Formula 1 and Apple Original Films have unveiled the first teaser trailer for the highly anticipated Formula 1 racing movie starring Brad Pitt, titled “F1.” The film follows Pitt as Sonny Hayes, a former Formula 1 driver who makes a dramatic return to the sport. Hayes partners with and mentors rookie teammate Joshua Pearce, played by Damson Idris, on the fictional APXGP team. The cast also includes Kerry Condon, Javier Bardem, Tobias Menzies, Sarah Niles, Kim Bodnia, and Samson Kayo, with Bardem portraying the team boss of APXGP.
Filming for “F1” has taken place at actual Formula 1 events, including last year’s British Grand Prix and the Rolex 24 at Daytona sportscar race this January. The film is written by Ehren Kruger and directed by Joseph Kosinski, with Brad Pitt, Jerry Bruckheimer, Dede Gardner, and Lewis Hamilton serving as producers.
Apple confirmed the official title and release date, sharing the film teaser on social media alongside a poster of Pitt in his racing gear. The teaser was captioned: “This is F1. Starring Brad Pitt. In cinemas Summer 2025. #F1 #F1Movie.” The film is set to open in theaters internationally on June 25, 2025, and in North America on June 27, 2025. It will later stream on Apple TV+.
The collaboration between Jerry Bruckheimer and Joseph Kosinski, who previously worked together on “Top Gun: Maverick,” brings high expectations for “F1.” The film is made in partnership with Formula 1 and its 10 teams, providing unprecedented access to the paddock and tracks. Kosinski described the production as becoming the “eleventh team” in Formula 1.
Brad Pitt stars as a former driver who returns to Formula 1, with Damson Idris as his teammate. Real F1 drivers will feature in the film, and Bruckheimer mentioned that the movie will incorporate events from actual F1 races. The film’s budget is reportedly substantial, though the team disputes the $300 million figure that has been circulating.
The production faced challenges due to industry strikes, but the team adapted by focusing on second unit work and car footage during the downtime. Kosinski took on the role of second unit director, ensuring that the film’s vision remained consistent. The film uses modified Formula 2 cars, designed to look like Formula 1 cars, with input from Mercedes and their design team.
Lewis Hamilton, a seven-time F1 world champion, is a producer through his Dawn Apollo Films banner. He has been deeply involved in the project, providing insights to ensure authenticity. Hamilton’s involvement extended to training Brad Pitt and Damson Idris in various race cars, with both actors impressing with their natural driving abilities.
The film employs advanced technology to capture high-speed racing footage, using bespoke cameras designed by Sony. These cameras are small and light, minimizing their impact on the car’s performance. The production also built an extensive RF network around the tracks to control camera movements in real-time.
Shooting at live Formula 1 events added a layer of complexity to the production. Kosinski recounted a scene shot on the grid at Silverstone, where the team had just nine minutes to capture a dialogue scene with three actors. This intense schedule brought an adrenaline-fueled energy to the performances.
The film covers nine races, including the Daytona 24 hours, Silverstone, Hungary, Spa (Belgium), Monza (Italy), Zandvoort (Netherlands), Japan, Las Vegas, Abu Dhabi, and Mexico City. While “F1” is made for Apple, it will be released in IMAX and movie theaters, emphasizing the film’s spectacle.
Despite reports of a $300 million budget, Bruckheimer clarified that the actual figure is significantly lower, thanks to filming in rebate locations and securing sponsorships. The film aims to capture the emotional stakes of Formula 1, appealing to both die-hard fans and newcomers to the sport.
Real Formula 1 drivers, including Esteban Ocon and Carlos Sainz, will appear in the film, playing themselves. The production aims to embed itself in the world of Formula 1, providing an authentic experience for viewers. Bruckheimer emphasized the importance of telling a great, emotional story, drawing parallels to the success of “Top Gun: Maverick.”
“F1” promises to deliver an exhilarating and authentic portrayal of the world of Formula 1 racing, with a star-studded cast and cutting-edge technology. Fans can look forward to experiencing the thrill of the race when the film hits theaters in the summer of 2025.
Source: Deadline, Apple Original Films
