In the past, Max Verstappen could travel through California unrecognized – today, the four-time world champion is approached in the USA.
It wasn’t so long ago that Max Verstappen was a tourist like any other in the USA. A young man who drove from Los Angeles to San Francisco in a rental car without anyone asking him for a selfie at the petrol station.
But those days are gone for good. The Netflix effect and the massive success of the new “F1” blockbuster have fundamentally shifted the perception of the premier class overseas – something the four-time world champion is feeling first-hand.
In an interview with Apple TV, the Dutchman looked back on the time when Formula 1 still had a niche existence in the United States. “I remember 2018, 2019. I went on a road trip, from LA all the way to San Francisco,” says Verstappen. “You could walk around and hardly get recognized.”
Today, that’s unimaginable. Thanks to the documentary series “Drive to Survive” and the feature film F1 with Brad Pitt, which was released in June 2025, the Red Bull driver’s anonymity is history.
“You definitely get recognized more often in the USA these days. But that’s a good thing,” emphasizes the four-time champion. “People are more engaged with the sport and the fan base is growing noticeably. When we come to the race weekends in the cities, it’s really packed now.”
Bestseller F1: Sequel already in the works
The success proves Liberty Media’s strategy right: the F1 movie has grossed over 630 million US dollars worldwide since its release. A success that has already had consequences: A sequel has long been decided.
Producer legend Jerry Bruckheimer confirmed to the BBC that work on a second part has already begun.
“It was a long road to realize this film, also because of the strikes – but in the end it entertained audiences worldwide.” For Bruckheimer, working with lead actor Brad Pitt was a first: “It was a real thrill to work with Brad.”
What’s next for Sonny Hayes?
Director Joseph Kosinski, who confirmed talks about a sequel back in November 2025, is also in the midst of planning. “We’re at the stage where we’re envisioning what the next chapter could look like for Sonny Hayes and APXGP,” Kosinski told Variety.
The team behind the movie seems ready for a return to the racetrack: “After the worldwide response to this movie, it’s something people want to see. I’d be happy to do it again, because we had an incredible amount of fun with the first one.”
For Max Verstappen, this probably means that sunglasses alone will no longer be enough camouflage for his next trip to California.
