Former Formula 1 driver Kevin Magnussen is proud of his cameo in F1: The Movie, the Hollywood blockbuster fronted by Brad Pitt. The film was shot during the 2024 season, which means the Danish racer – who left Formula 1 in 2025 – also appears on screen. Magnussen hasn’t seen the film yet, but he’s heard he’s portrayed as the antagonist. And by his own account, he’s very proud of that.
Kevin Magnussen was long known for a fierce, uncompromising driving style. That regularly sparked controversy; in 2024 he became the first driver to be suspended under Formula 1’s current penalty-point system. It cemented his reputation as a driver who gives no quarter. That image carries over into F1: The Movie. Filmed in the final years of his F1 career, it shows him in several scenes as the driver who makes the life of lead character Sonny Hayes – played by Brad Pitt – pretty difficult.
‘Maybe I should watch the film’
On David Land’s YouTube channel, Kevin Magnussen was asked about his role in the film. He was described as the man who “constantly bumps into Hayes.” Magnussen answered with a broad grin: “I haven’t seen it yet! I can’t really say anything about it. But I’ve heard I’m the villain opposite Brad Pitt, so I actually consider that an honour. Really, I’m flattered. Maybe I should watch it sometime.”
Kevin Magnussen made his Formula 1 debut in 2014 with McLaren and immediately scored a podium on his very first start. Between 2014 and 2024 he started no fewer than 185 Grands Prix for teams such as McLaren, Renault and Haas. At the end of 2024 he lost his seat at the American outfit and shifted direction; the 33-year-old driver has since turned his attention to endurance racing. Last year he lined up for BMW in the World Endurance Championship and in the American IMSA series. He also contested the 24 Hours of Spa, sharing driving duties with MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi and René Rast.
