Brad Pitt’s F1 Movie ‘Apex’ Makes Waves at Daytona 24 Hours

Brad Pitt’s upcoming Formula 1 film, ‘Apex’, co-produced by Lewis Hamilton, recently took center stage at the Daytona 24 Hours for filming. The movie, blending the high-speed worlds of F1 and IMSA racing, promises an exhilarating portrayal of motorsport drama.

Key Takeaways:

• A Blend of F1 and IMSA Racing: The film ‘Apex’, starring Brad Pitt and co-produced by Lewis Hamilton, is currently filming at Daytona, marking a unique crossover between Formula 1 and the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.
• Behind the Scenes with Real Racing Teams: To add authenticity, Brad Pitt is collaborating with Wright Motorsports for his role, and a Porsche 911 GT3 RS, featured in the film, will compete in the Rolex 24 at Daytona.
• Production Challenges and Delays: Hollywood strikes and other production challenges have pushed the movie’s release to early 2025, as confirmed by Lewis Hamilton, with a cancelled scene at the Las Vegas Grand Prix being one of the setbacks.

The excitement in the world of motorsports is mounting as Brad Pitt’s latest venture into the world of Formula 1, in the movie supposedly titled ‘Apex’, takes an intriguing turn by featuring at the Daytona 24 Hours. The film, a fictional tale of an F1 team named APXGP, focuses on the journey of a rookie driver vying for the championship title. Co-produced by Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton, the movie strives to bring an authentic F1 experience to the big screen.

The film crew’s dedication to realism led them to immerse in the actual Formula 1 atmosphere at various Grands Prix last season. They even used a modified Formula 2 car to replicate an F1 car for shooting. Interestingly, the plot extends beyond F1, incorporating elements of the IMSA series, with Daytona as a pivotal backdrop.

Pitt, portraying veteran driver Sonny Hayes, is deeply involved in the racing aspect, working alongside Wright Motorsports. They have prepared a special Porsche 911 GT3 RS, numbered 120 and featuring Sonny Hayes’ name, to participate in the Rolex 24, driven by Adam Adelson, Jan Heylen, and Fred Makowiecki.

The story hinges on the character of Sonny Hayes, a retired F1 driver who returns to mentor rookie Joshua Pears, played by Damson Idris. This narrative promises to deliver a mix of seasoned expertise and young ambition in the high-stakes world of Formula 1 racing.

Directed by Joseph Kosinski of ‘Top Gun’ fame and produced by Jerry Bruckheimer, who also serves as the Grand Marshal for the 62nd Rolex 24 at Daytona, the film has generated significant buzz in both racing and film circles. Bruckheimer expressed his excitement about Daytona, calling it an “iconic venue” and looking forward to experiencing one of the most prestigious sports car races.

Despite the excitement, the film has faced its share of hurdles. Hollywood strikes and other production issues have led to delays, with the release now set for early 2025. Lewis Hamilton remarked on the delays, stating, “Probably early 2025, I would imagine, with the post-work they’d have to do. So yeah, it’s been delayed a lot.” This delay includes the cancellation of a scene at the inaugural Las Vegas Grand Prix, adding to the challenges faced by the production team.

As ‘Apex’ gears up for its much-anticipated release, the combination of star power, racing action, and behind-the-scenes efforts promises to deliver a film that will captivate both racing enthusiasts and moviegoers alike.