
Sat Jun 14 03:20:00 UTC 2025: **Summary:**
The upcoming film “F1,” starring Brad Pitt and Damson Idris, aims to authentically capture the world of Formula One racing. Director Joseph Kosinski (“Top Gun: Maverick”) secured unprecedented access to F1 races and facilities, navigating the sport’s tight security and brand control. The film follows teammates Sonny Hayes (Pitt), an aging driver, and Joshua Pearce (Idris), an up-and-comer, on the fictional APXGP team. The production involved converting Formula Two cars to resemble F1 machines, capturing real race footage, and filming at actual F1 events. While the movie focuses on the on-track rivalry and personal drama, it also strives to attract a broad audience and potentially inspire interest in the sport and its related careers.
**News Article:**
**Pitt, Idris Rev Up F1 Drama: New Film Promises Authentic Racing Experience**
**LONDON** – Get ready to feel the adrenaline. The high-octane world of Formula One racing is about to hit the big screen in “F1,” a new film starring Brad Pitt and Damson Idris. Directed by Joseph Kosinski, known for the blockbuster “Top Gun: Maverick,” the movie promises an unprecedented look inside the secretive world of F1.
The film, slated for release on June 27, follows Sonny Hayes (Pitt), a seasoned driver, and Joshua Pearce (Idris), a rising star, as teammates on the fictional APXGP team. While they’re supposed to work together, they’re also focused on beating one another on the track.
Kosinski and producer Jerry Bruckheimer (“Top Gun”, “Pirates of the Caribbean”) went to great lengths to ensure authenticity, securing access to real F1 races and facilities. “It was the same level of security that I experienced when I went to some secret bases [while making Top Gun]”, Kosinski said. They even gained permission to film at the Mercedes team’s simulator, a closely guarded space.
“We were keen on contributing to making this a success,” said Toto Wolff, team principal of the Mercedes–AMG Petronas F1 team, who also served as an executive producer on the film.
The production team converted Formula Two cars into F1 look-alikes and captured live race footage, seamlessly integrating the fictional APXGP team into real racing events. Both Pitt and Idris even learned to drive at speeds up to 180 mph.
“Brad Pitt, he’s driving the car,” said Eddy Cue, Apple’s senior vice president of services. “It’s not blue screen or CGI.”
While the film aims to satisfy racing enthusiasts, it also seeks to broaden the sport’s appeal. The storyline features rivalries, high-speed crashes, and even a romance, all set against the backdrop of the glamorous, globe-trotting F1 circuit. Stakeholders hope the movie will inspire a new generation of fans and encourage diverse audiences to pursue careers in the sport.
“It’s going to inspire female engineers and mechanics,” said Lewis Hamilton, a seven-time F1 champion and producer on the film.
“F1” is backed by Apple and will stream on Apple TV+ after its theatrical run. With its star power, authentic visuals, and compelling narrative, the film is poised to be a major summer hit.