MONTREAL — During the production of the highly anticipated F1 movie, Formula 1 icon Lewis Hamilton expressed his surprise at actor Brad Pitt's impressive driving skills. Hamilton, a seven-time world champion who also serves as a producer for the film, noted that Pitt had a natural feel for racing. “He had a bit of a feel for it already. It wasn’t completely alien,” Hamilton remarked during a media briefing before the Canadian Grand Prix. “I worked as a driver coach when I was a kid just to make a bit of money on the side, and I had some pretty bad drivers along the way!”
The film, titled “F1 The Movie,” is an Apple Original Films production set to be released theatrically by Warner Bros. on June 27. It promises to deliver an unparalleled cinematic experience by being filmed alongside real racing events, featuring actual F1 drivers and teams. The film integrates authentic F1 personalities into its cast while capturing the thrilling atmosphere of Grand Prix weekends. This innovative approach aims to present a genuine depiction of the world of Formula 1 racing.
With the increasing popularity of Formula 1 in the United States over the past five years, Hollywood's interest in the sport has surged. Executives from F1 are optimistic that this groundbreaking film will deepen the connection between the international series and its top-priority market. Producer Jerry Bruckheimer and director Joseph Kosinski hosted a special screening in Montreal for F1 insiders and reporters, ahead of a glamorous red carpet event in New York.
In “F1 The Movie,” Brad Pitt stars as Sonny Hayes, a fictional F1 driver whose promising career was derailed by a devastating crash in the 1990s. The narrative revolves around his unexpected comeback decades later with the fictional APXGP team. The film explores themes of adventure, heartbreak, and the relentless pursuit of glory, showcasing the exhilarating yet perilous world of Formula 1 racing through the lens of one of America’s biggest stars.
Pitt’s character embodies traits of real-life racing legends like Max Verstappen and James Hunt, showcasing a high racing IQ and a penchant for bending the rules. He is recruited by a former F1 teammate-turned-team owner, portrayed by Javier Bardem, to race alongside an ambitious rookie played by Damson Idris. The rookie is eager to prove himself in a car that struggles to compete at the highest levels, with their team facing the threat of dissolution if they cannot turn their fortunes around.
Hamilton praised Pitt for his commitment to the role, stating, “Pitt was super open-minded and really dove deep into what it takes to be a racing driver.” He described the film as the most immersive depiction of racing to date, emphasizing the unique approach of filming during actual race weekends. The film features stunning on-track visuals and a plot that delves into the strategic nuances that make Formula 1 exhilarating. It also doesn’t shy away from showcasing dramatic crashes, including some fiery incidents.
Bruckheimer highlighted Pitt's dedication, noting that the actor performed his own driving after training for three months, first in a Formula 3 car and later in faster vehicles. “The saddest day for Brad is when he had to step out of the car and we wrapped the movie,” Bruckheimer said, expressing relief that everyone remained safe during filming.
As with many Hollywood productions, “F1 The Movie” also includes a romantic subplot involving Pitt's character and Kerry Condon’s character, Kate McKenna, his technical director responsible for designing a winning car. Kosinski aims to create an authentic racing film that resonates with both experts and casual viewers. “Our ambition was to make an authentic racing film,” Kosinski stated, emphasizing the importance of telling a compelling story about redemption, friendship, and teamwork within the sport.
While die-hard F1 fans may spot elements that diverge from reality, such as the design of Pitt’s car, the filmmakers sought to balance authenticity with entertainment. “What we’re trying to do with this movie is, first of all, entertain audiences,” Bruckheimer remarked. “It’s not a documentary; it’s a movie. Hopefully you will be moved by it emotionally.”
According to Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali, the film is crafted to appeal to a broad audience, ensuring that the racing action feels authentic without glamorizing rule-breaking. He expressed confidence that viewers would appreciate the film as an exhilarating portrayal of racing.
In an effort to enhance authenticity, Sky Sports commentators David Croft and Martin Brundle, known for their coverage of F1, make appearances in the film, providing realistic commentary. Croft shared that he and Brundle dedicated 19 hours to filming their scenes, with his enthusiasm for working with Kosinski evident. The script includes technical jargon that F1 enthusiasts will recognize, enhancing the film's credibility.
Apple's Senior Vice President Eddy Cue highlighted the movie's potential to attract new fans, with audience reactions indicating a strong interest in attending live races after viewing the film. “When we finish and we ask how many of you would like to go see a race now, literally every single hand goes up,” he said. This response underscores the opportunity for F1 to expand its global audience through the film.
As Hollywood ramps up efforts to promote “F1 The Movie,” the excitement surrounding the film is palpable. Nico Hulkenberg, a driver with a long tenure in F1, expressed optimism about the movie's reception, noting its ability to capture the intricacies of the racing industry.
After years of stagnation in the American market, Formula 1 has successfully personalized its brand, appealing to new audiences through social media and engaging content. The success of Netflix's “Drive to Survive” series has further broadened F1's reach, attracting a younger and more diverse fan base. “It’s one of the biggest movies we’ll see in probably this decade,” said Peter Crolla, a Haas F1 veteran. “They have put every ounce of energy they could have done into it.”
As Hamilton reflected on his conversations with Pitt during the actor's training, he noted the newfound appreciation Pitt developed for the challenges faced by professional drivers. “Through that process, it was amazing to speak to Brad and see his shock. He’s kind of like, ‘Jeez, what are our bodies going through?’” This connection between the actors and the sport promises to resonate with audiences, making “F1 The Movie” a landmark film in the world of motorsport cinema.
