Donald Trump’s appearance at the Miami Grand Prix at the Hard Rock Stadium last year was one of the more surreal moments of the season. At the time, the then former-president and standing candidate, was greeted with a remarkable and warm reception as he walked on the grid and was given a tour of the McLaren garage.
The fans chanted his name while Trump also told race winner Lando Norris that he was the Brit’s “lucky charm” as he won his maiden Formula 1 race. It was the stuff from a Hollywood filmset.
It is unknown if President Trump will make an appearance this weekend, but the race in Miami marks the start of a crucial two months in North America.
The Miami race is becoming a real showpiece in F1’s calendar. Over the past few years, it has attracted notable celebrities. Last year, Amazon chief Jeff Bezos and Tesla and X tycoon, Elon Musk, both attended Saturday’s action.
Donald Trump, 45th President of the United States, visits the McLaren garage with Zak Brown, CEO, McLaren Racing
Photo by: Steven Tee / Motorsport Images
And the showbiz rumour mill cranked into operation over speculation that Taylor Swift would join Travis Kelce at the GP.
The celebrity element has long been a part of F1 heritage, however, there is something about the race in Miami that brings out the biggest stars.
F1’s American footprint
That is understandably welcomed by F1, especially as it positions itself as ripe for consumption for a US audience. However, it is especially important as the championship prepares for the launch of its biggest project under the ownership of Liberty Media – the movie, titled F1 and starring Brad Pitt, which will be launched globally on 25 June and in the United States and Canada on 27 June.
The success of the F1 movie is imperative for the category’s bosses as they chase the post Drive to Survive popularity boom while also appealing to another audience demographic.
Its release can offer F1 a second wave of a popularity boost coming so soon after the Miami race. It comes immediately after the Canadian GP too, so it targets two crucial markets and broadens its appeal.
The movie, which is produced by F1 and Apple Films and directed by Joseph Kosinski, features Pitt’s character, Sonny Hayes, who moves from US sportscars to return to F1 and mentor the career of Joshua Pearce, played by Damson Idris.
F1 Movie with Brad Pitt
Photo by: WarnerBros
An unbelievable amount of cinematic technology has been used to create the best racing scenes in history in what promises to be a great watch for avid F1 fans and a new audience.
Kosinski was responsible for directing Top Gun: Maverick and the cinematography in F1 promises to be of another level, while Lewis Hamilton has worked on the project as a consultant to ensure the racing scenes are as accurate as possible.
Consequently, the movie’s budget was reported at $300 million, making it one of the most expensive films ever made, although this figure is also been played down by producer Jerry Bruckheimer.
There will be more activations during the Miami GP to increase the excitement around one of the most anticipated movies of the summer, as F1 hopes that it leaves the US talking about the championship, rather than its politicians or celebrity A-listers.
