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The Drive
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Drive
The F1 Movie Threatens to Change the Very Sport It Highlights
The latest car news, reviews, and features. Despite Sunday's Austrian Formula 1 Grand Prix serving up a cinematic start setback against the Red Bull Ring's scenic circuit, Brad Pitt's 'F1: The Movie' debut overshadowed the very sport it aims to boost. For the past two years, Apple TV's goal of creating a realistic racing movie has blurred the lines between fact and fiction in F1. The film follows APX GP, a struggling F1 team that recruits retired driver Sonny Hayes (Pitt) as the singular solution to all the black and gold team's flaws. Unlike the slew of racing films preceding it, 'F1' aimed to slip into the sport's paddock, set up shop, and film as if the Hollywood crew were just another team. To do so, the minds behind 'Top Gun,' working with producers Lewis Hamilton and Toto Wolff, made Pitt and his co-star Damson Idris (playing the hot-shot young teammate Joshua Pearce) regulars on the F1 calendar. But rather than seamlessly fit into the sport, the entertainment venture seemed to turn the race track into a movie set: filming fake podiums and media pen interviews with the sport's 20 drivers as background actors in their own day jobs, handing out APX GP merch to fans in the grandstands and weaving F1 regulars like Will Buxton, David Croft, and Martin Brundle into the plot. Getty Dimitrios Kambouris For existing F1 fans, the highly contentious and highly anticipated blockbuster acted as a love letter to the sport, littered with cheeky inside jokes, cameos, and interactive fan experiences at best. At worst, it was a house guest that overstayed its welcome and redecorated. The film's best asset was its racing. The opening 24 Hours of Daytona racing scene is so objectively good that the on-track F1 scenes throughout don't hold a flame to the opening sports car racing. But for non-fans, the racing scenes were almost too good. A transfer from director Joseph Kosinski's camera angles to F1TV's might prove lackluster. If the film was going for realism, it should have gone full throttle. As F1 drivers appeared on screen and the techy behind-the-scenes content lifted the curtain on off-track aspects most fans never see, like team hospitality suites, driver rooms, and air tunnels, the handful of things that were written in—like Pitt's character failing to be penalized for cheating—were glaringly obvious to hardcore fans. At times, it was even more obvious that Hamilton had a role in bringing the film to life with several scenes and plot lines seemingly straight out of his racing career. Above all, the film failed to latch onto one storyline and successfully build out characters, relying so heavily on Pitt's over-the-top bad-boy charm that it came off too strong, leaving a bad taste in viewers' mouths. And if charismatic Hayes was the hero, there was no single villain. It could have been the rival teams (or Hamilton himself, as the film hints at), the villainized media, the sport's ruling body, or the veteran racer's own physical limitations. The scenes of Hayes strategically and purposefully crashing himself and other drivers out of the race to bring out safety car after safety car provided an interesting way of circumventing the rules, and at times acted as comedic relief. But other than an unrealistic lack of penalties, it didn't show Haye's racing genius as it intended and instead undercut the magic of the sport. F1's most thrilling element lies in the seconds separating rivals and the nuances integral to the sport: racing in the gray areas and strategizing within the current rulebook. 'F1' failed to capture that complexity fully. On top of it all, creating a car for 'combat' without any regard for safety felt like a step back in the series' efforts to make a historically fatal sport safer. The biggest backlash the movie garnered stemmed from its romance subplot. On the surface and from an F1 outsider perspective, the love story between Pitt's character and the fictional team's lead designer was a perfectly fine plot point. But in the context of the obstacles and stereotypes women in motorsport have historically faced while breaking into the industry, along with this season marking the first time a female race engineer is on the grid, the storyline felt unnecessary and even offensive. Getty But for all the plot holes and AI-adjacent-sounding script writing, the film managed to achieve what the sport's executives have failed to: produce a show that unites new and traditional fans alike. For movie theatergoers unfamiliar with the sport, the film is projected to create a second surge in F1 popularity in the United States. 'F1' already broke the production studio's box office record, bringing in $144 million during its worldwide debut. The globe-trotting European sport infected the masses with Formula Fever in 2019 following the release of Netflix's 'Drive to Survive.' With the docuseries now on its seventh season and not yet renewed for an eighth, Hollywood came at the perfect time. The sport's popularity surge at the turn of the decade hasn't been exactly steady, with spectatorship and public opinion swiftly falling in the midst of Max Verstappen's winning streak. And while the sport now boasts 750 million global fans and amassed a record 3.1 million ESPN viewers during the 2024 Miami GP, only 2.2 million people bothered to tune into the South Florida race this year. The sport could use a blood transfusion in the form of Hollywood's lights, cameras, and action, providing a potential pipeline from AMC A-Lister to Grand Prix attendee. While the U.S. launch date may have been oddly timed, falling on the same race weekend as the Austrian Grand Prix, by sheer luck the race on Sunday provided converted viewers with something to latch onto: a teammate title on-track tussle paired with a feisty radio message from championship leader Oscar Piastri, underdog rookies scoring points, an opening-lap crash between rookie Kimi Antonelli and Red Bull's Verstappen, and a handful of DNFs. Getty But with the potential for a second wave, there's the question of where the sport goes from here. The sport could be a new fad, creating a 'Hot F1 Summer' as some are already touting. It's true that the advertising around the film—from McDonald's Happy Meals and Heineken commercials to the music industry's 'It Girls' completing the soundtrack to a PR run that only F1 money and influence can buy: New Yorker Cartoons, Cosmo features and partnering with the sport's ever-growing cast of influencers—is creating a sense that everyone is talking about the sport. But buying a movie ticket isn't a commitment to tune in come race day. Plus, while the film may convert a new generation of newbie race fans, it also threatens to create confusion. (The New York Times ' review of the film clarified to readers what and who was fictional versus real.) After becoming an omnipresent part of the sport, 'F1' risks becoming attached to its future. Everyone loves an underdog story, and 'F1' did deliver a good one with speed shown at a rate that was equally dizzying and addictive. The sport had a similar underdog story in the States back in 2019. But F1 isn't the same sport it was six years ago. Got a tip? Email us at tips@
Yahoo
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
A Moonlit Soirée Returns: Le Dîner en Blanc Singapore Announces Comeback in Historic Collaboration with Moët & Chandon
A decade later, the legendary white-on-white affair is reborn—elegant, enchanting, and exclusively in Singapore. SINGAPORE, June 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- A cherished tradition returns with a flourish as Le Dîner en Blanc, the world's most iconic white-on-white pop-up soirée, reclaims its place in Singapore's social calendar on 6 September 2025. After a ten-year rest, the evening of secret elegance is back, bolder, brighter, and more breathtaking than ever. Marking a historic first in the event's 35-year legacy, this year's edition of Le Dîner en Blanc will unveil an official Singapore partnership with Moët & Chandon, a renowned name in luxury champagne. A debut not in Paris or New York, but right here in Singapore. Thoughtfully timed between National Day and the electric glamour of the Formula 1 Grand Prix, the event is poised to become a luminous celebration of beauty, belonging, and shared artistry. "This isn't just a return, it's a renaissance," said Chiang Yee, who was personally appointed by the event's founder, Sandy Safi, to lead this landmark Singapore edition. "With Moët & Chandon as our main partner and a heritage collaborator rooted in Singapore's own story, the stage is set to reimagine timeless elegance through a contemporary lens", he added. Supporting him in this endeavour are Dr Clemen Chiang, who first brought the event to Asia in 2012, and Nicole Yee, founder of women's platform CozyCot, overseeing fashion and beauty partnerships for this year's Safi, CEO of Le Dîner en Blanc International, expressed her enthusiasm for the Singapore edition, stating, "We are immensely proud to see Chiang Yee, the youngest host in Le Dîner en Blanc's history, lead this extraordinary revival. Singapore has always been a key city for the launch of Le Dîner en Blanc in Asia, and this partnership with Moët & Chandon elevates its legacy to new heights, blending innovation with our timeless vision of elegance and unity." "We are thrilled to embark on this unprecedented partnership with Le Dîner en Blanc in Singapore," said Julian Quintero, General Manager, Moët Hennessy Diageo Singapore. "This collaboration beautifully marries the art de vivre of France with our commitment to curating elevated, unforgettable moments. Singapore is the perfect stage for this world-first." In a poetic nod to legacy and elegance, the event will also collaborate with Singapore's prestigious five-star luxury hotel, an icon whose very walls predate the nation itself. The Fullerton Hotel Singapore is steeped in heritage and will provide the perfect foil to the evening's contemporary flair. Founded in 1988, Le Dîner en Blanc has enchanted cities across the world with its blend of surprise, elegance, and collective creativity. Guests arrive dressed head-to-toe in white, bringing their own meals, tableware, and vision to a location disclosed only at the last possible moment. Each edition becomes a fleeting yet unforgettable tableau, equal parts performance, picnic, and dreamscape. To mark this special occasion, the guest list expands to 3,000 attendees. The largest yet, while staying true to the event's most beloved traditions: secrecy, equality, and shared artistry. Even media guests will receive sponsored invitations and join as equals, seated among fellow revelers, immersed in the same unfolding magic. "Everyone arrives on equal footing," added Chiang Yee. "That's where the magic lies. The destination may be unknown, but the feeling of unity is unmistakable." In a world where luxury increasingly means experience, not excess, Le Dîner en Blanc offers a rare kind of opulence: the kind rooted in memory, wonder, and connection. It is a moment to pause, to savour, and to rediscover the joy of shared elegance. Further announcements including participating maisons, design collaborators, and special guest appearances will be unveiled ahead of the official media launch in July. -END- About Le Dîner en Blanc Singapore Le Dîner en Blanc Singapore is the local chapter of the global French-origin concept that brings thousands of people together for a secret, all-white outdoor dining experience. Known for its visual spectacle and celebration of elegance, the event has been hosted in over 120 cities worldwide. In 2025, it returns with its most ambitious edition yet, uniting heritage, luxury and community in collaboration with Moët Hennessy Diageo. Learn more at For media enquiries, please contact:Chiang YeeHost & Organiser, Le Dîner en Blanc Singaporecy@ +65 90819955 View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Le Dîner en Blanc Singapore Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
TimesLIVE
18-06-2025
- Automotive
- TimesLIVE
FIA approves Kyalami's final upgrade design for potential Formula 1 return
Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit has moved a step closer to hosting a Formula 1 Grand Prix after motorsport's governing body, the FIA, approved final design proposals to upgrade the venue to grade 1 status. The grade 1 classification is a prerequisite for any circuit wishing to host a Formula 1 event. Once the planned upgrades are completed and the circuit passes a final inspection, Kyalami would become the only FIA grade 1 circuit on the African continent. At a media briefing on Wednesday, circuit owner Toby Venter and Clive Bowen, founder and director of UK-based Apex Circuit Design, outlined the five-year process that led to FIA approval. Apex, a well-known circuit design firm, also worked on the layout for the Miami Grand Prix. 'This is a defining moment for South African motorsport,' said Venter. 'When we acquired Kyalami in 2014, we made a commitment to restore it, not just as a world-class venue, but as a beacon for motorsport across the African continent. The FIA's acceptance of our grade 1 design is a major step forward in that journey.'
Newsweek
11-06-2025
- Automotive
- Newsweek
Lewis Hamilton Calls Out F1 for Replacing Classic Circuits with 'Worse' New Ones
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Seven-time Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton has called out the sport for replacing "classic" F1 circuits with new ones, "90 percent" of which are "worse." New venues are being added to the calendar to meet the increasing demand for F1. However, with 24 races being the operational ceiling for the sport at present, old circuits will have to be dropped to make way for new ones. While a rotational system for several European circuits has been planned to ensure they remain a part of F1, classic circuits, such as Imola, have been dropped from the 2026 F1 calendar to make way for a Grand Prix in Madrid. In addition, Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya's contract expires after the race next year, raising questions about its long-term future in the sport. Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain and Ferrari answers questions in the media pen during the F1 Grand Prix of Spain at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya on June 1, 2025 in Barcelona, Spain. Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain and Ferrari answers questions in the media pen during the F1 Grand Prix of Spain at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya on June 1, 2025 in Barcelona, admitted that losing the Barcelona circuit would be a shame. He said: "I think ultimately losing any of the classics, and this is one of the classics, I think would be a shame, because as I said, it's a great city. "There's a great following here in Spain, particularly since Fernando [Alonso] was here. As long as we have a race in Spain, that's what matters most. "This feels like the home of Formula 1 in Spain. But it's okay to progress as a sport, and I know Madrid, as I said, is a great location." The 44-year-old driver revealed his preference for older circuits, which are better to race on than most new ones that don't meet his expectations. He added: "As long as they build a good circuit, which I'm less hopeful for - building new circuits is very, very hit and miss. 90 plus per cent of the time, it's worse. "As long as it's a better circuit, or as good a circuit, I'm not bothered either way." The dropping of Italy's Imola circuit from the calendar raised eyebrows, particularly since the circuit had allocated funds for the 2026 round, as reported by Newsweek Sports. However, Imola Mayor Marco Panieri has confirmed that efforts will be made to regain its lost spot in F1. He said: "This is not the time for controversy, buck-passing and resignation. Now is the time for everyone to take responsibility and resume discussions for a return to the calendar. This is why in recent days, since May 26, we have asked the Government and the sports authority for an Institutional Round Table to precisely examine the terms and methods of support and joint work to bring the Formula 1 Grand Prix back to Imola. "To those who live and love Imola, Emilia-Romagna and this Grand Prix, we say that in a moment in which it would be easy to give in to useless polemics and disappointment, it is instead the time for tenacity and increasingly constructive commitment from everyone. The game does not end here and up until now we have done things that only a few years ago seemed impossible. "We continue to believe in it, with conviction and clarity, with the pride of a territory that, together with other institutional partners, has demonstrated its ability to dream big and concretely build opportunities."
Forbes
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Superyachts, Superstars, And Supercars Shine At The Monaco Grand Prix
Watching Lando Norris win the 2025 Monaco Grand Prix from the top deck of a superyacht is the ... More ultimate flex Watching the Formula 1 Monaco Grand Prix from the top deck of a superyacht just hits different. Like way different. First off, being on the top deck of a superyacht is always, um, pretty great. A chef usually prepares trays hors d'oeuvres, and there's always a nice crew member to make sure you have enough ice in your drink. But, when your superyacht is mere feet from the Monaco streets that legends of Formula 1 have raced on since 1929, even the most jaded luxury traveler can get a bit giddy. Monaco's balconies become prized places to watch the Monaco Grand Prix in May And since the cars literally race around the harbor, and the city rises up from the harbor to form an amphitheater that's dotted with countless balconies filled with race fans, watching the race from a yacht puts you right in the center of the action. The parties never stop at the Monaco Grand Prix Now, for those of you that don't know, each Formula 1 Grand Prix is comprised of way more than just one race. There are practice days. And a day to qualify—that determines where the cars start on race day. There are days where sponsors get to take their VIP's out on the track for 'hot laps' in various high-performance sports cars. And all sorts of other race cars (Formula 2, Formula 3, Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup) that practice and race in the days leading up to race day Sunday too. MONTE-CARLO, MONACO - MAY 24: Albert II, Prince of Monaco with Christian Horner, Team Principal of ... More Oracle Red Bull Racing, Frederic Arnault, CEO of LVMH Watches and Bernard Arnault, CEO of LVMH in the Pitlane during qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Monaco at Circuit de Monaco on May 24, 2025 in Monte-Carlo, Monaco (Photo by) So, what do you think happens onboard all of the yachts in the harbor once the all the cars stop racing around the track each day leading up to the main event? Parties. Lots and lots of parties. In fact, few events bring more of the world's largest and most recognizable superyachts together in one place than the Monaco Grand Prix. The large parties on many of the trackside yachts often go all day (and night) long. While the larger yachts that are anchored offshore shuttle their VIP's in and out to various events. Patrick Dempsey (aka McDreamy) outside the Oracle Red Bull Racing garage prior to the F1 Grand Prix ... More of Monaco at Circuit de Monaco on May 25, 2025 in Monte-Carlo, Monaco. (Photo by) But that's just the yacht scene. Some lucky yacht guests and other VIPs get invited into pit lane. And that's on a whole other level of exclusivity. First off, not only are the mind-boggling, multi-million-dollar race cars are all right there—close enough to touch behind flimsy fabric barriers like you see in the customs line at the airport. The good-looking, multi-million-dollar race car drivers are all right there—close enough to touch—too. Of course, touching the cars or the drivers is strictly forbidden. But, you get the point. Charles Leclerc of Monaco and Scuderia Ferrari greets his fans before the third practice session ... More ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Monaco at Circuit de Monaco in Monte-Carlo, Monaco, on May 24, 2025. (Photo by Nicola Ciancaglini Ciancaglini/Ciancaphoto Studio/NurPhoto via Getty Images) Then there are the celebrities. Like lots of celebrities. And the cool thing is they all seem to be as impressed by the cars and the drivers as mere mortal fans would be so close to Charles Leclerc's Ferrari Formula 1 race car, four-time world champion Max Verstappen and his Red Bull car, and the 18 others on the grid. MONTE-CARLO, MONACO - MAY 25: (L-R) Lauren Sanchez and Jeff Bezos attend the F1 Grand Prix Of Monaco ... More on May 25, 2025 in Monte-Carlo, Monaco. (Photo by Marc Piasecki/WireImage) This is probably partly due to the raw nature of pit lane. It's not the red carpet or like any other 'normal' VIP area. It's loud. It's hot. It can be crowded and even a bit chaotic. And the truth is, on race day, the celebrities are just like everybody else—fans. MONTE-CARLO, MONACO - MAY 25: Kylian Mbappé attends the F1 Grand Prix Of Monaco on May 25, 2025 in ... More Monte-Carlo, Monaco. (Photo by Arnold Jerocki/FilmMagic) Of course, each team also has numerous hospitality areas for VIPs as well. Like the Red Bull Energy Station where the RB17 hypercar was on display. I'm told it was designed F1 legendary engineer Adrian Newey and Red Bull Advanced Technologies to be unlike any other hypercar on the track. The RB17 hypercar on display at the Red Bull Energy lounge at the 2025 Monaco Grand Prix It features a two-seater carbon fiber monocoque chassis with a semi-stressed mid mounted naturally aspirated V10 engine that red lines at 15,000 rpm. And power is transferred to the rear wheels via a carbon fiber gearbox. And since it weighs under 2,000 pounds, and has more than 1,200 HP, the RB17 is touted to be able to deliver F1-equivalent lap times and top speeds over 217 MPH, while remaining easy to own and operate. The RB17 is a hypercar unlike any other Oh yeah, it looks very, very fast. And don't you think the RB17 would look extremely cool on the foredeck of a superyacht at next year's Monaco Grand Prix? Yes, I do too. Stay tuned.
