Williams’ Carlos Sainz says the upcoming Formula 1 film will attract new audiences but admits seasoned viewers may find parts overdramatised.
The upcoming film titled ‘F1: The Movie’, coming to theatres on 25 June internationally, was privately screened to the entire grid on Wednesday ahead of the Monaco Grand Prix.
Apart from the Ferrari drivers and Fernando Alonso, the drivers rocked up in their team apparel with designated seats for the viewing, as the reigning World Champion Max Verstappen opted to stay at home – streaming on Twitch.
The film follows Sonny Hayes, played by Brad Pitt, as he comes out of early retirement to help the ambitious underdog F1 team, APXGP.
Asked for his verdict on the film, Sainz feels that it will attract a new audience, but admitted hardcore fans may find parts overly Hollywood.
“I truly enjoyed it; I think for us F1 experts, we’re going to see things a bit like we sometimes see with Netflix [Drive to Survive],” he told media including Motorsport Week.
“You can tell they’re a bit Hollywood-esque.
“I truly believe that for a new fan, it will attract a lot of new audience.
“It will do very well for the people that don’t know anything about F1.
“For the hardcore fan and for journalists and us, we will see things that maybe you think is a bit too American or a bit too Hollywood.
“But honestly, I enjoyed the whole thing – there were things that really surprised me.
“The team have done an outstanding job in putting together, I think, a very good Hollywood movie, but let’s see what the people think.”
Sainz backs F1 film’s impact despite Hollywood flair
Unable to go into great detail due to a non-disclosure agreement, the Spaniard did reveal that there was one particular scene, which takes place in a nightclub, that he liked.
Sainz also noted that the producers advised the drivers that the film would be dramatised for cinematic effect.
He added: “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, OK.”
Asked if he felt the film would give new fans a misconception of what the sport is really like, Sainz insisted that it was that a concern as long as it does attract new viewers of F1.
“No, as long as it attracts new fans,” he replied.
“Apparently, they did a survey with a lot of people that had never watched a Formula 1 race.
“After watching the film, they would say, ‘would you watch a Formula 1 race now?’ And 100% of the 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.”
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