Alright boys, this is the moment fans have been waiting for — Brad Pitt is strapping into the cockpit and bringing Formula 1 straight to the big screen. Simply titled F1, the movie is set to hit cinemas on June 25, 2025, and it’s already being hyped as one of the most ambitious sports films of the decade.
With Top Gun: Maverick director Joseph Kosinski in charge, legendary producer Jerry Bruckheimer backing it, and seven-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton ensuring the racing feels as authentic as possible, this isn’t your typical Hollywood car flick. It’s fast, it’s dramatic, and it’s designed to capture everything we love about Formula 1 — the rivalries, the heartbreak, and the rush of pure speed. Add Brad Pitt into the mix, and you’ve got a blockbuster revving to take over the box office.
Brad Pitt takes on the role of Sonny Hayes, a former Formula 1 driver who was once at the top of his game before a devastating crash forced him into early retirement. Years later, he’s called back into the sport by his friend and APXGP team owner, played by Javier Bardem. But here’s the catch: APXGP is sitting at the bottom of the grid, winless, desperate, and in need of a miracle. Their one hope lies in a young rising star, played by Damson Idris, and Hayes is brought in as the veteran mentor — and maybe the final push the team needs to fight for glory.
Pitt himself summed it up perfectly in an interview: “They’re a last place team, they’re 21–22 on the grid, they’ve never scored a point. But they have a young phenom, played by Damson Idris, and they bring me in as a kind of Hail Mary and hijinks ensue.” In short: think Rocky meets Rush, with a Hollywood-sized adrenaline shot.
And this isn’t just a film shot in some studio with CGI cars — F1 has been filmed on real tracks during real Grand Prix weekends, with Pitt and Idris even driving modified Formula 2 cars kitted out to look like Formula 1 machines. The teaser trailer already shows just how much work has gone into making the racing sequences feel authentic, with Pitt’s character urging his team to rework the car “for combat,” while blistering on-track shots give fans the high-octane thrill we’ve come to expect from Netflix’s Drive to Survive — only bigger, louder, and made for the cinema.
Of course, the secret behind all this authenticity is Lewis Hamilton. Not only is he producing through his own company, Dawn Apollo Films, but he’s been deeply involved in everything from camera placement to script details. “We want everyone to love it and to really feel that we encapsulate what the essence of this sport is all about,” Hamilton said. “That’s our goal and I hope we can do you proud.”
Hamilton also praised Pitt’s dedication. The seven-time champion even took him out on the track in LA, and to his surprise, Pitt was already racing like a pro. “For someone that hasn’t raced, he’s definitely already got a keen eye,” Hamilton said. “He already had a knack for the lines and he was fully, fully on it.” Much like Tom Cruise in Top Gun: Maverick, Pitt isn’t relying on stunt doubles — he’s been behind the wheel, close up with the speed and danger that define Formula 1.
Joining Pitt and Idris on screen is a strong cast, including Kerry Condon and Javier Bardem, along with cameos from real F1 figures. Yes, you’ll spot team principals like Guenther Steiner and even drivers making appearances — further blurring the line between the sport we know and the Hollywood drama unfolding on screen.
And then there’s the man behind the camera. Joseph Kosinski has already proven he knows how to make speed look cinematic — Top Gun: Maverick was a masterclass in capturing velocity, danger, and intensity. Swap out fighter jets for Formula 1 cars, and you’ve got the same heart-pounding formula: tight shots, real stunts, and the kind of immersive camerawork that makes you grip your seat.
F1 has always been more than just racing — it’s about redemption, mentorship, and chasing glory against all odds. Pitt’s Hayes is a driver with a history, Idris’ character represents the sport’s future, and the story of APXGP is about discovering greatness where nobody expects it.
With Apple and Warner Bros. managing the release, this film goes beyond being a simple racing movie. It’s shaping up to be a global blockbuster that could bring Formula 1 to an even wider mainstream audience. Combining the authenticity Lewis Hamilton provides, the star power of Brad Pitt, and Kosinski’s proven ability to deliver high-octane spectacles, all the elements are in place for F1 to become the sports movie of the decade.
So buckle up — June 25, 2025, is marked on the calendar. Because this isn’t just Brad Pitt’s next big role, it’s Formula 1 like you’ve never seen it before.
Of course, Brad Pitt might be in the driver’s seat, but he’s far from the only star bringing this project to life. Joining him on screen are Damson Idris, Kerry Condon, and Javier Bardem, along with talents like Tobias Menzies, Sarah Niles, Kim Bodnia, and Samson Kayo — a cast that promises both drama and depth beyond the roar of the engines.
And because this is Formula 1 we’re talking about, the movie wouldn’t be complete without some real-world legends making appearances as themselves. Expect to see familiar faces like Red Bull’s Max Verstappen and Sergio Pérez, Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz, Aston Martin investor Lawrence Stroll, and everyone’s favourite no-nonsense team boss, Guenther Steiner. It’s that rare mix of Hollywood and authentic F1 personalities that should give fans the perfect blend of storytelling and genuine racing flavour.
