What do you think influenced modern F1 drivers to step into the world of racing? Here are the movies and video games that inspired them the most.
Modern F1 drivers didn’t just grow up with the roar of engines. They were also shaped by the influence of F1 films, or any car movies, and racing games. Their inspirations are surprising and reveal a new side to their journey.
Cult movies that sparked racing dreams
Many drivers from this generation point to films as a major source of inspiration. Pixar’s Cars often comes up in their childhood memories. Even though it’s about NASCAR, it transmitted the magic of racing to millions of kids.
Liam Lawson admits that this movie shaped his passion from an early age. He’s among the modern F1 drivers who grew up inspired by it. He even says he still notices little details today that remind him of the intensity of competition.
Others mention classics like Rush or Days of Thunder. These spectacular stories reinforced their love for speed. Drivers enjoy how cinema dramatizes their sport. Carlos Sainz jokingly explains that to captivate audiences, you need scenes that are a bit more “Hollywood.”
Gran Turismo, the virtual first car of champions
These champions didn’t just stick to movies. Many modern F1 drivers first got behind the wheel thanks to a PlayStation controller. In fact, Esteban Ocon still remembers the countless hours he spent on Gran Turismo 3 on the PS2. The game fueled his love for racing and pushed him to go further.
This step through simulation is a common thread across an entire generation. Before even setting foot in a kart, they learned the basics of driving in a virtual environment. This playful first experience helped sharpen their reflexes and deepen their passion.
F1: The Movie, an inspiration for modern F1 drivers
With the recent release of F1: The Movie, the circle feels complete. This film, now inspiring modern F1 drivers, brings together Brad Pitt and Damson Idris in a story that mixes realism and fiction. But what makes it even more special is the direct inclusion of familiar faces like George Russell and Carlos Sainz. Their presence on screen brings fans even closer to the everyday lives of Formula 1 stars.
George Russell points out that this film can appeal even to those who know nothing about F1. For him, it’s an accessible, entertaining gateway, comparable to Top Gun for aviation. And maybe in ten years, a new champion will say they found their calling thanks to this Hollywood blockbuster.
