Daytona International Speedway: The New Stage for Brad Pitt’s Star-Studded F1 Movie

The filming of the eagerly anticipated F1 movie directed by Joseph Kosinski and starring Brad Pitt has expanded its horizons to Daytona International Speedway. With Lewis Hamilton’s involvement, the film is capturing the thrilling world of F1, now adding the iconic Daytona endurance race to its diverse filming locations.

Key Takeaways:

• Expansive Filming Scope: The movie’s production has taken a comprehensive approach, covering several Formula 1 Grand Prix weekends. Key filming events included access to the Silverstone pits and scenes at the Las Vegas Grand Prix. The action sequences use custom-designed cars, modeled after Formula 2 vehicles, to enhance the realism and intensity of the racing experience.
• Daytona International Speedway’s Role: The Daytona International Speedway emerges as a new and exciting filming venue. The film’s team plans to capture sequences during the Roar Before The 24 and the Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona, featuring a GTD car with unique livery. This filming strategy is notable for blending seamlessly with the actual races, rather than opting for exclusive track access.
• Dutch Presence in IMSA: The movie’s filming coincides with the start of the IMSA season at the 24 Hours of Daytona. This event showcases the talent of Dutch drivers like Renger van der Zande and Tijmen van der Helm, adding an international flair and competitive edge to the movie’s backdrop.

The upcoming Formula 1 movie, which remains untitled, has been gaining significant attention for its unique approach to capturing the essence of F1 racing. The filming process, under the guidance of Joseph Kosinski, has been thorough and expansive. A notable highlight was the inclusion of an extra pit at Silverstone, a move that allowed the film crew to capture the pulsating energy of an F1 race weekend from a privileged vantage point.

Mercedes played a crucial role in the film’s production, especially in the design and provision of cars based on Formula 2 models. These cars were strategically deployed during filming to capture the adrenaline-fueled racing sequences, adding authenticity to the movie’s portrayal of the sport.

However, the movie’s production hasn’t been without its challenges. The project faced setbacks due to a strike involving actors and writers, highlighting the complexities of filming such a large-scale project.

The next phase of filming at Daytona International Speedway, as detailed in a report by Racer, represents a bold new step in the movie’s production. Integrating the film’s shooting schedule into the official IMSA sessions at Daytona is a creative approach, differing from the exclusive sessions arranged during F1 weekends. This integration has raised questions about the film’s logistics, specifically whether the crew has registered as a separate entity or is collaborating with an existing team, similar to their partnership with Mercedes.

The 24 Hours of Daytona, scheduled for January 27 and 28, is a pivotal event in the IMSA calendar and will precede a test weekend from January 19 to 21. This year’s race is particularly noteworthy for featuring Dutch drivers Renger van der Zande and Tijmen van der Helm, who are competing for overall victory in the GTP class with different teams. Their participation adds a competitive and international dimension to the film’s setting, further enhancing the authenticity and appeal of the movie’s depiction of motorsport.