Formula 1 Movie – What to Expect from F1’s Hollywood Leap
Picture by Mac Edmunds
For the first time, Formula 1 isn’t just dominating racetracks—it’s preparing to own the big screen. With a Hollywood-scale production backed by Apple Original Films, the upcoming Formula 1 movie promises to blend high-octane motorsport with blockbuster storytelling. Featuring Brad Pitt in the lead and helmed by Joseph Kosinski, director of Top Gun: Maverick, this film is more than just a fan project—it’s a cinematic event embedded directly in the real F1 season.
Here’s everything we know so far about this ambitious film, how it was made, what drivers really think about it, and why it could become the most authentic motorsport movie ever created.
The Story So Far – What We Know About the Formula 1 Movie
Who’s Behind the Project?
This isn’t a studio cash grab—it’s a project stacked with talent that understands action, adrenaline, and immersive storytelling:
- Director: Joseph Kosinski, known for visually arresting, high-velocity films like Top Gun: Maverick and Tron: Legacy, brings his signature style to the racetrack.
- Producer: Jerry Bruckheimer, the man behind Pirates of the Caribbean and Days of Thunder, adds proven blockbuster sensibilities.
- Lead Actor: Brad Pitt plays Sonny Hayes, a fictional retired driver called back to the sport for one final chapter.
And there’s a key name behind the scenes that motorsport fans will appreciate—Lewis Hamilton himself, acting as a producer and advisor, ensuring the racing stays true to its roots.
The Plot in Focus
While the film isn’t based on a true story, it’s rooted in familiar racing drama and emotional tension.
- Pitt’s character, Sonny Hayes, is a former F1 driver who returns to the grid to mentor a rising star.
- The rookie, Joshua Pearce (played by Damson Idris), drives for a fictional team named APXGP.
- What makes it truly unique: the story unfolds in the actual F1 season, shot during real Grand Prix weekends alongside current teams.
The film draws inspiration from the likes of Rush and Ford v Ferrari, but it pushes the format further by embedding fiction into the living, breathing world of 2024 Formula 1.
Filming Inside the F1 World
A Movie Shot During Real Grand Prix Events
Rarely has fiction felt this real.
- Filming locations include iconic circuits such as Silverstone and Hungaroring, with APXGP’s garage set up right alongside teams like Ferrari and Red Bull.
- The production uses custom-built F2 cars modified to look and perform like F1 machines, offering enough power for authentic racing sequences.
- Advanced 6K camera rigs and onboard cinematography capture cockpit views never seen outside of an actual F1 broadcast.
These details aren’t just window dressing—they’re critical to immersing the audience in a believable racing world.
How Real Is It?
This isn’t a CGI-laden fantasy. The level of access is virtually unprecedented:
- The FIA and Formula 1 granted full cooperation, from paddock entry to track-side filming rights.
- Mercedes-AMG Petronas acted as technical consultants, tuning performance details and advising on realism.
- Real engineers, pit crew members, and even broadcast overlays are involved, blurring the line between documentary and drama.
“You’ll see real racing, real noise, real tracks—shot from angles we’ve never experienced before,” said Kosinski during a behind-the-scenes interview.
What F1 Drivers Are Saying About the Movie
Early Impressions from the Grid
Top drivers like Carlos Sainz, Lando Norris, and George Russell have already seen rough cuts—and the reactions are strikingly positive.
- Lando Norris: “It’s actually insane how real it looks. I forgot it was a film at one point.”
- Carlos Sainz: “It gave me goosebumps. I wasn’t expecting to feel that watching a fictional team.”
Drivers praised the attention to detail, especially in how cockpit scenes replicate the emotional intensity of real laps.
Real Drivers on Fictional Racing
Still, there are natural concerns.
- Some drivers worry about over-dramatization or inaccurate depictions of how teams operate.
- However, most have commended the effort to stay grounded, particularly in pitstop realism, team dynamics, and race-day pressure.
In short, the grid is watching—not with skepticism, but with curiosity and a bit of awe.
Release Date, Premiere Screenings & How to Watch
When Is the F1 Movie Coming Out?
The Formula 1 movie has a confirmed global release date of June 25, 2025.
- Select footage has already been shown privately to drivers, team principals, and industry insiders.
- The final production is now entering its post-production phase, with audio mastering and visual effects polishing the last frame.
Where to Watch and Early Screenings
- The movie will debut in theaters worldwide, distributed by Apple Original Films.
- It will later be available on Apple TV+, following its theatrical run.
- Apple is planning exclusive fan-first screenings across major F1 cities, including London, Austin, and Melbourne—aimed at die-hard fans and newcomers alike.
This hybrid release approach mirrors Apple’s strategy for Killers of the Flower Moon and Napoleon—big-screen impact, followed by streaming accessibility.
Meet the Cast and Characters of the F1 Movie
Brad Pitt as Sonny Hayes
At the center of the story is Sonny Hayes, portrayed by Brad Pitt. He’s a character designed to blend experience with vulnerability—a retired driver haunted by past failures, returning to the high-stakes world of F1 to mentor a new talent.
- Pitt trained extensively to handle the race car, even driving on-track at real circuits during filming weekends.
- His character brings a blend of grit and mentorship, modeled loosely on aging greats like Kimi Räikkönen or Fernando Alonso.
Pitt’s commitment to realism is apparent: in full racing gear, seated in the APXGP car, he’s indistinguishable from the real grid—until he takes off the helmet.
Damson Idris as Joshua Pearce
Damson Idris plays Joshua Pearce, the prodigious rookie paired with Hayes at APXGP. Pearce is a high-talent, high-pressure character who embodies the next generation of drivers.
- His dynamic with Pitt mirrors mentor-protégé relationships seen in teams like Red Bull or McLaren.
- While fictional, Pearce’s journey explores very real themes: imposter syndrome, media pressure, and the relentless drive to prove oneself.
Expect Idris to bring both fire and vulnerability to the role—a combination that may resonate with fans of young stars like Oscar Piastri or Lando Norris.
What Sets the F1 Movie Apart?
Technical Innovation and Realism
Where most racing films resort to simulation, this movie leans into innovation.
| Feature | Description | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Custom F2 Car | Modified to resemble F1 vehicles | Ensures safety, control, and authenticity |
| Onboard Cameras | High-frame, stabilized rigs | Offers visceral, first-person immersion |
| Live Race Footage | Integrated with fictional storylines | Seamlessly blends real and scripted worlds |
The result? A racing film that not only looks like F1—but feels like it.
Hollywood Meets Motorsport
Top Gun: Maverick set the standard for how practical effects and real-world filming can elevate action. This F1 film adopts the same philosophy:
- Minimal green screens, relying on practical racing environments
- Cinematic storytelling layered over technical detail
- An emotional, character-driven narrative within an adrenaline-fueled setting
Director Kosinski’s signature style—sweeping wide shots, tightly-framed cockpit tension, and human-centered arcs—makes its way from fighter jets to pit lanes.
Opportunities for Fans – What This Means for F1 Viewers
The Formula 1 movie isn’t just entertainment—it’s a gateway.
- For newcomers, it offers a thrilling introduction to the sport’s culture, stakes, and personalities.
- For long-time fans, it promises a fresh perspective on the emotional toll and personal stories behind the helmets.
And there’s more brewing:
- Potential spin-offs focusing on rival teams or younger drivers
- Behind-the-scenes docuseries on the making of the movie
- A renewed wave of global visibility for Formula 1 in regions like the U.S., where interest is rapidly growing
Apple’s marketing power, combined with F1’s media expansion, means this movie could accelerate the sport’s global rise just as Drive to Survive did—only with Hollywood flair.
Final Thoughts – Will It Live Up to the Hype?
The Formula 1 movie is attempting the nearly impossible: to satisfy motorsport purists, entertain casual viewers, and push cinematic boundaries—all at once.
What gives it a real shot:
- The creative leadership understands speed and spectacle
- The cast respects the culture and stakes of the sport
- F1 itself is fully on board, offering rare access and technical authenticity
Whether it becomes the definitive racing film remains to be seen. But even now, before the first full trailer drops, the project stands as a bold statement: Formula 1 isn’t just racing anymore—it’s storytelling.
FAQ – Everything Fans Want to Know About the Formula 1 Movie
Is the Formula 1 movie based on a true story?
No. While the film features real teams and tracks, the characters and storyline are fictional.
Who are the real teams featured in the movie?
While the movie focuses on fictional team APXGP, it was filmed alongside real teams like Mercedes, Ferrari, and McLaren during live race weekends.
Will the F1 movie be on Netflix or Apple TV?
It’s an Apple Original Film, meaning it will stream on Apple TV+ after its theatrical release.
What car does Brad Pitt drive in the F1 movie?
A custom-built F2 car modified to resemble a Formula 1 machine, designed for safety and cinematic performance.
How do real F1 drivers feel about the film?
Initial reactions from drivers like Carlos Sainz and Lando Norris have been positive, citing realism and emotional impact.
What’s the difference between APXGP and real teams?
APXGP is fictional, created specifically for the film, but modeled closely on real teams in terms of garage setup, uniforms, and operations.
Are there real racing scenes or all CGI?
Most racing scenes are practical, filmed during actual Grands Prix weekends. CGI is used sparingly for enhancements.
How involved were Mercedes and Lewis Hamilton?
Mercedes offered technical support and access, while Lewis Hamilton is a co-producer, ensuring racing elements are authentic and respectful to the sport.
