Brad Pitt and Damson Idris are set to ignite the big screen with their high-speed antics in the upcoming racing drama “F1.” The newly released teaser for the film showcases a thrilling montage of high-speed races, intense spinouts, and cars training on a course, all set to the iconic tune of Queen’s “We Will Rock You.”
In “F1,” Pitt stars as Sonny Hayes, a former professional driver making a dramatic return to the Formula 1 circuit. The teaser opens with Pitt’s character urging, “We need to build our car for combat,” to which a puzzled Kerry Condon responds, “How am I supposed to make that safe?” Pitt’s character retorts, “Who said anything about safe?” This sets the tone for a film that promises to be as dangerous as it is exhilarating.
The film, produced by Apple Studios, features Pitt alongside Damson Idris, who plays his teammate at APXGP, a fictional team on the grid. The cast also includes notable names like Javier Bardem, Tobias Menzies, Sarah Niles, Kim Bodnia, and Samson Kayo. Directed by Joseph Kosinski, known for his work on “Top Gun: Maverick” and “Oblivion,” the film is set to be a high-octane spectacle.
“F1” was filmed at various Grand Prix events, capturing the essence of real-life racing. The movie features a diverse set of filming locations, including Silverstone in England, Hungaroring in Hungary, Spa Francorchamps in Belgium, Circuit Zandvoort in the Netherlands, the Las Vegas Strip Circuit, and Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi. Other international circuits in Japan and Mexico also make an appearance, adding to the film’s global appeal.
The project boasts an impressive lineup of producers, including Jerry Bruckheimer, Chad Oman, Brad Pitt, Dede Gardner, Jeremy Kleiner, and famed F1 driver Lewis Hamilton. The film is set to hit North American theaters on June 27, 2025, with an international rollout beginning on June 25.
The first trailer for “F1” has already generated significant buzz. It features a high-speed montage of racing scenes set to Queen’s “We Will Rock You.” In the trailer, Pitt’s character discusses the competitive landscape of Formula 1, mentioning teams like Red Bull, Ferrari, Mercedes, Aston, and McLaren. “Our shot is battling it in the turns,” he says, emphasizing the strategic aspect of the sport.
The film was made in collaboration with ten Formula 1 teams, with scenes shot during real F1 races. This collaboration ensures that the film captures the authenticity and excitement of the sport. Kerry Condon, Javier Bardem, Tobias Menzies, Sarah Niles, Kim Bodnia, and Samson Kayo also star in the film, adding depth to the ensemble cast.
“F1” reteams the filmmakers behind “Top Gun: Maverick,” including director Joseph Kosinski and producer Jerry Bruckheimer. The film is a collaboration between Apple Original Films and Warner Brothers and will be released in theaters and IMAX next summer. The movie landed at Apple under a deal that assured it would receive a substantial theatrical release via Warner Bros., with a window of at least 30 days, if not longer.
Damson Idris, who plays a young rookie driver named Joshua Pierce, has described the film as “unlike anything anyone’s ever seen before.” He revealed that the movie was shot at Silverstone and other real Grand Prix locations, adding to its authenticity. Idris also mentioned that Lewis Hamilton, who serves as a producer, has been advising the actors on how to drive realistically. “There’s no better person to teach you about F1 than Lewis Hamilton,” Idris said, highlighting Hamilton’s invaluable contribution to the film.
Brad Pitt, who was spotted at the British Grand Prix filming scenes for the movie, offered some new plot details in an interview with Sky Sports. He described his character as a former driver who had a horrible crash in the ’90s and disappeared from the sport. His friend, played by Javier Bardem, is a team owner who brings him back as a last-ditch effort to save their struggling team. “Hijinx ensue,” Pitt added, hinting at the drama and excitement to come.
Pitt praised director Joseph Kosinski for his commitment to technical realism, similar to what made “Top Gun: Maverick” a thrilling spectacle. Pitt drives an F1 car at top speeds during his race scenes, with cameras mounted around the vehicle to capture every angle. “You’ve never seen speed, you’ve never seen g-force like this. It’s really, really exciting,” Pitt said.
The film’s teaser has already captivated audiences, and Pitt is well aware that the passionate F1 fanbase will have high expectations. He asked for patience, explaining that many of the mistakes he made on the track were part of the script. “For all the armchair experts out there, you’ve got to give us a little breathing room,” he said. “If you see any spin-outs or something that looks like it’s a stall, it’s by design.”
With its star-studded cast, high-speed action, and authentic portrayal of the world of Formula 1, “F1” is shaping up to be a must-watch film. Fans of racing and cinema alike will be eagerly awaiting its release in June 2025.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter, Sky Sports, Apple Studios
