The Formula 1 world is known for attracting stars, but their presence has been particularly noticeable lately. For instance, Brad Pitt has been frequently seen at races this season while filming his F1-inspired movie. His appearance on the circuit has drawn a multitude of fans and media, marking a growing trend: celebrities shining in the F1 paddock. But with these A-listers dominating social media, the question arises: are these stars stealing the spotlight from the real heroes of the sport — the drivers? Here are five notable moments when ‘celebs’ stole the show at an F1 event.
1. Megan Thee Stallion: Viral or Banal?
During the 2021 US Grand Prix, Megan Thee Stallion attracted a lot of attention as she walked across the grid. The moment became iconic, not only because of her revealing outfit but also due to her behavior. Her entourage blocked Martin Brundle as he tried to conduct an interview — a no-go in the F1 world where grid walks are sacred ground. This ‘antisocial’ moment went viral, caused a huge uproar, and overshadowed the race. Fans were left wondering: who did she think she was?
2. Mariah Carey: Diva Allure in Monaco
Mariah Carey and Monaco: a match made in heaven. During the Monaco Grand Prix in 2017, she drew all the attention with her extravagant entrance, striking poses, and sparkling outfits. Her diva allure perfectly matched the luxury and glamour of the event, but for some, it was too much. Her presence seemed to completely overshadow the race — a moment that was talked about for a long time.
3. Cara Delevingne: An Awkward Rejection
During the 2023 British Grand Prix, supermodel Cara Delevingne caused a stir by rejecting Martin Brundle during his famous gridwalk — another incident where the F1 legend was ignored by a celebrity. At the direction of her team, she completely ignored Brundle, leading to an awkward moment that quickly went viral. Fans were divided: should Delevingne have conformed to the F1 tradition, or did she have the right to avoid the media? The incident added fuel to the ongoing debate about celebrities on the grid.
4. Khaby Lame: A TikTok Joke
During the 2021 Italian Grand Prix, TikTok star Khaby Lame lightened the mood by recording a humorous TikTok with Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz. In the video, Lame helps Sainz get into his car in his signature style. The clip went viral, demonstrating the level of engagement celebrities can generate. Lame’s millions of followers loved it, while the F1 gained additional visibility. It was a successful collaboration, but how far should one go to reach a new audience?
5. Shaquille O’Neal: Larger Than Life
During the 2021 US Grand Prix, Shaquille O’Neal literally stole the show on the podium. His imposing presence next to Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton created a hilarious visual contrast, leading to countless memes. While fans enjoyed the moment, some found it inappropriate. ‘Shaq’ was in the spotlight in all the photos, even though the podium is meant to honor the drivers — not to be overshadowed by a hero from another sport.
These five moments undoubtedly added spectacle to Formula 1, but they also brought tensions. Is there a risk of the sport gaining a more superficial image? And is there enough attention left for the pure sport? As F1 grows as a global phenomenon, it becomes increasingly important to maintain a balance between tradition and entertainment.
