Timothee Chalamet, widely known as a talented actor and avid sports fan, was recently seen at the Miami Grand Prix donning a Racing Bulls team shirt, a surprising detail given that Charles Leclerc had previously named Chalamet as his preferred actor to portray him in a future biopic. The French-American star’s choice of merch at the Miami International Autodrome, specifically around the Racing Bulls garage, sparked discussion among F1 fans and media alike, especially since Leclerc publicly expressed admiration for Chalamet’s talent and his hopes that the actor could someday represent him on screen.
Chalamet’s sports interests extend far beyond Formula 1, encompassing a diverse range of disciplines. He is a devoted NFL supporter, follows Premier League football with Chelsea as his favorite club, and roots for Ligue 1’s Saint-Etienne, reflecting his deep connection to his French heritage. Recently, he was also seen at an LA Lakers playoff game, underscoring his passion for basketball. This multifaceted enthusiasm for sports has naturally extended into F1, where he attended the Miami Grand Prix, drawing attention from photojournalists and fans who noted his presence along the paddock.
F1 photojournalist Kym Illman captured Chalamet’s appearance at the Racing Bulls garage, remarking on the actor’s media entourage and his visible support for the team through his choice of a VCARB Racing Bulls shirt. This choice is curious given Charles Leclerc’s long-standing association with Ferrari and his explicit statement to ESPN just this weekend that he sees Chalamet as an ideal actor for a future biopic, praising him as
very talented at what he does.
Leclerc even humorously addressed the resemblance some see between himself and Chalamet but remained sincere about his admiration.
The question arises whether Leclerc might reconsider his casting preference based on Chalamet’s apparent support for a rival F1 team. However, there are several explanations for this. Chalamet’s affinity for French sports teams, including Saint-Etienne, relates to his summers spent in Le Chambon-sur-Lignon, France, giving him a personal connection to French sports culture. Racing Bulls’ roster includes French-Algerian driver Isack Hadjar, which might have influenced Chalamet’s choice of gear. Alternatively, this could simply be a reflection of Racing Bulls inviting the actor to their garage during this star-studded event, as teams frequently host celebrities during major races for promotional and hospitality reasons. The recent appearance of Jennifer Lopez in Ferrari’s garage at the Saudi Arabian GP serves as a relevant comparison.
Ultimately, while the sight of Chalamet wearing rival team merchandise might seem disheartening to Charles Leclerc’s fans, it need not signal any real shift in the actor’s support or Leclerc’s casting intentions. If Leclerc wishes to see Chalamet in official Ferrari gear, coordination with the team could easily facilitate this in future events. As the biopic possibility remains open, this incident highlights the intersection of sports, celebrity, and storytelling, promising an intriguing chapter ahead for fans of both Charles Leclerc and Timothee Chalamet.
