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Max Verstappen decided against starring in the new Formula 1 movie starring Brad Pitt
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Max Verstappen has declined to attend premieres for Lewis Hamilton's new Formula 1 film starring Brad Pitt, including screenings in Monaco and New York.
The four-time world champion also refused to film an additional nightclub scene alongside the Hollywood actor.
The Red Bull driver skipped a private screening before the Monaco Grand Prix last month, choosing instead to spend the evening at home participating in an online sim race.
He also missed the film's world premiere in Times Square following the Canadian Grand Prix and was absent from this week's European launch at London's Leicester Square.
Max Verstappen opted against starring in Lewis Hamilton's F1 film
PA
Verstappen welcomed his first child with partner Kelly Piquet at the beginning of May.
The 27-year-old has been open about prioritising time with his two-month-old daughter Lily over promotional commitments.
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"I just wanted to spend more time at home," Verstappen told Formula One Management after declining the Monaco screening.
"Now that the family is growing, then I definitely prefer to spend more time at home."
The Dutchman acknowledged his new parental duties with characteristic humour, telling The Sun: "With the nappies, some are more smelly than others!"
He emphasised that spending time at home is "pretty normal" given how much Formula One drivers travel.
Verstappen has been refreshingly candid about his aversion to Hollywood glamour.
"I don't like to be on the red carpet and dress up in a suit. I don't like to interact with people that I don't really know, and have a fake smile and fake chat. It's horrible, I just don't enjoy it," he told The Sun.
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Brad Pitt stars in Formula One: The Movie, which was produced by Lewis Hamilton
PA
The Dutch driver stressed that authenticity comes naturally to him. "Being authentic is not something I have to try and focus on. It's just who I am," he said.
He explained that he prefers genuine connections: "I prefer to hang out with my friends and spend time with my little family."
Despite Verstappen's absence, other Formula One drivers embraced the Hollywood spotlight.
Lando Norris, Carlos Sainz, Nico Hulkenberg and Ollie Bearman attended the New York premiere.
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Hamilton served as executive producer through his production company Dawn Apollo, working closely with director Joseph Kosinski to ensure authenticity.
The seven-time world champion helped train Brad Pitt and Damson Idris in Formula 2 cars.
Fernando Alonso filmed a scene in the media pen interacting with Pitt's character Sonny Hayes.
Verstappen did appear in one sequence, standing alongside other drivers during the national anthem at the 2023 British Grand Prix at Silverstone.