Brad Pitt’s Real Racing Skills Shine in ‘Authentic’ F1 Movie, Says Lewis Hamilton

Hollywood Meets Formula 1: Pitt Pushes Limits in High-Speed Thriller

March 13 – The upcoming Formula 1 movie starring Brad Pitt is set to be the most realistic racing film ever made, according to seven-time F1 world champion Lewis Hamilton, who serves as a co-producer. The highly anticipated film, ‘F1’, will hit theaters on June 25, with Apple Original Films backing the production and Warner Bros. Pictures handling the international release.

Hamilton, who recently joined Ferrari, was deeply involved in the film’s development, ensuring that realism and authenticity were at the heart of the project. Speaking about Pitt’s dedication to the role, Hamilton said he was impressed by the Hollywood star’s natural driving talent.

"Watching Brad drive around at speeds over 180 miles per hour was really impressive to see because it's not something you can just learn overnight," Hamilton said at the movie’s trailer launch. "The dedication and focus that Brad put into this process has been amazing to witness."

A Racing Spectacle Like No Other

The film, directed by Joseph Kosinski, best known for ‘Top Gun: Maverick’, blends high-speed thrills, an epic underdog story, drama, humor, and even a touch of romance. Pitt, 61, stars as Sonny Hayes, a veteran driver seeking redemption, alongside British actor Damson Idris, who plays rising talent Joshua Pearce. Oscar-winner Javier Bardem also plays a pivotal role as a struggling team owner.

What makes this movie unique is the unprecedented access to real Formula 1 race weekends. Pitt and Idris drove modified Formula 2 cars, developed by Mercedes, equipped with specialized cameras to capture high-speed action from within the cockpit. The fictitious APX team was granted its own garage and pit wall, with cars placed at the back of the starting grid during actual Grand Prix weekends.

The crew had 10-15 minute windows between practice and qualifying sessions to film real on-track sequences, ensuring seamless integration of Hollywood action and real F1 races. Fans at the circuits were unaware that they were witnessing a helmeted Brad Pitt racing alongside professional drivers.

Can Brad Pitt Actually Drive an F1 Car?

One of the biggest concerns for Hamilton and the production team was whether Pitt could handle the extreme speeds and precision required to drive an F1 car.

"If Brad can't drive, this whole film wasn't going to work," said Kosinski. "Lewis was very happy to discover that Brad had a lot of natural ability from the start."

Hamilton ensured Pitt underwent months of intensive training, including karting, simulator sessions, and track testing, to prepare for the film’s demanding sequences. Kosinski credited Pitt’s experience riding motorcycles for his ability to quickly adapt to the high-G forces and razor-sharp precision required in motorsport.

"When you see Brad driving, that's not acting. He's really concentrating on keeping that car on the track and out of the wall during all those scenes, so that's something you just can't fake," Kosinski added.

Next-Level Cinematic Experience

The film utilizes cutting-edge camera technology, with on-car cameras slimmed down to a quarter of the size used in ‘Top Gun: Maverick’, allowing for breathtaking close-up shots at 180 mph. Kosinski described the filming process as “a live stage play... shooting at 180 miles an hour literally. It was an adrenaline rush every weekend.”

The film is expected to build on the global success of Netflix’s ‘Drive to Survive’, which has significantly increased Formula 1’s popularity, particularly in the U.S.

"I loved how the first season of ‘Drive to Survive’ focused on the last-placed teams, rather than the Ferraris, Mercedes, or Red Bulls," Kosinski explained. "I thought that there was an interesting story to be told about an underdog team... just trying to win one race against the titans of the sport."

A Must-Watch for Racing Fans and Movie Lovers Alike

With high-octane action, a compelling underdog narrative, and real on-track racing footage, ‘F1’ is shaping up to be the definitive motorsport film of this generation. With Hamilton’s first-hand insights, Kosinski’s cinematic vision, and Pitt’s commitment to authenticity, this movie is set to capture the true essence of Formula 1.

Mark your calendars – ‘F1’ releases worldwide on June 25, 2024.