Brad Pitt roars onto the racing scene with the release of the thrilling new trailer for "F1," directed by Joseph Kosinski, famous for his work on "Top Gun: Maverick." This Apple Original Film showcases Pitt as Sonny Hayes, originally one of the most promising Formula 1 drivers of the 1990s, who makes a comeback after years away from the sport. Alongside him, Javier Bardem plays the role of Ruben Cervantes, the owner of the struggling APXGP team, and Damson Idris takes on the character of the rookie driver, Joshua Pearce.
The trailer, featuring the iconic tune "The Chain" by Fleetwood Mac, provides tantalizing glimpses of high-speed action and the emotional turmoil faced by the characters. The dynamic between Sonny and Joshua is central to the narrative, as their relationship is marked by both rivalry and the need to support each other on the track. This tension is vividly captured when Sonny boasts about his racing victory at Daytona, only for Joshua to retort by emphasizing his own accomplishments. This exchange highlights the competitive atmosphere they must navigate as they strive to secure respect and success within the racing community.
During a virtual press conference on March 13, 2025, Kosinski shed light on the filmmaking process and his newfound appreciation for Formula 1 racing, sparked by watching Netflix's "Drive to Survive" during the pandemic. He remarked on the unique characteristics of the sport, stating, "I loved how the first season focused on the last place teams, the underdogs, rather than the Ferrari, the Mercedes, the Red Bull, the teams you see at the front of the pack." This perspective guided the narrative direction of the film, emphasizing underdog stories rather than just elite competition.
A significant contributor to the authenticity of "F1" is none other than seven-time Formula 1 champion Lewis Hamilton, who serves as one of the producers and consulted throughout the production process. His involvement provided insights about the intricacies of racing, and he even participated actively during the filming. Kosinski revealed they bought six real F2 race cars, modified to accommodate camera equipment, collaborating with Mercedes to create the vehicles used during the shoot. Both Pitt and Idris drove at speeds exceeding 180 mph, lending credibility to their performances. "When you see Brad driving, that's not acting. He's really concentrating on keeping the car on the track and out of the wall," Kosinski noted, praising Pitt's natural talent for driving.
The film follows Sonny as he trying to revitalize his racing career and save the team from decline. Bringing a personal touch to the plot, Kosinski emphasized the challenges of regaining trust and overcoming one’s past. Sonny's backstory, crafted to parallel the compelling dynamics inherent to racing, showcases struggles with personal demons as well. Kosinski discussed how the narrative unravels Sonny's identity, stating, "For me, the tension of having your own teammate being your greatest competition makes for great drama."
The character arc portrayed by Pitt is augmented by the dramatic narration provided by Bardem, who captures the audience's attention as the team owner who believes Sonny still possesses the potential for greatness. The film is packed with adrenaline, showcasing the teams' and drivers' journeys across iconic racing venues—from Silverstone to Las Vegas and concluding at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
Filming involved shooting during actual Formula 1 events, capturing crowd reactions and racing authenticity, which Kosinski described as both exhilarating and challenging. He explained, "We'd have 10- or 15-minute slots where we'd have to have Brad and Damson ready to go, and we’d literally be shooting at 180 mph. It’s intense and not something you can fake." Several innovative filming techniques were employed, including custom-built cameras to provide dynamic angles and perspectives within the cars.
Music also plays a significant role, with the score crafted by renowned composer Hans Zimmer, who worked with Kosinski to establish the emotional undertones needed to accompany the high-octane racing sequences. The director expressed his enthusiasm about the music, recognizing Zimmer's talent for creating memorable themes, stating, "What Hans does is write real melodies you just can't get out of your head."
The excitement surrounding "F1" is palpable, as racing fans and moviegoers alike eagerly anticipate its premiere. The film is set to be released theatrically and on IMAX screens, hitting North America on June 27, 2025, and later internationally on June 25. With so much buzz, it's clear this film has the potential to leave its mark as not just another racing flick but as one steeped in authenticity and raw emotion.
All things considered, "F1" promises to be more than just fast cars and roaring engines; it explores the depths of ambition, regret, rivalry, and the quest for redemption. Fans are already marking their calendars for the premiere, ready to witness the thrilling narrative of Sonny Hayes—"the greatest driver who never was"—and the high-speed battles of F1 racing.