F1 Movie: All About the Upcoming Formula 1 Film Starring Brad Pitt (and Real F1 Drivers!)

From the plot to the filming locale, here’s everything to know about Brad Pitt’s upcoming film ‘F1’

Brad Pitt is taking the lead — and wheel — in the highly anticipated Formula 1 film, F1.

Known for their collaboration on Top Gun: Maverick, producer Jerry Bruckheimer and director Joseph Kosinski are teaming up again to bring the adrenaline-fueled domain of Formula 1 to the big screen, combining cinematic storytelling with the high-octane action that’s fundamental to the sport.

The film, a partnership with Apple Original Films and Formula 1, follows Pitt as Sonny Hayes, a former driver making a comeback to the sport. Teaming up with rookie Joshua Pearce (Damson Idris), Hayes navigates the challenges of racing and mentorship within the fictional APXGP team.

Fans of Formula 1 can also expect familiar scenes in the upcoming movie, as much of the film was shot at real F1 tracks and will feature genuine F1 drivers — and the authenticity doesn’t stop there. In an interview with Deadline, Kosinski revealed that Pitt and Idris actually drove the cars during filming to enhance the natural intensity of the scenes.

“We’ve got Brad and Damson actually driving the cars, which is pretty spectacular in itself, but to do that in front of a live audience and at the speeds they’re doing it and figuring out a way to capture it … The logistics of it are unlike anything I’ve done before,” Kosinski told the outlet.

Additionally, seven-time F1 world champion Lewis Hamilton is a producer on the film — whom Kosinski revealed was heavily involved in the script, making sure they were getting the details and nuances of the sport correct, per Deadline.

With a star-studded cast and real F1 driver appearances, the upcoming movie is poised to immerse viewers in the exhilarating world of Formula 1 racing. Here’s everything to know about the action-fueled film starring Brad Pitt, F1.

What is F1 about?

The movie follows Pitt as Sonny Hayes, a former Formula 1 driver who makes a comeback and teams up with rookie Joshua Pearce (Damson Idris) on APXGP, a fictional 11th team in the racing series.

In an interview with Sky Sports F1 in July 2023, Pitt opened up about his character, and the premise of the film.

“I would be a guy who raced in the ’90s,” he said. “He has a horrible crash and kind of craps out and disappears and then is racing in other disciplines.”

Pitt added that Idris’ character “brings [him] in as kind of a Hail Mary and hijinks ensue.”

Who is in the cast of F1?

In addition to Pitt and Idris, the film boasts an impressive cast including Simone Ashley, Kerry Condon, Javier Bardem, Tobias Menzies, Sarah Niles and Samson Kayo.

Ashley, known for her role as Kate Sharma in Bridgerton, was spotted filming at the British Grand Prix alongside Idris in early July 2024, per Variety. Details about her role in the film, however, remain under wraps.

Is there a trailer for F1?

The first trailer for F1 was released in July 2024, coinciding with the Silverstone Grand Prix — a race that the film’s producer, Hamilton, won. The trailer features multiple shots of Pitt and Idris amid adrenaline-inducing clips of races, filled stadiums and close calls on the tracks. While not much about the plot can be discerned from the first look, the intensity of the sport on the screen is undeniable.

Where was F1 filmed?

The movie was shot at real Formula 1 races, including Silverstone, Hungary, Spa, Monza, Zandvoort, Japan, Las Vegas, Abu Dhabi and Mexico City. The fully immersive approach allowed the crew to capture the real atmosphere of the events — which sometimes caused logistical challenges.

“We’re shooting at the actual Grands Prix, there are certain aspects of this film where we’re working in very, very tight windows, shooting on the track, between practice and qualifying sessions, in front of hundreds of thousands of people,” Kosinski told Deadline.

The director went on to add that the time constraints on filming actually added to the intensity, creating a genuine feeling of the drama they were shooting.

“Last year, at Silverstone, we had a scene we shot on the grid. I think we had something like nine minutes to shoot,” the director said. “It really brings an intensity and everyone’s leaning forward in a way that maybe you wouldn’t on a normal shoot day … you can just see the adrenaline going beforehand and you feel that in the performances.”

What has Brad Pitt said about F1?

Pitt expressed his enthusiasm for the project to Sky Sports F1 in July 2023, noting the joy the project has brought him.

“I’m a little giddy right now, I’ve got to say,” he said. “It’s the best time of my life. … The vibe is amazing, but just to get to be a part of it in this way, and get to tell our story.”

Pitt went on to express gratitude for the support from the F1 community, highlighting the cooperation from all the teams involved.

“All the teams have opened their doors for us,” the actor said. “Everyone has just been really, really amazing, that we can do this. And it’s going to be really good.”

When will F1 be released?

F1 will premiere in theatres and IMAX on June 27, 2025.

Source people.com