What you Should know About Brad Pitt’s F1 Movie (2025)
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A new trailer from the F1 movie is here (and just in time for the 2025 Formula 1 season). Starring Brad Pitt as Sonny Hayes, alongside other prominent names, the film is set to explore the back-breaking competition that exists in the titular sport.
But at its core is the heartfelt story of an underdog who returns to the game after he is past his prime. However, this isn’t the 1990s anymore; the game has changed, and yet it has remained the same in many ways. Can he cope with the pressure? Or will the new rookie take his golden chance to return to the top?
Curious about the film? In this article, we will explore the F1 movie, from its plot to trailer, and more. Also, stay tuned as we will keep updating this space with new information when available.
Release date and Where to Watch
F1 will be released in US theaters on June 27, 2025. It will be released internationally on June 25, so two days before the US premiere. It will eventually be streamed on Apple TV+.
What is the F1 Movie About?
F1 tells the story of Sonny Hayes, dubbed “the greatest that never was.” Back in the 1990s, Sonny was a rising Formula 1 star, but an accident almost ended his career. So, he became a racer-for-hire and stayed that way for the next three decades. That is, until his former teammate-turned-F1 owner, Ruben Cervantes, offers him a golden opportunity- to drive for his team.
Why him? Is there no one better than Sonny? Well, Ruben’s Formula 1 team is on the verge of collapse. So, for him, Sonny is the last shot at saving this team. But it won’t be easy when he will have to drive alongside Joshua Pearce, the new rising rookie. The Apple TV Synopsis further states:
“Sonny’s past catches up with him and he finds that in FORMULA 1, your teammate is your fiercest competition — and the road to redemption is not something you can travel alone.”
Director Joseph Kosinski revealed (via USA Today) that the Netflix series Drive to Survive was the inspiration behind this film. He said:
“I found it was a unique sport where your own teammate is in many ways your greatest competition. The first season (of ‘Drive’) focused on the last-place teams, the underdogs. So I thought there was an interesting story to be told about the underdogs not trying to win a championship but even just one race against the titans of the sport.”
Who is in the Cast of F1 Movie
- Brad Pitt as Sonny Hayes
- Javier Bardem as Ruben
- Kerry Condon as Kate
- Tobias Menzies as Banning
- Damson Idris as Joshua Pearce
- Kim Bodnia as Kasper
- Callie Cooke as Jodie
- Sarah Niles as Bernadette
- Samson Kayo as Cashman
- Simone Ashley
F1 Movie Trailer
The trailer follows the journey of Brad Pitt’s retired racer, Sonny Hayes, who returns to the F1 racetrack after living in a van for years. An accident almost ended his career and made him destitute. The film states that he isn’t a “has been,” but rather a “never was.”
When his former teammate and current F1 owner offers him a chance to get back on the driver’s seat, he accepts. But he isn’t the only one there. Damson Idris’ rookie is the rising star of this era and in the trailer, Hayes clashes with him.
The banter and competition coupled with the grudging respect they show each other provides an interesting emotional elevation to the trailer while the driving sequences keep the heart pumping action intact. Check it out below:
Lewis Hamilton Praises Brad Pitt’s Driving Skills
Lewis Hamilton, who is a co-producer of the F1 movie, talked about Brad Pitt’s driving skills, he said, “Watching Brad drive around at speeds over 180 miles an hour was really impressive to see because it's not something you can just learn overnight." (via ESPN)
Director Kosinski said that the entire film depended upon Brad Pitt’s driving skills. He said, “If Brad can't drive, this whole film wasn't going to work, and what Lewis was very happy to discover was that, you know, Brad had a lot of just natural ability right from the start.”
The director revealed that the actor’s driving skills helped convince Hamilton that they could pull off the film. Kosinski also revealed that Brad Pitt didn’t act in the film, instead, he was really driving on the tracks when those scenes were shot. He said:
"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 that you just can't fake."
Where was F1 Filmed?
F1’s racing scenes were filmed during the 2023 British Grand Prix. The team had slots of only 10 to 15 minutes between the practice and qualifying sessions. So, they had to be ready to go and shoot as soon as the real action ended. Director Joseph Kosinski wanted to use minimal CGI for the film.
He said, “We’re literally shooting at 180 mph. It’s an adrenaline rush. What we captured, you can’t fake.” (via USA Today). The fictional Mercedes-AMG race car was used for the film. Pitt and Idris drove F2 cars which were adapted by Mercedes and fitted with cameras and recording equipment.
Behind the Scenes
The F1 film is directed by Joseph Kosinski. It is produced by Jerry Bruckheimer, Kosinski, Lewis Hamilton, Pitt, Dede Gardner, Jeremy Kleiner and Chad Oman. It is made in collaboration with Formula 1.
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