From Red Carpets to Race Tracks: 14 Celebs Hooked on F1
Formula 1 has long held the fascination of numerous fans across the globe, with its thrilling races and intense competition drawing admirers from all walks of life. Among these fans are well-known celebrities whose passion for the sport is not only visible but often deeply ingrained in their personal and professional lives. This listicle delves into the world of celebrity motorsport enthusiasts who have taken their love for F1 beyond the stands and into active participation, showcasing how their influence and involvement contribute to the sport’s dynamic culture.
14. Brad Pitt
Brad Pitt’s passion for Formula 1 is front and center in his upcoming film, where he stars as veteran racer Sonny Hayes making a comeback with the fictional APXGP team. Set for a June 2025 release and co-produced by Lewis Hamilton, the movie immerses viewers in real Grand Prix action and F1 culture.
13. Leonardo DiCaprio
Leonardo DiCaprio’s love for motorsport shines through his dedicated work in electric racing. He co-founded the Venturi Formula E team and now chairs the Formula E Sustainability Committee, driving awareness for sustainable technologies in motorsport. Through these roles, DiCaprio champions greener racing and inspires fans to embrace clean energy.
12. Tom Cruise
Tom Cruise is a passionate F1 fan and longtime motorsport enthusiast. He and Brad Pitt bonded over go-kart racing after filming Interview with the Vampire, calling it “great prep for F1.” Cruise recently expressed excitement for Pitt’s upcoming 2025 F1 film, produced by his Top Gun: Maverick collaborators.
11. Michael Douglas
Michael Douglas, an Oscar-winning actor, is a longtime Formula 1 fan. He and his wife, Catherine Zeta-Jones, attended the 2023 Spanish Grand Prix and publicly praised F1 commentator Martin Brundle during a live interview, expressing their admiration for both the sport and its coverage. Their enthusiasm highlights F1’s broad celebrity appeal.
10. Catherine Zeta-Jones
The Academy Award-winning actress has been spotted enjoying Formula 1 events alongside her husband Michael Douglas. Most recently, the couple was seen immersed in the thrilling atmosphere of the 2024 British Grand Prix at Silverstone. They’ve also previously attended the Monaco Grand Prix, showcasing their ongoing enthusiasm for the high-octane sport.
9. Patrick Dempsey
Known for his role as Dr. Derek Shepherd in Grey’s Anatomy, Patrick Dempsey is not just a fan but an accomplished racer himself. After taking a hiatus from racing in 2015, Dempsey made his return to the sport in 2024 competing in the Porsche Endurance Challenge. The actor recently praised NASCAR driver Kyle Larson’s versatility across racing disciplines, showing his deep appreciation for motorsport talent.
8. Drew Barrymore
Drew Barrymore embraced Formula 1 at the 2023 Lenovo US Grand Prix in Austin, Texas, where she interviewed Red Bull Racing Team Principal Christian Horner and even participated in a pit stop challenge with the Red Bull Racing team. In May 2024, she attended the Miami Grand Prix, calling the experience a dream come true.
7. Tobey Maguire
The Spider-Man actor has been spotted at several F1 events, most recently creating buzz with his entrance at a 2024 race that went viral due to comparisons with Cillian Murphy. Maguire is also part of the star-studded cast of Brad Pitt’s upcoming F1 film, set to hit theaters in summer 2025.
6. Adam Driver
Adam Driver’s passion for F1 surged while filming “Ferrari,” the 2023 biopic where he portrayed Enzo Ferrari, founder of the iconic racing team. Driver spoke in interviews about immersing himself in F1’s intense world and gaining deep respect for the sport’s legacy and technical prowess, cementing his admiration for Formula 1.
5. Sofia Vergara
The “Modern Family” star was spotted attending the Vegas F1 race in late 2023, sharing her excitement on Instagram. In early 2025, Vergara made headlines when she was seen “flirting” with seven-time F1 champion Lewis Hamilton during a lunch date in New York City. Though their brief romance reportedly ended in March 2025, her interest in the sport continues.
4. Gordon Ramsay
World-famous chef Gordon Ramsay is a lifelong F1 enthusiast, often spotted at races and now deeply involved with the sport. In 2025, Ramsay partnered with Formula 1 to curate premium culinary experiences at ten Grands Prix, blending his Michelin-starred cuisine with the speed and intensity he loves about F1.
3. Geri Halliwell Horner
Former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell, known as Ginger Spice, isn’t just a casual F1 fan—she’s married to Red Bull Racing Team Principal Christian Horner since 2015. The couple, worth £440 million, often attend F1 events together, including the F1 Live Launch event in February 2025. Geri even named one of her horses “Lift Me Up” after her 1999 single.
2. Shaquille O’Neal
NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal has publicly expressed his enthusiasm for Formula 1, even revealing an interest in investing in the sport. Though he jokes about not fitting into an F1 car, Shaq’s passion for motorsports matches his outsized personality, and he frequently participates in F1-related events and discussions.
1. Prince Harry
Prince Harry, a known motorsports fan, attended the 2023 US Grand Prix in Austin, Texas, as a VIP guest of Mercedes-AMG Petronas. He toured team garages and mingled with drivers, further fueling speculation about his passion for F1. His high-profile appearance spotlighted his ongoing love for the sport.
Conclusion:
The world of Formula 1 continues to captivate an array of devoted fans, extending its reach into the entertainment and sports industries. As evidenced by the dynamic figures highlighted in this listicle, celebrities’ passion for motorsport significantly enriches the F1 community, bringing fresh perspectives and heightened visibility to the sport. Their involvement—whether through film, sustainable initiatives, or personal participation—underscores a universal appeal that transcends racing itself. As these celebrated fans engage with and promote the sport in various capacities, they play an integral role in shaping and broadening F1’s future landscape.
