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Lewis Hamilton, Anya Taylor-Joy Grab Spotlight at Japanese GP
Sam Bagnall/Sutton Images via Getty Images

Formula 1’s 2026 Japanese Grand Prix weekend featured plenty of action on the track, but several Hollywood stars also grabbed attention in the paddock at Suzuka.

Among the most talked-about moments came when Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton was spotted interacting with actress Anya Taylor-Joy, who attended the race alongside several cast members from the upcoming Super Mario Galaxy film. The group appeared in the Ferrari garage and posed for photos during the race weekend.

Jack Black, Charlie Day, Anya Taylor-Joy, Lewis Hamilton, Benny Safdie, Chris Pratt, Brie Larson, and Keegan-Michael Key in the Ferrari garage at the 2026 F1 Japanese Grand Prix.Photo by Mark Sutton - Formula 1/Formula 1 via Getty Images

Taylor-Joy was joined at Suzuka by co-stars Chris Pratt, Jack Black, Charlie Day, Brie Larson, and Keegan-Michael Key, among others, who are part of the voice cast for the upcoming animated film. The group had attended the movie’s Japan premiere shortly before arriving at the circuit.

The celebrity appearance quickly drew attention online after footage shared by Ferrari showed Hamilton greeting the actors in the paddock and several fan accounts sharing images of the duo.

Fans React to Lewis Hamilton and Anya Taylor-Joy

Social media quickly lit up after photos of Hamilton walking with Taylor-Joy circulated online. Some fans joked about the pairing, with one user humorously asking, “What happened to Kim Kardashian?” referencing recent rumors linking Hamilton to the American celebrity.

Meanwhile, others simply enjoyed the crossover between Hollywood and Formula 1. “Amazing to see the stars. Ready for Mario Kart action next,” one fan wrote. Another user reacted to the viral paddock photo by calling it “the best capture of the entire GP 2026.”

Some fans also leaned into the playful tone of the moment, with one comment joking that the pair looked like “two baddies in the house.”

Hollywood Presence Adds Buzz to Suzuka Weekend

The appearance of the Super Mario cast added a different kind of buzz to an already eventful race weekend in Japan.

Charlie Day, Chris Pratt, Brie Larson, and Benny Safdie in the Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team garage at the 2026 F1 Japanese Grand Prix.Sam Bloxham/LAT Images via Getty Images

Suzuka often attracts celebrities during Formula 1 weekends, but the presence of multiple actors from a major film release, combined with Hamilton’s interaction with Taylor-Joy, created one of the more viral off-track moments of the event.

For many fans online, the unexpected Hollywood cameo provided a lighter moment during a race weekend already filled with drama on the circuit.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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