There is massive buzz for F1: The Movie, due out on June 25, 2025, globally and June 27 in North America, with seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton heavily invested as a producer. Hamilton has described the “incredible learning process” of film-making, collaboration with Brad Pitt, and what drives this movie as the “most authentic racing film ever made.” Filmed on real F1 race weekends, the film blends raw footage with computer technology to deliver fans inside the sport’s raw energy. This article chronicles Hamilton’s experience, the innovations of the film, and the impact on Formula 1’s global popularity.
Hamilton’s Vision of Authenticity
Lewis Hamilton, who was co-producer through his Dawn Apollo Films, was instrumental in making F1 The Movie a milestone for the sport. “I loved the sport since I was five years old, and film is a hobby, so to combine the two was a dream,” Hamilton explained to Formula1.com. His input ranged from script reading to casting and technical consultation, so each detail—gear shift to crash dynamics—reflects Formula 1’s reality. Hamilton’s input, including altering Pitt’s gear use in sequences, added realism, although producer Jerry Bruckheimer joked it “costs us more money” to do so, reports PlanetF1.com. Filming on location at events like Silverstone and Abu Dhabi, in addition to the actual teams and APXGP’s make-believe garage, offered unprecedented access, marrying film sequences with live Grand Prix racing.
Brad Pitt’s Immersion in F1
Brad Pitt, in the role of seasoned driver Sonny Hayes, underwent months of training to drive modified Formula 2 vehicles, reaching 180 mph, Reuters reported. Hamilton, who put Pitt through his paces at Circuit Paul Ricard, was impressed by his “natural talent,” attributing his skills to riding motorcycles also. “Brad’s dedication was good; you can’t fake the G-forces or thinking ability,” Hamilton said. At Silverstone, Hamilton led Pitt around Copse corner, talking about the physical aspects of racing, like losing 10 pounds per race. Pitt’s commitment, racing over actual race weekends, surprised drivers, with Hamilton remarking laughing, “Brad looks like he’s aging backwards!
” X posts from @SkySportsF1 highlighted Pitt’s paddock presence, creating fan excitement.
Revolutionary Filming Methods Top Gun: Maverick director Joseph Kosinski developed a revolutionary camera system for F1, shrinking 6K cameras by a quarter of their size to attach to cars, Formula1.com reports. “We did remote cameras going at 180 mph, essentially like a live stage play,” Kosinski described. Toto Wolff’s concept of utilizing real racing cars, as applied by Mercedes, contributed to the authenticity. Shooting on location at the 2023 and 2024 Grands Prix, including one real-life crash sequence in Las Vegas, was inspired by actual F1 wrecks such as Romain Grosjean’s 2020 crash in Bahrain.
Three X posts from @AppleTV promoted the trailer, highlighting the “raw” imagery that makes fans feel “in the driver’s seat.” The $300 million budget, however much Bruckheimer disputes it, indicates the scope of this cinematic leap.
The Cast and Story
F1 The Movie features Sonny Hayes (Pitt), a 1990s F1 driver who returns from a crash to lead rookie Joshua Pearce (Damson Idris) at fictional APXGP team owned by Javier Bardem’s character. Supporting cast, Kerry Condon and Tobias Menzies, brings gravitas, with cameos by drivers Max Verstappen and Guenther Steiner. Hamilton insisted on diversity, in the form of a female pit crew member—a first in F1 presentations. “I called bullshit on unrealistic script parts,”
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