Lewis Hamilton Joins Forces with Brad Pitt in Groundbreaking F1 Movie—Here’s What Makes It Unforgettable

Brad Pitt is back on the big screen in a thrilling new role in Apple Original Films’ highly anticipated F1 movie, which will immerse audiences in the high-speed world of Formula 1 racing. Directed by Joseph Kosinski, this American sports action drama follows a veteran Formula 1 driver’s return to the sport, taking on the challenge of mentoring a promising rookie. With an all-star cast, including Pitt, Damson Idris, Kerry Condon, Tobias Menzies, Kim Bodnia, and Javier Bardem, the film promises to capture the raw intensity of the racing world, hitting theaters internationally on June 25, 2025, and in the U.S. and Canada on June 27, 2025—perfectly timed alongside the 2025 Austrian Grand Prix.

Brad Pitt’s Role as Sonny Hayes

In F1, Brad Pitt stars as Sonny Hayes, a seasoned Formula 1 driver whose career is derailed by a dramatic crash in the 1990s. After his career-ending injury, Sonny returns to the sport to mentor a new rising star, Joshua Pearce, played by Damson Idris. This dynamic relationship drives much of the film’s emotional narrative, as Sonny helps Joshua navigate the pressures of F1 racing. Beyond his acting role, Pitt is also a producer on the project, ensuring the film’s authenticity and emotional depth.

A recent behind-the-scenes feature released by Apple Original Films on April 17, 2025, gave fans a closer look at Pitt’s hands-on approach during production. Director Joseph Kosinski and co-stars have praised Pitt for being the “ultimate collaborator,” highlighting his commitment to creating an emotionally resonant film. His involvement goes beyond the typical star power, as he actively participated in the development of the film’s storyline and production choices, making sure that the film would remain true to the intense and fast-paced world of Formula 1.

Realism and Authenticity: The Driving Sequences

One of the most exciting aspects of F1 is the authenticity of the racing sequences. Both Brad Pitt and Damson Idris performed much of the driving themselves, showcasing their skills as they raced wheel-to-wheel through iconic F1 corners. A behind-the-scenes feature released on April 3, 2025, revealed the meticulous planning that went into these sequences, ensuring that they felt as real as possible for audiences. Director Kosinski emphasized, “You can talk about speed, but we wanted audiences to feel it.”

To achieve this level of realism, the production team worked closely with Formula 1 teams, race promoters, and experts in the sport. Seven-time F1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton, who also serves as a producer on the film, praised the film’s authenticity, stating that it was “as authentic a racing movie as has ever been.” The film’s connection to the sport is not just superficial—it’s deeply ingrained in the filmmaking process, ensuring that every turn and high-speed moment is true to life.

Immersive Filming with Real F1 Locations

In order to fully immerse audiences in the world of Formula 1, the production filmed at real F1 race weekends. Locations such as Silverstone, Monza, Spa-Francorchamps, and Yas Marina were used to capture the excitement and atmosphere of a live race. According to a behind-the-scenes feature from Formula 1’s 75 Live season launch event on February 18, 2025, the film’s production was integrated with the F1 calendar, allowing the filmmakers to shoot during actual races to capture the adrenaline and intensity of the sport.

This collaboration with the F1 world was a significant factor in ensuring the authenticity of the racing scenes, and it’s clear that the production team went to great lengths to deliver a truly immersive experience for fans of both F1 and cinema.

Marketing and Public Engagement

As the film’s release date draws nearer, the promotional campaign has been ramping up. Several teasers and trailers have already been released, with the most notable debuting during the Super Bowl LIX Pregame Show. The latest trailer, available on the Formula 1 website and IMDb, has only heightened excitement, providing viewers with a closer look at Brad Pitt’s character and the thrilling action that will unfold on screen.

Fans of both racing and Brad Pitt can look forward to an exhilarating cinematic experience that blends high-speed drama with a deeply emotional narrative. The promotional material has highlighted the stunning visuals and high-octane moments that will define the film, ensuring that F1 will be a must-see event this summer.

Production Insights and Technical Excellence

The production of F1 has been marked by its attention to technical and visual authenticity. According to an article from Motor Sport Magazine in February 2025, the film’s cinematography by Claudio Miranda is a key component of its success. The film utilized cutting-edge cameras and technology to ensure that every racing scene was as dynamic and thrilling as the real-life sport. Additionally, a significant budget was allocated to the racing sequences, underscoring the film’s commitment to delivering a visually spectacular and technically accurate experience.

The film’s production process has also been documented in The Athletic’s July 2024 article, which notes how the cast, particularly Damson Idris, was immersed in the world of racing. Idris commented on how the entire production team worked together to create “magic” behind the scenes, and it’s evident that every detail, from the cars to the locations, was carefully considered to bring this high-speed drama to life.

The Future of F1 and Its Impact

With Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, and a dedicated production team at the helm, F1 promises to be a game-changing addition to the world of sports dramas. The film’s commitment to realism, immersive filming, and star-studded cast make it an exciting prospect for both racing fans and moviegoers alike. As the release date approaches, anticipation continues to build for a film that not only celebrates the high-speed world of Formula 1 but also dives deep into the emotional journey of its characters.

F1 is set to rev up audiences when it hits theaters on June 25, 2025, and with its commitment to authenticity, high-octane action, and emotional storytelling, it’s shaping up to be a blockbuster that fans won’t want to miss.