According to seven-time F1 world champion Lewis Hamilton, Hollywood’s upcoming Formula 1 movie featuring Brad Pitt will be the most authentic racing film ever made. Scheduled for release in June, the Apple Original Films production promises speed, thrills, an underdog story, drama, humor, and even a touch of romance.
A Glimpse into the F1 Movie
A two-minute trailer, released internationally by Warner Bros. Pictures, provides a thrilling preview of the action. Hamilton, credited as a co-producer, shared his admiration for Pitt’s dedication to the role.
"Watching Brad drive around at speeds over 180 miles an hour was really impressive to see because it's not something you can just learn overnight," Hamilton said.
Hollywood Meets Real Racing
Directed by Joseph Kosinski, known for Top Gun: Maverick, the film stars Javier Bardem as a struggling team owner, alongside British actor Damson Idris as hotshot Joshua Pearce. Brad Pitt, at 61, plays veteran racer Sonny Hayes, aiming for redemption.
Filming took place during actual Grand Prix weekends, with Pitt and Idris driving modified Formula 2 cars designed by Mercedes. The fictional APX team even had its own pit garage and wall, blending seamlessly into the real F1 environment. With only 10-15 minutes available between practice and qualifying sessions, everything had to be executed with precision.
"Hundreds of thousands of fans remained unaware that a helmeted Hollywood superstar was lapping in front of them," said Kosinski.
Lewis Hamilton’s Role and Brad Pitt’s Driving Skills
Hamilton played a crucial role in shaping the movie’s narrative. Initially skeptical about Pitt’s driving abilities, he quickly changed his mind.
"If Brad can't drive, this whole film wasn't going to work. What Lewis discovered was that Brad had a natural ability right from the start," Kosinski revealed.
Having trained for months, Pitt’s performance behind the wheel is real. Kosinski emphasized:
"When you see Brad driving, that's not acting. He’s really concentrating on keeping that car on the track and out of the wall."
A Cinematic Racing Experience
The movie’s filming techniques rival those of Top Gun: Maverick, with on-car cameras reduced to a quarter of their usual size for immersive action shots.
"Shooting at 180 miles an hour was an adrenaline rush every weekend," Kosinski added.
The 2025 Formula 1 Season is Here!
While fans await the film’s release, the excitement of Formula 1 continues. With Max Verstappen and McLaren dominating 2024, who will rise to the top in 2025? Stay tuned for thrilling updates on F1’s biggest races, records, and rivalries.
Explore More on Formula 1:
Beginner’s Guide: F1 terms, car tech, and iconic tracks
F1 History: Evolution of car design and championship winners
Rules & Format: Sprint races, point system, and team strategies
Records & Legends: Most wins, longest careers, and top teams
Driver Profiles: Max Verstappen, Lewis Hamilton, and more
For the latest F1 news, standings, schedules, and analysis, visit our Formula 1 hub!
Stay tuned for more updates as the anticipation for Hollywood’s most realistic racing movie builds. Will Brad Pitt’s portrayal of an F1 driver set a new benchmark for motorsport films? Let us know in the comments!
