Hollywood

Brad Pitt’s F1 Movie Accelerates Toward Summer Release: What We Know So Far

The upcoming Formula 1 movie, simply titled F1, is generating significant buzz across the United States as it gears up for its theatrical release on June 27, 2025. Directed by Joseph Kosinski of Top Gun: Maverick fame and starring Hollywood icon Brad Pitt, the film promises to deliver a high-octane, immersive experience that captures the thrill of Formula 1 racing. With production insights, a star-studded cast, and real-world F1 integration, F1 is poised to be a game-changer for racing movies. Here’s everything you need to know about this much-anticipated film, from its plot to its impact on the sport’s growing U.S. fanbase.

A Star-Studded Cast and Authentic F1 Setting

F1 follows the fictional journey of Sonny Hayes, a retired Formula 1 driver played by Brad Pitt, who returns to the sport to compete with a new team, APXGP. Alongside him is Damson Idris as his teammate, with a supporting cast that includes acclaimed actors like Kerry Condon, Javier Bardem, Tobias Menzies, and Kim Bodnia. The film’s authenticity is elevated by the involvement of seven-time Formula 1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton, who serves as a co-producer to ensure the movie resonates with fans of the sport.

What sets F1 apart from previous racing films is its unprecedented access to real Formula 1 events. Filming took place during actual Grand Prix weekends, including the 2023 British Grand Prix at Silverstone, where Pitt and Idris joined real drivers on the grid. The production team used modified Formula 2 cars fitted with miniature IMAX-certified cameras, a technology refined from Top Gun: Maverick, to capture breathtaking racing sequences. This approach aims to put audiences in the driver’s seat, offering a visceral experience of the speed and intensity of F1 racing.

According to director Joseph Kosinski, the goal was to create “the most authentic, realistic, and grounded racing movie ever made.” He credits the Netflix series Drive to Survive for sparking his interest in Formula 1, noting the sport’s unique dynamic where teammates are also fierce competitors. This authenticity has already impressed F1 drivers, with McLaren’s Lando Norris praising the film’s plot and immersive quality after a private screening in Monaco.

For more details on the film’s production, check out GQ’s in-depth feature on the making of F1.

F1 Drivers’ Reactions: A Hollywood Hit with a Few “Icks”

The F1 movie has already received early praise from the sport’s biggest stars. A private screening held in Monaco on May 21, 2025, before the Monaco Grand Prix, gave the 2025 F1 grid an exclusive first look. Drivers like Lando Norris, Charles Leclerc, and Esteban Ocon lauded the film for its thrilling visuals and integration of real F1 elements. George Russell highlighted how the movie seamlessly blends Hollywood storytelling with actual drivers and team principals, making them feel like “real characters in a Hollywood scene.”

However, some drivers noted the film’s “Hollywood-esque” flair. Williams driver Carlos Sainz admitted there were “a couple of icks” due to dramatic exaggerations, but he emphasized that these were minor compared to the film’s overall impact. Haas driver Esteban Ocon inadvertently revealed a plot point, mentioning a dramatic race involving a red flag and strategic tire choices, before apologizing to journalists for the spoiler. Despite these critiques, the consensus among drivers is that F1 will attract new fans to the sport, with Sainz calling it “by far the best racing movie of all time.”

Read more about the drivers’ reactions at The Athletic.

Lewis Hamilton’s Role and Future Hollywood Ventures

Lewis Hamilton’s involvement in F1 goes beyond a cameo appearance. As a co-producer through his company, Dawn Apollo Films, Hamilton worked closely with Kosinski and producer Jerry Bruckheimer to ensure the film’s authenticity. He described the experience as “incredible,” from refining the script to witnessing the final product. Hamilton’s logo for Dawn Apollo Films appears at the start of the movie, a moment he described as a personal milestone.

The Ferrari driver is already looking ahead, revealing plans for three new film concepts through his production company. While he’s collaborating with professional screenwriters due to his lack of scriptwriting experience, Hamilton’s ambition to produce more movies signals his growing influence in Hollywood. His peers have praised his contribution, with drivers noting that the film makes F1 drivers “look very good,” as Hamilton himself humorously remarked.

Boosting Formula 1’s Popularity in the U.S.

The F1 movie comes at a time when Formula 1’s popularity is surging in the United States, thanks in part to Drive to Survive and the addition of three U.S. Grand Prix races in Miami, Austin, and Las Vegas. The 2025 Monaco Grand Prix broke U.S. viewership records, a testament to the sport’s growing appeal. The film is expected to further fuel this momentum, with its release in IMAX theaters and a visually striking poster inspired by the iconic anime Akira. The poster, featuring Pitt walking toward a Formula 2 car, has drawn praise for its bold design and cross-cultural appeal.

Formula 1 has also capitalized on the movie’s hype by launching a limited-edition merchandise collection. Featuring bold graphic prints and APXGP logos, the collection blends sporty streetwear with minimalist design, appealing to fans, moviegoers, and fashion enthusiasts alike. The merchandise drop is part of the buildup to the film’s premiere, which is expected to draw massive crowds in the U.S. and internationally.

Learn more about the merchandise at Formula1.com.

Challenges and Controversies

While F1 has generated overwhelmingly positive buzz, it hasn’t been without challenges. A 118-day actors’ strike in 2023 delayed production, though Pitt noted it gave him and Idris more time to train with the modified Formula 2 cars. Additionally, a post on X from @formulafakers claimed that preliminary screenings scored poorly with audiences due to “explicit” scenes involving F1 drivers, but these claims remain unverified and should be treated with skepticism. The film’s team has emphasized its focus on authenticity and thrilling racing sequences, which have been well-received by drivers and industry insiders.

Why F1 Matters for American Audiences

For American audiences, F1 is more than just a summer blockbuster. It’s a gateway to a sport that’s rapidly gaining traction in the U.S., where motorsport has traditionally been dominated by NASCAR and IndyCar. The film’s blend of Hollywood star power, real F1 footage, and cutting-edge cinematography makes it accessible to both casual viewers and die-hard racing fans. With the U.S. hosting three Grand Prix races and viewership numbers climbing, F1 could solidify Formula 1’s place in American pop culture.

The film also taps into the broader trend of sports-driven entertainment, following the success of Drive to Survive and films like Ford v Ferrari. By showcasing the drama, danger, and camaraderie of Formula 1, F1 aims to capture the sport’s essence while delivering a story that resonates universally. As Hamilton put it, the movie promises an “edge of your seat” experience that will leave audiences wanting to tune into the next Grand Prix.

What’s Next for F1

As the June 27 release date approaches, anticipation continues to build. The film’s initial theatrical run, followed by its availability on Apple’s streaming platform, ensures wide accessibility. With positive early reactions, a stellar cast, and the backing of Formula 1’s biggest names, F1 is on track to be a defining moment for the sport in the U.S. Whether you’re a longtime F1 fan or new to the world of open-wheel racing, this movie is set to deliver a thrilling ride.

For the latest updates on F1 and the sport itself, visit Motorsport.com.

Final Thoughts

F1 is more than a movie—it’s a celebration of a sport that’s capturing the imagination of American audiences. With Brad Pitt at the wheel, Joseph Kosinski’s visionary direction, and Lewis Hamilton’s authentic touch, the film is poised to be a landmark in racing cinema. As the countdown to June 27 begins, fans across the U.S. are ready to buckle up for what promises to be an unforgettable cinematic journey.

Rajendra Chandre