The highly anticipated Formula One movie, with Lewis Hamilton as an executive producer, has finally received a confirmed release date. The film, which stars Brad Pitt and Damson Idris, is set to premiere internationally on June 25, 2025, and will hit North American theaters two days later on June 27, 2025. Warner Bros. Pictures will handle the distribution, ensuring a wide reach for this much-awaited cinematic experience.
Directed by Joseph Kosinski and produced by Jerry Bruckheimer, the Apple Original Films production has already generated significant buzz. The collaboration with Formula 1 and the involvement of the seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton promise an unprecedented level of authenticity. The film has formed alliances with all 10 F1 teams, drivers, the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), and race promoters, ensuring a genuine portrayal of the sport.
Filming began in 2023 and has taken the crew to various live Grand Prix events, including the 2024 British Grand Prix. Brad Pitt stars as a former Formula 1 driver making a dramatic return to the grid, while Damson Idris plays a young racer whom Pitt’s character mentors. Together, they navigate the intense rivalries and challenges of the Formula 1 world, racing for a fictional team named APXGP.
The film, tentatively titled “Apex,” boasts a stellar supporting cast, including Kerry Condon, Javier Bardem, Tobias Menzies, Sarah Niles, Kim Bodnia, and Samson Kayo. Fans can look forward to an enhanced cinematic experience as the movie will also be released in IMAX theaters. Despite facing delays due to industry strikes last year, the production is back on track. Hamilton expressed his confidence in the project, stating that although the delays might increase costs, the final product will be worth it.
The movie’s plot centers around Brad Pitt’s character, Sonny Hayes, a retired F1 driver who returns to the sport to mentor a young prodigy, Joshua Pierce, played by Damson Idris. The storyline explores themes of mentorship, rivalry, and resilience within the high-stakes world of Formula 1 racing. The film will feature APXGP’s cars competing against the ten real teams on the grid, offering potential cameo opportunities for current F1 drivers and team members.
Production for the film has continued into 2024, with the crew spotted filming at various locations, including the Daytona 24 Hours and the Monaco GP weekend. The scenes shot at these events are expected to form a short sequence in the final movie, showcasing Hayes’ dramatic return to Formula 1.
Lewis Hamilton’s involvement in the film extends beyond his role as an executive producer. His production company, Dawn Apollo Films, is also part of the project. Hamilton has been actively involved in various aspects of the film, from selecting cast members to overseeing camera positions and frame rates to ensure the cars look as fast as possible on screen. While it remains unclear if Hamilton will make a cameo appearance, his influence on the film’s authenticity is undeniable.
The film’s production has not been without its challenges. The industry strikes in 2023 caused significant delays, pushing much of the filming into 2024. However, the production team has managed to capture plenty of footage at various Grand Prix events, including the British Grand Prix, Las Vegas, and Abu Dhabi. The film crew was even allocated a pit garage and set up replica equipment and signs to ensure a realistic portrayal of the sport.
The APXGP cars, modified Formula 2 vehicles, have been a significant part of the filming process. These cars, featuring black and gold livery, have taken to the track at various events, performing race-like maneuvers and lining up with the real grid for parade laps. The production team has gone to great lengths to ensure the cars and their surroundings look as authentic as possible, even setting up a full garage and pitwall between Mercedes and Ferrari.
As the release date approaches, more details about the collaboration between Apple Studios and Hamilton’s Dawn Apollo Films will emerge. The film promises to immerse viewers in the exhilarating world of Formula 1, offering a unique cinematic experience that captures the sport’s speed, intensity, and drama.
In summary, the upcoming Formula One movie, with Lewis Hamilton as an executive producer and starring Brad Pitt and Damson Idris, is set to premiere internationally on June 25, 2025, and in North America on June 27, 2025. Directed by Joseph Kosinski and produced by Jerry Bruckheimer, the film promises an authentic portrayal of the sport, thanks to its collaboration with Formula 1 and the involvement of all 10 F1 teams, drivers, the FIA, and race promoters. Despite facing delays due to industry strikes, the production is back on track, and fans can look forward to an enhanced cinematic experience in IMAX theaters.
