Verstappen notes F1 movie's impact on US recognition

Max Verstappen says his anonymity in the United States has vanished, a change he directly attributes to the success of the F1 movie and the sport's growing popularity. The reigning world champion can no longer walk around major American cities without being recognized, a stark contrast to just a few years ago. The film itself has become a global box office hit, grossing over $630 million and already greenlighting a sequel.

Why it matters:

The surge in public recognition for drivers like Verstappen is a tangible metric of Formula 1's successful expansion into the crucial American market. This heightened profile translates directly to larger crowds at Grands Prix, greater commercial interest, and a solidified fanbase, moving the sport beyond a niche audience to mainstream entertainment.

The details:

• A Shift in Anonymity: Verstappen recalled that during a 2018/2019 road trip from Los Angeles to San Francisco, he could move around "barely" being recognized. He now states that in the U.S., "you definitely get recognised more," calling it a positive sign of fan engagement.
• Box Office Proof: The Brad Pitt-starring F1 film has been a commercial juggernaut, surpassing $630 million at the global box office since its June 2025 release.
• Sequel Confirmed: Producer Jerry Bruckheimer confirmed to the BBC that "we're working on a sequel," citing the film's success in entertaining global audiences. Director Joseph Kosinski also noted in late 2025 that the team is "dreaming up" the next chapter for the fictional APXGP team and driver Sonny Hayes.
• Race Weekend Evidence: Verstappen pointed to the noticeably busier atmospheres in host cities during Grand Prix weekends as further evidence of the sport's expanding stateside footprint.

What's next:

The cultural momentum shows no signs of slowing. With a sequel film officially in development, the crossover appeal between Hollywood and the F1 paddock is set to continue driving interest. For drivers, the era of low-profile U.S. visits appears over, cemented by a film that has demonstrably accelerated the sport's Americanization.