at Pocono. It was the young NASCAR driver’s first win at an “oval” track. There was a bit of criticism, or […]

Published

4 minutes ago

June 27, 2025

Your Sports Nation

There was a bit of criticism, or more dismissal, over Dale Earnhardt Jr. and his first race as a crew chief. A few people were talking about “war rooms” and how connected the crew chiefs are to the tracks, even when they are suspended.

No matter the outside noise, Dale Jr. appears to want to do it again. Chase Elliott’s No. 17 car was taken back to the Research and Development Center for a teardown. Well, the Hendrick Xfinity Series team got caught with a “main frame rail conical receiver violation.”

Adam Wall was the crew chief, and he’s suspended for three races. So, Dale Earnhardt Jr. says he’s going to hit up Greg Ives and see if he can fill in for the 17 team.

Ives has been at Hendrick Motorsports for years, from mechanic to crew chief. In the Cup Series, he’s worked with Jeff Gordon, Dale Earnhardt Jr., and Alex Bowman. He recently worked as the crew chief for JR Motorsports and Justin Allgaier in the Daytona 500.

Could Dale Jr. convince his former crew chief to let him work on the 17 car? I’m not so sure. Ives is helping develop Corey Day in the Xfinity Series in that car. Maybe they need a guy to catch tires on pit stops. Earnhardt proved he can do both at Pocono.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. was thrilled to win as crew chief

With Mardy Lindley watching at home and helping as much as he could, Dale Earnhardt Jr. had a great debut as crew chief. He also had his buddy Steve Letarte up there with him. So, Connor Zilisch was in good hands.

I mean, there were many chances that Earnhardt could have ruined things. He was on the pit box; he ultimately had the final say on things. If he made one decision for whatever reason against Lindley or Letarte’s advice, it could have cost them the race. Heck, he was grabbing tires! So, he could have easily caused a pit road penalty.

Besides, it was great to see him after the race. That win meant a lot to Dale Jr. However it got done, it got done.

“Yeah, it sure was [fun],” Earnhardt said on The CW broadcast after the win. “When we have an issue like this with somebody being suspended, and uh, Mardy and everybody, they know what to do. Just a great job, putting us in a position to succeed. And we had a lot of things go our way.

“A lot of good luck. Great strategy. Had a little help from Letarte up here. I wasn’t not gonna have Steve Letarte not get on this pit box after the races we won together in 2014. So, he was a big help. But Pat, everybody on this team, just amazing all weekend long. And what a great race car driver. Connor Zilisch is going to be a big deal in this sport for a long time. So, a lot of fun for me today!”

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Motorsports

Rick Ware Racing agrees to sell to T.J. Puchyr, who wants to expand team

According to a report from the Associated Press, T.J. Puchyr has entered into an agreement to purchase Rick Ware Racing and expand it into a three-car team by 2027. Now, many fans are likely wondering who Puchyr is, but it is a name familiar to those in the NASCAR garage. He is a former owner […]

Published

26 minutes ago

June 27, 2025

Your Sports Nation

According to a report from the Associated Press, T.J. Puchyr has entered into an agreement to purchase Rick Ware Racing and expand it into a three-car team by 2027.

Now, many fans are likely wondering who Puchyr is, but it is a name familiar to those in the NASCAR garage. He is a former owner at Spire Motorsports alongside Jeff Dickerson, helping to build it into the strong organization it now is. They purchased Furniture Row Racing’s charter following the 2018 season and formed Spire together, which now runs three full-time entries and has contended for multiple race wins this year. Puchyr has since sold his stake in Spire and is no longer connected to the team.

Per the AP, the deal would keep Rick Ware’s son Cody as one of the drivers. RWR currently runs one full-time, charted car, but they are also leasing another charter to RFK Racing for the No. 60 Ford in a two-year agreement. RWR is also in the middle of a lawsuit with Legacy Motor Club, who claims RWR backed out of a signed deal and that they owe them a charter for the 2026 season.

Cody Ware, Rick Ware Racing Ford

Photo by: Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images

Rick Ware Racing’s No. 51 Ford Mustang is currently last in the championships standings among the 36 chartered teams, placing no higher than 24th in any race this year.

“I’ve won at everything I’ve done at every level, and I think we can compete with these guys,” said Puchyr in an interview with the Associated Press. “I think we can build it brick-by-brick and it’s going to take people, money and time. It’s not lost on me that [RWR] is the 36th-place car in the garage, we all see it. But I believe we can make this a competitive organization, even a winner.”

There are a lot of moving parts with this deal, and it will be fascinating to see how it unfolds in the months to follow.

Motorsports

Daniel Suárez Faces Trackhouse Future Turmoil After JGR Breakup and Sponsorship Betrayal

In a year marked by turmoil and uncertainty, NASCAR driver Daniel Suárez found himself at the center of a storm of betrayal and upheaval. The shocking details of his breakup with Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) after Toyota and sponsors turned their backs on him have now come to light, revealing a tale of resilience and […]

Published

28 minutes ago

June 27, 2025

Your Sports Nation

As the COVID-19 pandemic wreaked havoc across various industries, NASCAR was not spared from its effects. The 2020 season came to an abrupt halt, leaving teams scrambling to navigate the new normal of racing under strict protocols and financial strain. For Suárez, who had spent over four years at JGR, the sudden policy shifts and departures of key personnel created a sense of instability within the team. The Mexican driver admitted that it never felt like he was part of a winning environment, with crew chiefs and engineers constantly in flux.

The pandemic-induced sponsor cuts further exacerbated Suárez’s challenges, leading him to make multiple moves between teams, from Gibbs to Stewart-Haas, and eventually to Trackhouse Racing. Each transition tested his mettle and reinforced his focus on the ultimate prize. Suárez’s experience underscored the crucial role of trust in the world of NASCAR, where loyalty can quickly dissipate in the face of financial turmoil.

Speaking candidly on the Dale Jr. Dirty Mo podcast, Suárez revealed the harsh reality of dwindling sponsorships in the wake of the pandemic. What was once a promising partnership with Toyota and JGR crumbled as sponsor commitments evaporated, leaving the driver with limited resources to compete at the highest level. The financial strain was felt industry-wide, with NASCAR teams grappling with a significant drop in sponsorship revenue.

Despite the setbacks, Suárez approached each new opportunity with unwavering determination. His brief stint with Gaunt Brothers may not have yielded the desired results, but it showcased his relentless drive to succeed against all odds. Now, at Trackhouse Racing, Suárez faces another crossroads as his contract nears its end. With one win under his belt and a precarious position in the standings, the pressure is on for the Mexican driver to deliver results and secure his future in the sport.

As Suárez navigates the uncertainties of his racing career, his positive attitude and commitment to success have not gone unnoticed. Even in the face of potential upheaval at Trackhouse, the driver remains focused on achieving both personal glory and team success. The coming months will test Suárez’s resilience once again, as he strives to turn the lessons learned from past betrayals into a pathway to sustained competitiveness on the track.

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Motorsports

‘Truck & Tractor Pull’ to bring three nights of motorsports to Arcola

ARCOLA, Ind. (WPTA) – A truck & tractor pull is set to bring three nights of motorsports to western Allen County. From Thursday, June 26 to Saturday, June 28, the 2025 Arcola National Truck & Tractor Pull will be happening in Branning Park. The event held by the Arcola Volunteer Fire Department in partnership with […]

Published

47 minutes ago

June 26, 2025

Your Sports Nation

ARCOLA, Ind. (WPTA) – A truck & tractor pull is set to bring three nights of motorsports to western Allen County.

From Thursday, June 26 to Saturday, June 28, the 2025 Arcola National Truck & Tractor Pull will be happening in Branning Park.

The event held by the Arcola Volunteer Fire Department in partnership with the National Tractor Pullers Association invites competitors and fans to take part in three nights of motorsports.

Gates open at 5 p.m. nightly, with pulls beginning at 7 p.m. Each night will feature a variety of vehicle classes.

RELATED: Husband-wife duo compete in Arcola Truck and Tractor Pull

Tickets for the event are $14 on Thursday for people 13 and up, $18 on Friday and Saturday for people 13 and up, $5 for children between the ages of 6 and 11, and free for children under the age of 6.

Founded in 1954 as part of Arcola Days, organizers say the Arcola National Truck & Tractor serves as a key fundraiser for the Arcola Volunteer Fire Department.

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Motorsports

Italian supercar set to debut at Monterey Motorsports Festival

Published

1 hour ago

June 26, 2025

Your Sports Nation

The Monterey Motorsports Festival announced the U.S. debut of the Italian-made Perala S supercar during Car Week in August.The car will make its U.S. debut at Car Week. Under the hood, it has a 621 horsepower twin-turbo 3-liter V-6 engine. They say it was inspired by the Maserati Boomerang concept car from the 70s. Instead of traditional doors, the entire front comes unhinged.If you want to get a glimpse of it in person, they plan to debut it at Car Week on August 16 at the Monterey Motorsports Festival. General admission tickets for adults run $119, with lower-priced options available for seniors and those under the age of 18.

MONTEREY COUNTY, Calif. —

The Monterey Motorsports Festival announced the U.S. debut of the Italian-made Perala S supercar during Car Week in August.

The car will make its U.S. debut at Car Week. Under the hood, it has a 621 horsepower twin-turbo 3-liter V-6 engine.

They say it was inspired by the Maserati Boomerang concept car from the 70s. Instead of traditional doors, the entire front comes unhinged.

If you want to get a glimpse of it in person, they plan to debut it at Car Week on August 16 at the Monterey Motorsports Festival.

General admission tickets for adults run $119, with lower-priced options available for seniors and those under the age of 18.

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Motorsports

Fans get sneak peak of NASCAR at Lime Rock Park – NBC Connecticut

NASCAR is coming to Lime Rock Park this weekend. We spoke with the president and CEO of Lime Rock Park, Dicky Riegel, who told us the event has been years in the making. “We can’t wait to welcome thousands and thousands of fans to this unbelievable show,” Reigel said. But the biggest and newest event […]

Published

2 hours ago

June 26, 2025

Your Sports Nation

NASCAR is coming to Lime Rock Park this weekend.

We spoke with the president and CEO of Lime Rock Park, Dicky Riegel, who told us the event has been years in the making.

“We can’t wait to welcome thousands and thousands of fans to this unbelievable show,” Reigel said.

But the biggest and newest event is happening this weekend.

“We welcome the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series here to Lime Rock, along with the ARCA Menards Series and NASCAR Classic,” Reigel said.

There will be several NASCAR races throughout the weekend, but the main event is the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race, the LIUNA 150.

“Knowing that NASCAR needs to come to road circuits,” Reigel said. “We raised our hand and said, ‘We are the perfect way for NASCAR to engage with this rabid, really enthusiastic fan base here in New England.'”

He said all this attention will bring a welcomed economic boost to the area.

“It means jobs here in the state of Connecticut. It means an expanded and strengthened partnership with the town,” he said.

Nicole Velardi, with the Division of Emergency Management Homeland Security, said it was about a month-long process to make sure everything was in order.

“Going through scenarios to make sure everybody knows what they need to do. Identifying any resource support that is needed,” Velardi said. “Making sure all the fire apparatuses, ambulances, etc., are available to support throughout the weekend.”

She said they are expecting around 40,000 people total for the weekend.

You can purchase tickets in advance online or at the door the day of.

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