F1Movie: All About the Upcoming Racing Film Starring Brad Pitt (and Real F1 Drivers!)

Mar. 15, 2025

Brad Pitt in the upcoming film, ‘F1’.Photo:Formula 1/Youtube

Formula 1/Youtube

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

Known for their collaboration onTop 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 aninterview withDeadline, Kosinski revealed that Pitt and Idris actuallydrove the carsduring 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 championLewis Hamiltonis 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, perDeadline.

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 isF1about?

Brad Pitt plays a former driver making a comeback to the sport.Formula 1/Youtube

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

In aninterview with Sky Sports F1in 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 ofF1?

Brad Pitt and Damson Idris walk on the grid during the F1 Grand Prix of Great Britain at Silverstone Circuit in July 2023.Ryan Pierse/Getty Images

Ryan Pierse/Getty Images

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

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

Is there a trailer forF1?

Thefull trailerforF1arrived in March 2025, with Bardem’s character, Ruben, telling the story of Hayes' racing downfall as clips of him driving on the track play.

“Some peoplelook at Sonny Hayes. They see a guy who lives in a van. A gambling junkie who missed his shot. The best that never was. But I see possibility," he can be heard saying in the trailer.

Thefirst lookatF1was released in July 2024, coinciding with the Silverstone Grand Prix — a race that the film’s producer,Hamilton, won.The trailerfeatures multiple shots of Pitt and Idris amid adrenaline-inducing clips of races, filled stadiums and close calls on the tracks.

Where wasF1filmed?

Brad Pitt and Javier Bardem on the grid at the F1 Grand Prix of Great Britain at Silverstone Circuit in July 2023.Ryan Pierse/Getty Images

The movie was shot atreal 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 toldDeadline.

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 aboutF1?

Brad Pitt at the Formula 1 Qatar Airways British Grand Prix in July 2024.Shutterstock

Shutterstock

Pittexpressed his enthusiasmfor 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.”

Though Pitt hasn’t shared many details about the upcoming movie himself, Lewis Hamilton did compliment the actor’s racing skills in a recorded video at a launch event in March 2025, viaESPN.

“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. “The dedication and the focus that Brad put into this process has been amazing to witness.”

When willF1be released?

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

source: people.com