Max Verstappen missed the Monaco F1 movie screening organized by Formula One Management before the Monaco Grand Prix, choosing to spend time with his family instead. This decision came amid a busy triple-header racing schedule including Imola, Monaco, and Barcelona, reflecting Verstappen’s desire for personal time outside his demanding work commitments.
Verstappen’s Explanation for Missing the Private Film Event
On the evening before the Monaco Grand Prix, Formula One Management hosted a private screening of the upcoming film F1: The Movie for all 20 Formula 1 drivers and several senior officials in a Monaco movie theatre. Although most drivers attended, Verstappen along with Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll opted not to participate.
When questioned about his absence, Verstappen clarified that he informed FOM well in advance about his plans not to attend the screening. He emphasized that the event was not mandatory, and he preferred to spend his private time at home, especially as he recently became a father.
“I just wanted to spend more time at home. It wasn’t a mandatory event either, it was just my private time. And I prefer to spend that private time at home, especially because in Formula 1 you’re away from home so much already,”
Verstappen said.
Wanting to spend more time at home on days like that is pretty normal, I think. Now that the family is growing, then I definitely prefer to spend more time at home.
—Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing driver
Lance Stroll Shares Brief Comment on His Absence
The other notable absentee was Canadian driver Lance Stroll from Aston Martin, who described his reasons for not attending simply as “just stuff.” He also mentioned that he intends to watch the film at a later time.
“Just stuff,”
—Lance Stroll, Aston Martin driver
“At some point I’ll watch it.”
—Lance Stroll, Aston Martin driver
About the Upcoming F1: The Movie Release
The film, scheduled for international cinema release on June 25 and June 27 in North America, stars Damson Idris portraying Joshua Pearce alongside Brad Pitt as Sonny Hayes, a retired veteran racer making a comeback for the fictional APX GP team. The movie offers a dramatized view of the racing world, blending intense storytelling with real F1 settings.
Filming took place at several high-profile Grand Prix venues including Las Vegas, Abu Dhabi, and Monza. Additionally, the McLaren Technology Centre in Woking features as the APX GP team‘s headquarters in the film. Directed by Joseph Kosinski, known for Top Gun Maverick, the production aims to combine Hollywood flair with motorsport authenticity.
F1 Industry Icons Guide Film’s Authenticity
Executive producers include Top Gun producer Jerry Bruckheimer and seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton. Hamilton has served as an advisor throughout the film’s production to ensure the portrayal of Formula 1 remains true to the sport’s reality, helping the project gain credibility within the F1 community.
The Broader Context of Verstappen’s Decision
Verstappen, known for his focus and preference to limit off-track commitments, especially when it comes to media and sponsorship activities, chose family time over the social event during a demanding stretch of the racing calendar. The triple-header of races creates high physical and mental demands on the drivers, encouraging Verstappen to protect his personal space whenever possible.
During the evening of the screening, Verstappen also engaged in online racing activities with his Team Redline sim racing squad, showing his ongoing connection to motorsports outside of official F1 events. This balanced approach reflects how top-level athletes manage their professional and private lives in a sport that requires extensive travel and dedication.
Significance of Verstappen’s Choice for the F1 Community
Max Verstappen’s decision to miss the Monaco F1 movie screening highlights the growing importance of work-life balance for athletes competing at elite levels. As a new father, Verstappen prioritizing family time symbolizes a trend where top drivers seek to maintain personal wellbeing amid the rigors of global competition.
This choice also underscores the flexibility Formula One Management allows regarding non-mandatory events, respecting drivers’ needs to recharge ahead of intense racing periods. The engagement of drivers like Verstappen and Stroll in the film’s promotion, either through attendance or planned viewings, shows continued support for the film despite absences at the initial private screening.
As the racing season progresses through the triple-header and beyond, Verstappen’s approach may serve as a reminder of the balance needed between professional demands and personal priorities in modern motorsport.
