Formula 1 is taking on Hollywood with a feature film that stars Brad Pitt, and features real sequences from races in the last two years.

The film is produced by Apple and the people behind Top Gun: Maverick, and is releasing midway through the year in a bid to encourage new fanbases to get involved with F1.

Reviews have already generated critical acclaim for the movie, with many praising the impressive cinematography that puts the viewers right at the heart of the action.

Filming took place between the 2023 and 2024 seasons and features real sequences with the fictional Apex GP car superimposed.

Pitt, who stars as Sonny Hayes, recalls one funny moment on the first day of set when the crew found themselves situated between the Mercedes and Ferrari garages when speaking to Access Hollywood.


Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images

Mercedes and Ferrari took one issue with F1 movie crew during day one of filming

The F1 movie producers had access to tracks on real race weekends, enabling them to film with the crowds in the background and on proper tracks.

A lot of the film’s stunts were coordinated by Action Factory, which deals with specialist pyrotechnics and other filmmaking needs.

Silverstone was one of the first locations, and Pitt recalls a funny moment that occurred when the fictional pit crew first wore their overalls.

“Our day one at Silverstone, they kitted out – we had a garage between Ferrari and Mercedes. They kitted out – we had a real pit crew. They kitted them out with, you know, Apex,” said Pitt.

“But, on the back, they had printed – because this is sometimes where sports and designers don’t talk – right here on the tramp stamp, it said ‘Action Factory.’ And they got so much s— from the neighbouring teams that they pulled those shirts and they redid them.”

Brad Pitt recalls important Lewis Hamilton input on F1 film

A lot of consultation was done between figureheads within the F1 world and the movie producers to ensure accuracy in the film.

Lewis Hamilton was a producer of the film and helped shape its realism, regularly speaking to directors Joseph Kosinski and Jerry Bruckheimer.

Pitt noticed something ‘incredible’ about working with Hamilton, and how he was able to pick up small things to help improve the accuracy of the movie.

The pair were seen on the red carpet premiere in New York last week, along with several other drivers including George Russell, Lando Norris and Charles Leclerc.