Hollywood Honors Formula 1 Sound Design with Oscar Win, Steiner’s Cameo Steals the Show
The immersive sound design of the film “F1,” a production featuring Lewis Hamilton and Brad Pitt, has been recognized with an Academy Award for Best Sound at the recent Oscars. The film also received nominations for Best Film, Best Visual Effects, and Best Editing, highlighting its broad appeal and technical achievements.
Filmed during actual Formula 1 race weekends in 2023 and 2024, “F1” features a memorable cameo from Günther Steiner, former team principal of the Haas F1 Team. Steiner portrays himself in a scene reminiscent of the popular Netflix series Formula 1: Drive to Survive, delivering a stern reprimand to a colleague regarding a driver’s on-track conduct. This authentic moment has been lauded by fans and critics alike for its humor and realism.
The Oscar win underscores Formula 1’s growing status as a global phenomenon, extending beyond the realm of sports into media and film.
Haas F1 Team Update: New Drivers and Continued Growth
The TGR Haas F1 Team is currently competing in the 2026 Formula 1 season with drivers Esteban Ocon and Oliver Bearman. As of March 19, 2026, the team holds the 4th position in the season standings with 17 points. They have participated in two Grand Prix races, earning 16 points and achieving two top-10 finishes.
The team, led by Team Chief Ayao Komatsu and Technical Chief Andrea De Zordo, utilizes the VF-26 chassis and Ferrari power units. Ryo Hirakawa serves as the reserve driver.
Haas F1 Team made its debut in 2016 as the first all-American-led F1 squad in three decades, founded by Gene Haas. The team operates from a facility in Kannapolis, North Carolina, alongside Stewart-Haas Racing, Gene Haas’s NASCAR team, and also maintains a factory in Banbury, UK.
In 2025, the team finished 8th with Oliver Bearman achieving the team’s best result of the year – a fourth-place finish in Mexico. For the 2026 season, the driver lineup was updated to include Esteban Ocon and Oliver Bearman.
TGR Haas F1 Team and Godzilla Collaboration
In recent news, TGR Haas F1 Team has announced a collaboration with TOHO CO., LTD. To bring Godzilla to the world of Formula 1. More information about this partnership can be found on the official Haas F1 Team website.
Kaylee, a driver in the F1 Academy, had an encouraging debut weekend. Details on the Chinese Grand Prix, including sprint race and qualifying recaps, are also available on the Haas F1 Team website.