In a red carpet moment of spectacular awkwardness, Hollywood actress Kristen Bell left Formula 1 driver Yuki Tsunoda completely stunned after a case of severe mistaken identity at the Miami Grand Prix.
The 'Frozen' star, who was hosting a segment for the official F1 broadcast, approached the Visa Cash App RB driver for a chat. However, in a cringeworthy blunder, she proceeded to call him by the wrong name—not once, but multiple times—mistaking him for Ferrari's Monegasque star, Charles Leclerc.
"It was painfully awkward," an onlooker reported. "Yuki's smile just froze on his face. He politely tried to correct her, but she was completely oblivious and just carried on. The second-hand embarrassment was off the charts."
A short clip of the exchange quickly went viral on social media, sending F1 fans into a frenzy. Many were quick to criticise Bell for her lack of basic research before interviewing the drivers.
Tsunoda, known for his fiery radio messages and impressive pace this season, handled the situation with remarkable grace. The Japanese driver simply smiled and nodded through the interaction, later shrugging it off with good humour.
The incident has since become the talk of the paddock, highlighting the sometimes painful intersection of Hollywood glamour and the specialised world of elite motorsport. It serves as a stark reminder that even A-list celebrities can fall victim to a serious foot-in-mouth moment under the bright lights of the F1 circus.
