From Track to Times Square: Alex, Carlos & James at F1 The Movie Premiere

Alex Albon, Carlos Sainz and James Vowles were in New York last night for the world premiere of F1 The Movie.

The film’s red carpet took over Times Square, transformed into an F1 grid for one night only, featuring all ten teams, plus one – APXGP. The fictional eleventh team at the heart of the story, lined up alongside the real-world runners in Manhattan.

Directed by Joseph Kosinski and produced by Jerry Bruckheimer, Lewis Hamilton and Brad Pitt, the film stars Pitt as Sonny Hayes, a former F1 driver returning to the grid, and Damson Idris as his rookie teammate, Joshua Pearce. It opens internationally on 25 June, and in North America from 27 June.

Speaking on stage in Times Square, Carlos reflected on the moment. “It’s incredible, especially to see such a young audience here in New York. This will capture so many new fans – I’m just enjoying the moment Formula 1 is going through, but I think there will be a before and after for this film, and that’s what we’re here to celebrate.”

“It felt weird seeing them on the grid! I did a couple of grid walks with Brad by my side, and I was like what are you doing here… or what am I doing here?! I was next to a movie scene, and he was also next to my driver role.”

Alex was also on stage and highlighted the film’s attention to detail: “This is interesting, I’ve done a few grid walks but not a grid carpet before! “I think if you’re a true Formula 1 fan, you’re going to laugh a few times – there are a few easter eggs in there that they’ve done really well.

“Even if you’re involved in motorsport, you’ll really understand the things that Brad Pitt will do, and you’ll know that only drivers or race-specific people will know what that is.”

“We’ve talked a lot about Netflix and what it’s done for us, but this movie is even bigger. It’s so exciting to show what we do – they’ve nailed a lot of the basic principles of our sport in a good way.”

James joined both drivers on the carpet and at the premiere, as Formula 1 took centre stage in one of the world’s busiest locations before turning it’s attention back to Round 11 in Austria next week.