Formula One drivers' cameos in movies and music videos
Formula One drivers are known for their speed and skill on the racetrack, but did you know that some of them have also made appearances in famous movies and music videos?
From cameos in Hollywood blockbusters to music videos for chart-topping hits, F1 drivers have lent their talents to various entertainment projects over the years. In this article, we'll look at some of the most memorable F1 driver cameos in movies and music videos, and explore how these drivers have expanded their reach beyond the racetrack.
1.Cars (various)
Whether we look at the original movie or one of its sequels we’ll hear voices of many Formula 1 drivers. In the original movie, Mario Andretti and Michael Schumacher voice their vehicle alter egos, in the Spanish version Andretti is replaced by Fernando Alonso. The King is voiced by two-time champion Mika Häkkinen, but in the German dub, he is voiced by Niki Lauda.
In Cars 2 Lewis Hamilton, Fernando Alonso, Vitaly Petrov, and David Hobbs voice animated versions of themselves in their respective language as well. Juan Pablo Montoya voices Jeff Gorvette in the Latin American version of the movie.
Cars 3 features Lewis Hamilton, Fernando Alonso, and Sebastian Vettel all voicing Hamilton in different languages.
2. David Guetta - Dangerous (Romain Grosjean)
“Dangerous” was released in 2014 by French music producer David Guetta. The music video for this song shows two Formula 1 drivers battling it out at first off the track and afterward on the track in the 2012 Lotus E20. Toward the end of the video then Lotus driver Romain Grosjean appears standing on the podium along with Guetta.
3. Some Mothers Do ‘Ave ‘Em (Jenson Button)
This 70’s show was popular enough to get a one-off Sport Relief sketch special in 2016. The special shows clumsy Frank on a journey by bicycle and roller skates to see his daughter take part in a race at the Olympic Velodrome. On his way, Frank bumps into none other than Jenson Button and scolds him, moreover giving him driving advice which makes Button reveal his profession.
4. Asterix at the Olympic Games (Michael Schumacher)
Asterix and Obelix have to win the Olympic Games to help their friend Lovesix win the heart of Princess Irina. In order to win one of the other competitors they have to defeat is Michael Schumacher himself. On the stands is Jean Todt giving orders to Schumacher’s team-mate.
5. Lightyear (Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc)
The Ferrari drivers shocked the F1 world last year when their voice-acting for the Disney Pixar movie “Lightyear” went viral. They each took on the role of a security guard informing Buzz about a program shutdown in their respective languages - Leclerc in Italian, Sainz in Spanish.
6. Stormzy - Longevity Flow (Lewis Hamilton)
The British rapper recently dropped new music along with music videos for the songs. One of these music videos, specifically “Longevity Flow”, features Lewis Hamilton standing on a lawn before what seems to be Kensington Palace with Stormzy at his side admiring Hamilton’s Mercedes F1 car. More Mercedes F1 cars are seen parked around the two.
Honorable mention: La Leyenda del Tiempo (Jenson Button)
Although this one isn’t a planned appearance it still deserves to be on our list. In the 2006 documentary/fiction movie mix Jenson Button became a surprising extra during a scene that was shot in an airport. Button is seen in the background presumably arriving for a Grand Prix weekend.
The world of Formula One and movies have come together in some exciting ways over the years. From brief cameos to full-length films, F1 drivers have made their mark on the big screen. These appearances not only showcase the drivers' personalities and acting skills but also bring attention to the sport itself. As F1 continues to grow in popularity, we can expect to see more collaborations between the racing world and Hollywood. Who knows, maybe one day we'll even see a Formula One driver take home an Oscar!
