10 Things You Didn’t Know About the Upcoming F1 Movie

The upcoming F1 movie promises to be a groundbreaking cinematic endeavor, seamlessly blending Hollywood storytelling with the thrilling world of Formula 1 racing. By leveraging a combination of authentic racing elements, an exceptional cast, and innovative filmmaking techniques, this film offers a unique glimpse into the high-octane universe of competitive motorsport. As audiences prepare for its release, we explore the innovative approaches and behind-the-scenes dedication that are set to make this movie a landmark in both film and sports history.

10. Brad Pitt’s Real-Life Racing Stints for Filming

Source: F1 Movie on X – @F1Movie

Brad Pitt didn’t just act—he drove an actual Formula 1 car on the track during filming, experiencing real G-forces and the racing environment. This dedication brings authenticity to his role in F1, as seen in behind-the-scenes footage where Pitt describes the adrenaline and challenge of piloting a real F1 machine.

9. Why F1 Teams Opened Their Doors Like Never Before

MONTREAL, QUEBEC – JUNE 15: George Russell of Great Britain driving the (63) Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team W16 leads Max Verstappen of the Netherlands driving the (1) Oracle Red Bull Racing RB21 Oscar Piastri of Australia driving the (81) McLaren MCL39 Mercedes and the rest of the field at the start during the F1 Grand Prix of Canada at Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve on June 15, 2025 in Montreal, Quebec. (Photo by James Sutton/LAT Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202506150638 // Usage for editorial use only //

For the F1 movie, teams offered unprecedented access: real cars raced during actual Grand Prix weekends, with paddock and pit lane entry, plus engineers and pit crews onboard. Mercedes-AMG Petronas served as a technical consultant, ensuring realism. The FIA and Formula 1’s full cooperation blurred the lines between drama and documentary.

8. The Fictional APXGP Team and Its Legendary Comeback

Source: Formula 1 on X – @F1

The F1 movie introduces the fictional APXGP team, which becomes the film’s centerpiece as veteran Sonny Hayes (Brad Pitt) comes out of retirement to mentor a rising star, Joshua Pearce. APXGP, depicted as a struggling eleventh team, captures fans’ imaginations with a daring underdog storyline and a dramatic push up the grid.

7. Filming at Actual Grand Prix Weekends—With Real Cars on Track

Spectators at Red Bull Front Rown in Suzuka Circit, Mie, Japan, on April 6th 2025 // Kunihisa Kobayashi / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202504080216 // Usage for editorial use only //

The upcoming F1 movie broke new ground by filming dramatic race sequences during live Formula One Grand Prix weekends at iconic circuits like Silverstone, Spa, Zandvoort, Suzuka, and Yas Marina. Authentic F1 cars, integrated into real race schedules, provided unmatched realism and captured the sport’s true atmosphere and intensity.

6. Lewis Hamilton’s Pivotal Role Behind the Scenes

Ferrari Press Image

Lewis Hamilton wasn’t just an advisor—he was a core producer, helping shape the script, train actors, and ensure racing scenes authentically reflect F1. Hamilton’s expertise guided everything from technical dialogue to car behavior, making the film’s details ring true for fans and insiders alike.

5. How the Team Engineered Real F2 Cars for Movie Cameras

F1 Movie Car | Source: Formula 1 on X – @F1

To deliver authentic racing action, filmmakers modified Formula 2 cars to resemble and perform like real F1 machines. These vehicles were outfitted with advanced 6K camera rigs and onboard cinematography gear, allowing for unprecedented cockpit and track footage—all without relying on CGI. Mercedes engineers ensured the realism.

4. An A-List Cast Bringing Star Power and Talent

Source: Formula 1 on X – @F1

F1: The Movie boasts a powerhouse ensemble led by Brad Pitt as veteran driver Sonny Hayes, with rising star Damson Idris playing rookie Joshua “Noah” Pearce. Joining them are Academy Award winners Javier Bardem and Kerry Condon, plus Tobias Menzies and Sarah Niles, ensuring Hollywood gravitas and fresh energy on screen.

3. The Cutting-Edge Camera System Inspired by Top Gun: Maverick

F1 Movie Screenshot from X – @F1Movie

Director Joseph Kosinski adapted and advanced camera tech from Top Gun: Maverick for the F1 movie, fitting custom Sony prototype cameras into real F2 cars. These lightweight, remotely operated 6K cameras can dynamically pan, tilt, and zoom at racing speeds, capturing angles and cockpit immersion never seen before in motorsport film.

2. Fan-First IMAX Events Launching Worldwide

Source: F1 Movie on X – @F1Movie

On June 23, 2025, fans can attend exclusive, one-night-only “Fan-First Premiere” screenings of the F1 movie in 400 IMAX theaters across the globe. These early events give die-hard F1 enthusiasts the chance to experience the film’s high-octane action ahead of its official worldwide release later that week.

1. A Soundtrack Featuring Ed Sheeran, ROSÉ, RAYE, and More

Source: Openverse

The F1 movie’s official soundtrack, F1 The Album, is packed with exclusive tracks by global stars including Ed Sheeran (“Drive”), ROSÉ (“Messy”), RAYE (“Grandma Calls the Boys Bad News”), and many more. The album drops June 27, 2025, the same day as the film’s theatrical release in North America.

Conclusion:

MONTREAL, QUEBEC – JUNE 15: George Russell of Great Britain driving the (63) Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team W16 leads Max Verstappen of the Netherlands driving the (1) Oracle Red Bull Racing RB21 Oscar Piastri of Australia driving the (81) McLaren MCL39 Mercedes and the rest of the field away for the start during the F1 Grand Prix of Canada at Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve on June 15, 2025 in Montreal, Quebec. (Photo by Sam Bagnall/Sutton Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202506150608 // Usage for editorial use only //

With its unparalleled access to F1 teams, groundbreaking filming strategies, and a soundtrack that complements its adrenaline-fueled narrative, the F1 movie stands poised to captivate viewers worldwide. As fans gear up for exclusive IMAX premieres and the release of an accompanying album by global superstars, the film promises not only to entertain but to immerse audiences into the exhilarating world of Formula 1 racing like never before. This cinematic venture marks a new era in sports films, blending authenticity and artistry to create an unforgettable experience for both racing enthusiasts and moviegoers alike.