AI-generated? Social media users point to several inconsistencies in latest Perez advert - GPblog
A promotional energy drink advertisement featuring Sergio Perez has faced public scrutiny after social media users identified several visual inconsistencies suggesting AI generation
- Incident date
- Jun 2026
- Target
- Sergio Perez
In June 2026, a new energy drink advertisement featuring Formula 1 driver Sergio Perez for his sponsor H20 Power drew intense scrutiny from social media users. Viewers questioned the authenticity of the clip, citing numerous visual anomalies that suggested the use of artificial intelligence in the production process.
What happened
The controversy began on platforms like Reddit, where users analyzed the commercial for technical glitches. Observers noted that at the 23-second mark, a person appearing to be a double of Perez is seen running down steps with a crowd. Further analysis revealed significant visual inconsistencies occurring 30 seconds into the video, where cyclists appeared to transform into runners and a helmet seemingly morphed into hair. Additional concerns were raised regarding a final shot of the product, where a can that had been cracked open appeared to close itself.
Public reaction was swift, with many viewers describing the content as having an "uncanny valley" quality and labeling it as AI-generated. A marketing professional participating in the discussion noted that while brands often utilize these tools to save time, the resulting quality is frequently poor and requires significant manual correction. Amid the growing volume of critical comments, the brand disabled the comment section on its official Instagram page. The incident highlights the challenges brands face when integrating synthetic media into promotional campaigns, as audiences become increasingly adept at identifying artifacts and structural errors associated with AI-generated content.