Formula One has long captivated motorsport enthusiasts around the world, but now, thanks to a new Hollywood blockbuster, the thrill of high-speed racing is poised to reach an even broader audience. The film titled F1, starring Brad Pitt, has just hit cinemas internationally, bringing the fast-paced world of Formula One to life with unprecedented authenticity and star power.
At the heart of the movie is Brad Pitt’s portrayal of Sonny Hayes, a former Formula One driver whose promising career was cut short by a devastating accident in the 1990s. Having spent the last three decades racing part-time in other disciplines, Hayes is coaxed out of retirement by a former teammate, played by Javier Bardem, to join a struggling F1 team alongside a rookie driver, Joshua “Noah” Pearce, portrayed by Damson Idris. This fictional APXGP team is woven into the fabric of the 2023 and 2024 Formula One seasons, creating a compelling narrative that blends drama, rivalry, and redemption.
Director Joseph Kosinski, fresh off the massive success of Top Gun: Maverick, helms the project with a clear vision: to deliver the most realistic racing movie ever made. Kosinski’s approach was bolstered by the involvement of heavyweight producers including Jerry Bruckheimer, Brad Pitt himself, and none other than seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton. Hamilton’s role extended beyond production credits; he was deeply involved in ensuring technical accuracy and authenticity, even down to advising on the minutiae of racing strategy. For example, Kosinski revealed that Hamilton suggested a scene where Pitt’s character would only allow a competitor to pass during a blue flag at Turn 6 of the Hungaroring circuit, reflecting real-life tactics.
Filming took place at actual Formula One events, including the 2024 season finale at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, with the production inserting the fictional APXGP team seamlessly among the established ten teams. This unprecedented access granted the filmmakers the ability to capture stunning, real-world racing footage, complemented by sequences where Pitt and Idris themselves took the wheel of adapted Formula 2 cars. Pitt described the experience as “one of the most extraordinary” of his career, emphasizing the immersive nature of actually driving on the circuits rather than relying on sound stages or CGI. His enthusiasm was palpable, noting that after spending so much time behind the wheel, returning to purely acting scenes felt almost anticlimactic.
Lewis Hamilton’s intimate knowledge of the sport proved invaluable throughout production. He kept a watchful eye on everything from the accuracy of racing scenes to the sound design, ensuring that even the engine noises and track acoustics felt genuine. Hamilton’s involvement also extended to inspiring the film’s emotional core. A poignant scene in which Sonny Hayes reflects on his motivation for racing was directly influenced by conversations with Hamilton, adding a spiritual layer to the high-octane drama.
The movie also pays homage to Formula One’s rich history, weaving archival footage of legendary figures such as Ayrton Senna into the storyline. Director Kosinski expressed his admiration for classic racing films like Grand Prix and Le Mans, striving to capture the same sense of authenticity and excitement that made those movies timeless. A subtle nod to the old Monza circuit banking, a feature famously depicted in the 1966 Grand Prix film, is another example of the filmmakers’ attention to detail and reverence for the sport’s heritage.
Fans of the sport will spot real-life drivers making appearances, including Hamilton himself and British star Lewis Hamilton. The film even features Sky Sports F1’s commentary duo David Croft and Martin Brundle, who lend their voices to guide viewers through the complexities of the races. Their inclusion was inspired by their real-world commentary style, which balances technical insight with accessibility, making the film approachable for newcomers without alienating seasoned fans.
Despite the impressive technical achievements and star-studded cast, the film has received mixed reviews. Critics have praised the breathtaking racing sequences and the immersive experience the film offers, especially for F1 fans. However, some have pointed out that the storyline occasionally veers into predictable territory, with certain plot elements—such as the concept of building a car for “combat” and unorthodox racing strategies—stretching believability. The film’s exposition, designed to educate those unfamiliar with the sport, sometimes feels heavy-handed, reflecting Liberty Media’s ambition to reach a mainstream audience beyond the traditional F1 fanbase.
Concerns were also raised during a screening at the Canadian Grand Prix regarding the portrayal of rule-bending tactics. Director Kosinski assured that while the film pushes boundaries to heighten drama, it never crosses the line into endorsing cheating. F1 president Stefano Domenicali dismissed these worries as perceptible only to those with “very F1 eyes,” confident that the general audience would simply enjoy the authentic racing action and intense competition.
Brad Pitt expressed heartfelt gratitude to the entire Formula One community for welcoming the film crew and treating the fictional APXGP team as part of the paddock family. “The teams have been so generous with us, so welcoming, and they play a part in this film,” he said. “It’s unbelievable the way they’ve let us embed into their season.”
Looking ahead, producers Jerry Bruckheimer and Joseph Kosinski have hinted at the possibility of a sequel, contingent on audience response. Bruckheimer noted that Pitt was reluctant to leave the driver’s seat, underscoring the actor’s genuine passion for racing. If the film performs well, fans might soon see more high-speed drama on the big screen.
With its international release on June 25, 2025, and North American debut following on June 27, F1 is poised to ignite excitement for the sport among new audiences while delivering a cinematic thrill ride for longtime enthusiasts. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a curious newcomer, this film offers a pulse-pounding glimpse into the world of Formula One like never before.
