Martin Brundle sides with Lewis Hamilton over Max Verstappen in Brad Pitt debate

Martin Brundle has sided with Lewis Hamilton and backed Brad Pitt’s new F1 movie which starred filming at the British Grand Prix. Hamilton has repeatedly shared his excitement at the new project, something now supported by Brundle who feels it is the “next step” for the sport.

However, the duo do not agree with Max Verstappen who continues to hold reservations about the new movie. Writing in his Sky Sports F1 column, Brundle could only be positive as he issued his seal of approval.

Brundle wrote: “There was some concern in F1 circles that the movie would be very intrusive during a full-on F1 weekend, but along with their dedicated pit garage in the main F1 paddock, three F2 cars made to look like F1 cars in the support race paddock, what looked like a small village in the centre of the circuit, and even cars and crew on the formation lap grid, it all gelled together easily.

“This yet-untitled movie and the upcoming Las Vegas race will be the next steps for F1’s remarkable growth in awareness and popularity. I’ve never seen anything remotely like this in F1.” Production of the untitled project started at Silverstone with Pitt in attendance.

The Hollywood star dressed up in his Apex GP overalls and stood with the drivers for the national anthem ahead of the race. A specially mocked-up F2 car was used for filming and took part in a series of laps across the race weekend.

Pitt even made an appearance at F1’s driver briefing, described by Hamilton as the “best ever” on Saturday. The seven-time champion will work as a producer on the movie which is being directed by Top Gun: Maverick’s Joseph Kosinski.

Ahead of the weekend, Hamilton explained: “We’ve already seen the great work and impact of the Netflix show, and I think this will take it to new heights beyond that.

“I think there are so many people around the world, as you’ve seen already, that are so excited about the sport, wanting to learn more, and the fact that we’ll have all the original characters that are actually on the grid, and in brand is pretty cool.”

George Russell, Charles Leclerc and Fernando Alonso were other stars to support the project. However, reigning champion Verstappen was less enthusiastic when asked about his thoughts at Silverstone.

He told Mortorsport.com: “I completely can’t be bothered with this. In the end, a film is always made to create a little bit of a show in it. Because yes, of course, it won’t all be real. But I think it’s all fine. I’m actually not that much into it.”