Brad Pitt’s Formula 1 Movie ‘F1’ Races Towards June 2025 Release

Superstar Hollywood actor Brad Pitt will take the high-octane world of Formula 1 racing to the big screen in the forthcoming film “F1,” coming to theaters globally on June 25, 2025, while North American audiences will have to wait two days longer, seeing the film first on June 27, 2019. Directed by Joseph Kosinski, this Apple Original Films presentation promises an accurate and action-packed portrayal of one of the most revered forms of motorsport.

The Plot: A Veteran Returns to the Track

“F1” follows Sonny Hayes, a Formula 1 driver played by Brad Pitt, who finds himself mounting the most unexpected return to the racing sport several years after being badly injured in an almost fatal accident that forced him to hang his boots and retire. “Hayes is employed by the fictitious struggling team APXGP owner, the character played by Javier Bardem, both to mentor and team with a talented younger driver, Joshua Pearce, played by Damson Idris.”

Speaking with Martin Brundle, Pitt had also given further insight into his character’s backstory: “I would be a guy who raced in the ’90s. He has a horrible crash and kind of craps out and disappears and then is racing in other disciplines. So, this brings back the return of a veteran driver into Formula 1 pitted against the young Pearce; surely a thrilling tale of ups and downs, rivalry, and redemption.

Star-Studded Cast and Crew

The film boasts an ensemble cast that’s big in names aside from its leading men. Alongside Pitt, Idris, and Bardem are:

Kerry Condon (The Banshees of Inisherin, Better Call Saul)

Tobias Menzies (Manhunt, Outlander)

Sarah Niles (Ted Lasso, I May Destroy You)

Kim Bodnia (Pusher, The Bridge)

Samson Kayo (The Bubble, Our Flag Means Death)

Behind the camera, the film has assembled several industry veterans to help bring this project together, with Joseph Kosinski, currently on a roll from “Top Gun: Maverick,” to helm the flick as director with Jerry Bruckheimer attached as producer. The script was written by Ehren Kruger, who can be remembered for another “Top Gun: Maverick.”

Lewis Hamilton: From Track to Production

Add to that an added layer of authenticity: the involvement of seven-time Formula 1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton as a co-producer. Hamilton’s input has been priceless in making sure that the film reflects the sport correctly. Kosinski also praised Hamilton’s contribution: “Lewis has been an incredible partner; he jumps on Zooms with me between races to go through the script, line by line, turn by turn, you know, tire compound by tire compound, to make sure that we are getting all the details right.”

Filming: Where Fiction Meets Reality

But probably the most exciting feature of “F1” is the commitment to authenticity. The production team had done the unthinkable and started filming during actual Grand Prix weekends, capturing the real atmosphere and energy of Formula 1 events. Filming locations have included iconic tracks such as Silverstone, Hungaroring, Spa-Francorchamps, Monza, Zandvoort, Suzuka, Las Vegas, and Yas Marina.

The APXGP team was fictionalized with an actual garage and pit wall stand for this purpose, making it a real, 11th team of this series. That arrangement allowed the crew to mesh the filming well together with real events in this arena and create an aspect of realism in scenes.

Latest Technology and Cinematography

The movie is supposed to push the boundaries of racing cinematography with the innovative technique and technology to shoot speed and intensity for Formula 1. Pitt is also very excited about the look of the film: “You’ll see the cameras mounted all over the car. You’ve never seen speed; you’ve never seen the G-forces like this. It’s really amazing.

Kosinski and his team, along with Mercedes and their design team, have designed cars specifically for the movie. The cars are Formula 2 chassis and engines but have bodies designed to appear as the latest generation Formula 1 cars. Each car has 15 camera mounts to give angles and perspectives of the cars racing that have never been seen before.

The director has also let it be known that the movie uses “the next generation from what we did on Top Gun,” speaking of advanced camera systems. These include specially designed Sony cameras that are small and light enough not to hamper the performance of the cars, as well as a sophisticated RF network enabling real-time control of camera movements around the track.

Preparation and Training

To make sure that some very convincing performances were at hand, both Pitt and Idris trained hard beforehand to get in the saddle. The actors practically spent three months honing their skills, going from Formula 3 cars to the more powered-up Formula 2 vehicles. This prepares them for having done many of their stunts in performance driving, bringing another level of authenticity to the film.

The Impact on Formula 1

“F1” is about to change the face of the sport itself. Formula 1 has recently enjoyed a gain in popularity across the world, the United States included, due to the success brought about by Netflix’s “Drive to Survive” series. This film will look to continue that traction, possibly making even more fans for it.

Lewis Hamilton, for one, is optimistic: “We’ve already seen the great work and impact of the Netflix show, and I think this will take it to new heights beyond that.” With real involvement from F1 teams and drivers—and even filming during actual race weekends—the degree of immersion and excitement could carry over into perhaps making the sport even more popular on a worldwide basis.

Challenges and Expectations

Building a film on such a scale, and most particularly one that has to weave together with live, real-world action of Formula 1, generates its own particular challenges. The production team had to navigate the peculiarities of filming on active race weekends, in sometimes extremely tight windows. Kosinski told of how, at Silverstone, they only had a nine-minute window to catch one important scene.

Another challenge this movie might have is meeting high expectations both for an audience of cinematographic taste and fans of Formula 1 races. All racing action will go through the utmost scrutiny of racing perfection by enthusiasts and entertaining, engaging story development that ends spectacularly for normal viewers. Here, a difficult balancing act remains critical for making sure that all tastes are represented and catered to one way or another.

Comparisons and Inspirations

“F1” can’t avoid drawing comparisons to other car movies, most especially the more critically well-received projects like “Rush” and “Ford v Ferrari.” But this film differs because it has been made around the scenes of real events of F1 and with active stars.

The film also seems to take a page from the box office success of “Top Gun: Maverick,” not only with its director but also with its emphasis on practical effects and realism in the action scenes. While “Maverick” puts audiences in the cockpit of fighter jets, “F1” aims to do the same, planting viewers firmly in the driver’s seat of the fastest racing cars on the planet.

Brad Pitt’s Personal Journey

This film is much more than a job for Brad Pitt. The star has spoken about his very personal attachment to the movie and the process of its making. Following the completion of the shooting in Abu Dhabi, he let it slip that the venture is close to turning his life around: “I might shed a tear. You may see a grown man cry.

This feeling reflects not only the physical and mental demands of the role but also the opportunity offered by it. Now 60, Pitt has dived headlong into the world of Formula 1, surrounded by professional drivers and taking a deep insider look at the sport. It clearly left a strong impact on the actor, probably very authentically and passionately channeled to the screen.

The Future of Sports Films

“F1” could be a pointer to where sports films are headed. A mix of fiction and reality in action and location, the film assumes a hybrid form of entertainment that would set new standards for authenticity in sports dramas. If this works, floodgates could open in other sports too, giving viewers an almost-there feel.

Global Release Strategy

A wide theatrical release, including IMAX, also speaks to a belief that Apple and Warner Bros. have in “F1.” The June 2025 release is strategically set during the summer blockbuster period and will tap into the rising excitement of that ongoing Formula 1 season.

The film will be internationally released on June 25, 2025, and have its North American premiere on June 27, 2025. An international release for the film represents Brad Pitt’s and Formula 1’s international appeal, placing the movie at a leading edge in the global marketplace.

Anticipation and Marketing

Closer to the release date, anticipation is still building for “F1.” The star power of Brad Pitt, the global popularity of Formula 1, and behind-the-scenes work by Lewis Hamilton are expected to be used to fuel the marketing campaign for the film.

A teaser has already been released, which gives a glimpse of the high-speed action and quality of the movie fans are going to expect. Closer to the release date, fans will likely see more trailers, behind-the-scenes footage, and promotional events featuring the cast and crew.

Conclusion: A New Lap for Racing Films

“F1” is shaping up to be a game-changing entry into the sports film genre, melding the star power of Brad Pitt, the sure-handed directorial prowess of Joseph Kosinski, technical expertise courtesy of Lewis Hamilton, and unprecedented access to the globe of Formula 1—the film assures an authentic and thrilling portrayal of one of the most exciting sports in the world.

Expectations remain extremely high the closer the June 2025 release date comes, for one that could reset how race films are made. Be it the die-hard F1 fan or just an adrenaline junkie who loves high-octane action on the screen, “F1” seems ready to set him squarely in the cockpit of the earth’s fastest sport.

Melding star power, state-of-the-art technology, and unparalleled access to the world of Formula 1, “F1” is less a movie than a testament to the timeless magic of speed, competition, and the human spirit. With the checkered flag waving on production and the countdown to release underway, one thing is certain: the world of cinema and the world of motorsport are about to collide in spectacular fashion.