On May 10, 2025, Hollywood star Tom Cruise caused a stir in both the film and Formula 1 worlds when he published an article expressing his admiration for Red Bull Racing’s four-time world champion Max Verstappen. The 62-year-old actor, known for his roles in action films such as Mission: Impossible and Top Gun , revealed that he is not only a fan of Verstappen, but would also like to work with the Dutch driver in the future. The news comes as Verstappen continues to garner worldwide praise for his unparalleled talent and fighting spirit on the track, despite a challenging 2025 season.
In the article, published via an exclusive blog on Cruise’s official website, the actor describes how he has followed Verstappen for years. “Max is a phenomenon,” Cruise wrote. “His determination, precision and passion for what he does are exactly the qualities I admire in an athlete. He is not only a champion on the track, but an inspiration to anyone who is chasing their dreams.” Cruise, who is known for his dedication to physically challenging stunts, sees parallels between his own work and Verstappen’s intensity in Formula 1. He praised the 27-year-old Dutchman for his ability to perform under pressure, a trait Cruise recognises from his own career.
Cruise’s interest in Verstappen is not new. During the Miami Grand Prix earlier this year, the actor was spotted in the Red Bull Racing paddock, where he had a long chat with Verstappen and team boss Christian Horner. Sources say Cruise was fascinated by the technology behind Formula 1 cars and the mental focus required to race at such a high level. Verstappen, who fought a fierce battle with McLaren drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri after the Miami race, appreciated Cruise’s presence. “It was great to meet Tom,” Verstappen said at the time. “He has so much energy and passion. It’s always inspiring to meet people who have the same drive, even in a different field.”
As for the future collaboration, Cruise hinted that he has a project in mind that could feature Verstappen. While he didn’t share any details, fans have speculated that it could be a film project, possibly a Top Gun sequel or a new action film centered on the world of motorsports. Cruise is known for giving his films a realistic twist, and working with a real-life Formula 1 champion like Verstappen would fit in perfectly with his vision. “I would love to work with Max,” Cruise wrote. “His story, his energy — that could bring something special to a project. Who knows what the future holds?”
In the world of Formula 1, 2025 is a turbulent year for Verstappen. Despite securing his fourth world title in Las Vegas last year, Red Bull Racing faces stiff competition this season from McLaren, who have won five of the first six Grands Prix. The RB21 car Verstappen drives has struggled with balance issues, and teammate Liam Lawson has struggled to perform consistently. Still, Verstappen remains a bright spot for the team, with impressive performances such as his recent performance at the Nordschleife in Germany, where he set a lap record in a Ferrari GT3 under the pseudonym ‘Frans Hermann’. His versatility and determination have earned him admirers not only in motorsport, but also in Hollywood.
Fans of both Cruise and Verstappen have responded enthusiastically to the news, with social media buzzing with speculation about a possible film in which Verstappen would make his acting debut. “Imagine Max in a chase scene next to Tom Cruise – that would be epic!” wrote one fan on X. Another commented: “Tom and Max together in a project? That’s a dream combination of action and speed!” Meanwhile, some have wondered whether Verstappen, who is focused on his Formula 1 career, would have time for a film project, especially with the upcoming regulation changes in 2026 that could turn the sport upside down.
For now, it remains speculation, but Cruise’s words have opened the door wide for a unique collaboration. As Verstappen prepares for the upcoming races, with his sights set on a fifth world title, he now also has a fan in Hollywood who follows him closely. Whether this leads to a film project or another form of collaboration, one thing is for sure: the combination of Tom Cruise and Max Verstappen promises to be a spectacle that fans of action and motorsport will not want to miss.
