Sainz and Hulkenberg implore experts to 'take a step back' and enjoy spectacle of Brad Pitt's F1 movie

13:49, 22 May

Updated: 13:50, 22 May

byToby Nixon

Nico Hülkenberg and Carlos Sainz have shared their thoughts on the new Formula 1 film that premiered last night. Several F1 drivers attended the special screening to watch the movie on the big screen for the first time.

The premiere was a unique occasion, with all Formula 1 drivers invited to a special screening of the highly anticipated F1 film starring Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, and Javier Bardem. Max Verstappen, however, was absent from the screening. He instead decided to livestream. After the event, Sauber driver Nico Hülkenberg shared his impressions of the film in a conversation with GPblog and others.

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"I did. I think it was cool. It gave some insights. Compared to Drive to Survive, some more behind-the-scenes stuff. So yeah, I think we'll see," the German responded. He was then asked how realistic he thought the film was.

Hulkenberg reminds fans: 'It's Hollywood, right?'

"Well, look, it's a movie. It's Hollywood as well, right? So, you need to take a step back and see the broader picture. It's not about the fine details and everything is accurate, but I think it's still a new, fresh perspective.

"Telling the public what the teams or what the drivers do, how much goes in, so yes, it builds more of a picture again. I think some good actors in there, too."

Hülkenberg found it amusing that 61-year-old Brad Pitt plays the role of 'Sonny Hayes', a returning F1 driver in the film. "Yes, I love it. It's my role model now. This is my new aim!" the 37-year-old driver said with a smile.

Nico Hülkenberg arrived Thursday morning in the paddock for the Monaco Grand Prix

Sainz Full of Praise for the New Formula 1 Film

Williams driver Carlos Sainz also reflected on the film positively and believes that it will be good for new fans. "I truly enjoyed it. I think for us F1 experts, we are gonna see things that we see on Netflix, that are a bit Hollywood-esque. I truly believe that for the fan, for a new fan, it will attract a lot of new audience and it will do very well for the people that don't know anything about Formula 1."

Fans might spot things that are 'too Hollywood'

Sainz also said that experts might pick at the film, but they must remember that it is fiction, after all.

"For the hardcore fan and for journalists and us, we will see things that maybe you think are a bit too American or a bit too Hollywood. But honestly, I enjoyed the whole film. There were things that really surprised me and the team has done an outstanding job in putting together. I think it's a very good Hollywood movie. But let's see what the people think."

According to the Spaniard, the film was very realistic except for a few moments. "There were just a couple of peaks, but honestly not as many as I thought. They warned us also. They said, guys, we love your sport, we are in love with your sport, but this is Hollywood. I was like, okay."

Sainz believes the film will contribute to the growing popularity of the sport. "As long as it attracts new fans, apparently they did a survey with a lot of people that hadn't ever watched a Formula 1 race, and after watching the film they would say, would you watch a Formula 1 race now and 100% of people said yes.

"So that just tells you how good I think it's going to do for the sport, maybe I'm completely wrong but I think it's going to do a lot of good to it," stated the Williams driver.