1997 Formula One World Champion Jacques Villeneuve expresses concern that the upcoming Brad Pitt-starring F1 film may attract a new audience who aren't truly invested in the sport.
The film, simply titled "F1", will see Brad Pitt portray a retired racing driver, Sonny Hayes, who returns to the circuit to mentor his rookie teammate Joshua Pearce, played by Damson Idris. The project, co-produced by seven-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton, is set for release on June 25, 2025, internationally, and June 27 in the US.
Filming has taken place during actual F1 race weekends, with the fictional APXGP team appearing as an eleventh entry in the paddock alongside real-life drivers, who are set to feature in the film.
While Villeneuve anticipates the film generating excitement and attracting new viewers, he worries that this influx might not be comprised of "race fans" who genuinely understand the sport's complexities.
"The F1 film can bring a lot of fans, but that doesnât make them race fans," Villeneuve told InstantCasino.com. "It doesnât mean they understand the sport and how it works because theyâve watched Brad Pitt in a race car."
He drew a comparison to the critically acclaimed film "Rush", stating, "I did really enjoy the movie 'Rush', that was really good and I expect it to be a similar Hollywood-style type of movie."
"The film will make a lot more people excited about F1, but not necessarily for the right reasons," he concluded.
However, Formula One president Stefano Domenicali expresses optimism, believing the film's impact could surpass that of Netflix's popular "Drive to Survive" series, which has played a significant role in the sport's recent surge in popularity.
"I think that if Netflix was big, I think that the movie - and we discussed in Hungary the plan of commercialisation and promotion - will be massive," Domenicali said in a Motorsport.com interview. "Weâre going to hit a target that is not yet present."
"Drive to Survive" first aired in 2019, with its sixth season released in February 2024.
The debate over whether the film will attract genuine fans or simply casual viewers remains open. While the film's star power and Hollywood production are sure to generate significant buzz, only time will tell if it can translate into a lasting, engaged audience for the sport.