Hollywood Hits the Grid: Brad Pitt's F1 Movie Takes Shape

The Formula One paddock transformed into a movie set as Brad Pitt, dressed in overalls and sunglasses, took a break from filming his upcoming F1 movie, "F1," scheduled for release in June 2025.

The film, directed by "Top Gun: Maverick" director Joe Kosinski and produced by Jerry Bruckheimer, with Lewis Hamilton serving as a producer, has been filming on race weekends since last year, immersing itself in the heart of the F1 world.

The British Grand Prix marked a pivotal moment for the project. It was a year since filming began, and the first footage was released, offering a glimpse into the exciting world that awaits viewers.

The 97-second teaser, released by Apple Original Films and Warner Bros., showcased Pitt behind the wheel of a custom-built car at Silverstone, incorporating the innovative techniques used in "Top Gun" with CGI to integrate the fictional APXGP cars into real-life race footage.

The British Grand Prix also marked the most significant on-site presence for the APXGP team. A full garage was set up for Pitt's character, Sonny Hayes, and teammate Joshua Pearce, played by Damson Idris, nestled between Ferrari and Mercedes in the pit lane. The team even had its own motorhome, adding to the authenticity of the film.

Both APXGP cars, based on an F2 chassis, lined up on the grid for the race, allowing for more footage to be captured during the real pre-race build-up. Javier Bardem, playing the team owner, was also present for the filming.

The commitment to capturing the reality of F1 extends beyond the set. Both Pitt and Idris have been training like professional racing drivers, immersing themselves in the world of Formula One. Idris has even lost 8.1kg (17.9 pounds) through filming, attributing his weight loss to “intermittent fasting, salad, and salmon.”

Idris has praised the dedication of the F1 drivers, stating, "They live, breathe, sleep Formula One. And that’s what I knew I had to do to play this part."

Pitt, too, has been a constant presence at the races, attending the drivers' briefing and discussing the project with the grid. "He’s a legend," said Alpine’s Pierre Gasly, adding, "It’s special whenever he comes into the room.”

Even the drivers couldn't help but try to tease out Pitt’s lap times during the briefing. “We were asking about his pace," said Gasly, "But he wasn’t too clear about it!”

The film, originally scheduled for release in June 2024, has been slightly delayed due to last year's actors' and writers' strikes. However, Idris believes the delay will ultimately benefit the film.

“I would say the strike kind of made the movie even better, the script got better,” Idris said. “We were able to get even greater footage. I think when people finally see this film, they’re going to be really proud of what we’ve done.”

One of the film's biggest assets is Hamilton, who has been actively involved in the project from the beginning, ensuring its accuracy. His involvement extends from script review to set visits.

Idris, who first met Hamilton through fashion, describes him as a "huge blessing."

“When he comes on set, it’s always exciting. All the runners and assistants, they come up to me and go, ‘Lewis is here!’ It’s always a big deal when he’s on set."

“It’s really cool. We have his ultimate backing, his ultimate assistance. He’s making sure that we’re respectful to the sport and showing people how exactly it is.”

Hamilton's contribution is crucial in making the complex world of Formula One accessible to a wider audience. Idris himself has gained a newfound appreciation for the intricate workings of F1.

“It’s not just 20 guys on the grid,” Idris said. “It’s a whole company of people creating magic.”

The film "F1" promises to be a cinematic experience that captures the essence of Formula One, offering a thrilling ride for fans and newcomers alike. With a talented cast, dedicated production team, and the invaluable input of Lewis Hamilton, the film is set to become a cinematic triumph that will redefine our understanding of this high-octane sport.