The worlds of NASCAR and F1 have collided once again, with the Cup Series paying a visit to the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez last weekend. The track solely used by F1 in the last decade became the breeding ground for NASCAR, with Daniel Suarez and Shane van Gisbergen racing to victory.
While the NASCAR world was busy celebrating its first-ever points-paying race outside the U.S. since 1958, the F1 world was busy racing in Canada. And once that was done, those involved in the latter traded their race suits for dress suits and went for the premiere of the latest F1 movie.
NASCAR Fans Throw Shade at Brad Pitt-Starrer F1 Movie
Scheduled for release on June 27 in the U.S., the F1 movie held its premiere on June 16, and more than half of the grid dropped by to witness the same. The movie, headlined by Brad Pitt and Damson Idris, is one of Lewis Hamilton’s dream projects and has gained largely positive reviews after its first showing.
The Athletic’s Jeff Gluck shared a detailed insight on the movie written by Luke Smith, exploring whether or not the racing fans would enjoy the movie. Smith feels the movie has stayed with him thanks to striking visuals and a soundtrack that does justice to the scenes.
However, NASCAR loyalists have made it clear their pockets won’t be getting any lighter once the film goes public. Replying to Gluck’s post on X, one fan wrote they won’t be spending any money on the F1 movie, and would rather wait for it to be available somewhere for free.
Maybe if its free somewhere I will give it shot, no way i spend money to watch it
— Jay B (@JustJayJax) June 17, 2025
Meanwhile, another user poked fun at the film by labeling it a “live-action Cars 3.”
It looks like a live action Cars 3 to me.
— Kolby Gregory (@WKSugatron) June 17, 2025
One fan sarcastically tweeted that a 61-year-old F1 driver (Pitt) seemed realistic.
A 61 year old F1 driver seems really realistic to me…
— Scooter Dimmit (@ScooterDimmit) June 17, 2025
While another had similar concerns, but felt like it would be okay if the older age was a part of the storyline.
I wish they would of went for a younger actor, Brad Pitt is too old. Unless that is part of the storyline
— B.J. Nash (@bjnno1) June 17, 2025
Several others chimed in to share their opinion of the upcoming movie, with many revealing they didn’t have high hopes from it.
I honestly don’t have high hopes for it which is a shame because I really like Brad Pitt and Damson Idris. Still plan to see it to support the film industry tho.
— Jash (@SimplyJoshinYa) June 17, 2025
The first 30 seconds will be jaw dropping then it all goes pretty straight forward from there.
— #DMAC1971 (@DMAC1971VET) June 17, 2025
The movie follows Sonny Hayes, played by Pitt, who returns to the F1 grid 30 years after a near-fatal crash. After a stint in the wilderness as an NYC cab driver, Hayes earns a spot in his old buddy’s failing team in F1. There, Hayes is met by a mercurial young driving star, Joshua Pearce (Idris), and his open disdain for the old man.
This kicks off the introduction of old-school racing in the modern era of F1, with the old-timer bringing back the old ways.
While early reviews claims the film’s cinematic aspect is served well enough, they say that the portrayal of the F1 paddock and its workings is the better product. The opportunity to film at multiple Grand Prix events during 2023 and 2024 remains one of the movie’s greateat strengths.
Whether or not the filmmakers have made the most of the opportunity remains to be seen, with the audience being the ultimate judge on whether the F1 movie is a hit or a miss.
