The title of Brad Pitt’s highly anticipated Formula 1 movie has finally been revealed. The film, now officially titled “F1,” is set to hit theaters on June 27, 2025. Alongside the title announcement, a first-look poster featuring Pitt in his racing gear has also been unveiled. The movie stars Pitt as Sonny Hayes, a former driver making a comeback with the fictional team APXGP, and Damson Idris as his teammate, Joshua Pearce.
The star-studded cast includes Javier Bardem, Kerry Condon, Tobias Menzies, Sarah Niles, Kim Bodnia, and Samson Kayo. Directed by Joseph Kosinski, known for his work on “Top Gun: Maverick,” the film is produced by Jerry Bruckheimer, Chad Oman, and seven-time F1 world champion Lewis Hamilton. The production has been a collaborative effort with the Formula 1 community, ensuring an authentic portrayal of the sport.
Filming for “F1” began last July during the actual Grand Prix season, with scenes shot at iconic tracks such as Silverstone, Hungaroring, Spa Francorchamps, Suzuka, and Yas Marina. Photos of Pitt and Idris with F1 champions Max Verstappen and Carlos Sainz at the 2023 British Grand Prix have already generated significant buzz online.
The production faced delays due to last year’s joint actors’ and writers’ strike, but filming has resumed and will continue at six more races this season. The movie is being hailed as a landmark for both the sport and cinema, capturing real-time action during Grand Prix events and involving all 10 F1 teams, drivers, the FIA, and race promoters.
In a previous interview with Sky News, Pitt shared insights about his character, a racer from the 1990s who disappears after a horrific crash. Bardem plays the owner of a last-place team that has never scored a point. They bring in Pitt’s character as a last-ditch effort to turn their fortunes around, leading to high-stakes drama and excitement.
The film’s title, “F1,” was officially announced by Apple TV+ on July 5, along with the release of the first teaser poster. The teaser will air during the British Grand Prix coverage, giving fans a sneak peek of what’s to come. The movie promises to immerse audiences in the exhilarating world of Formula 1, celebrating the skill and heroism of the drivers while showcasing the intense competition.
Apple, Formula One, and Warner Bros. have confirmed the film’s release date as June 25, 2025, with the first teaser arriving on July 7. The production has been in the works for over a year, with Kosinski and Bruckheimer at the helm. Hamilton has been deeply involved in all aspects of the film, including scriptwriting, to ensure its authenticity.
The F1 paddock has welcomed the production, featuring a full garage setup for the fictional APXGP team during last year’s British Grand Prix. Filming has taken place at multiple events, capturing scenes in the paddock and on the grid during live Grand Prix weekends. Despite the delays caused by the strike, the additional time has allowed for even greater footage and improvements to the script.
Kosinski and Bruckheimer have utilized advanced camera technology, similar to what was used in “Top Gun: Maverick,” to capture the high-speed action. Authentic F1 broadcast angles and CGI will be used to integrate the APXGP cars into race footage from the 2023 season. Reports have suggested that the film’s budget has exceeded $300 million, making it one of the most expensive movies ever made, although Hamilton has denied these claims.
Filming for “F1” will continue at various Grand Prix events throughout the 2024 season, ahead of its release next year. The movie is set to be distributed in theaters worldwide and in IMAX by Warner Bros. Pictures internationally on June 25, 2025, and in North America on June 27, 2025.
The film’s production has been a massive undertaking, with scenes shot at multiple races, including Silverstone, Hungaroring, Spa-Francorchamps, Zandvoort, Monza, Las Vegas, and Abu Dhabi. Additional scenes will be filmed at Suzuka and Mexico City this year. The collaboration with the Formula 1 community has been crucial in capturing the essence of the sport, with live on-track runs from Pitt at Silverstone this weekend.
“F1” is a high-stakes production for Apple Original Films, with a reported budget of over $300 million due to practical effects and the Hollywood strike. The film aims to provide an authentic and thrilling experience for racing fans and moviegoers alike. After its theatrical release, “F1” will be available for streaming on Apple TV+.
The anticipation for “F1” continues to build as fans eagerly await the film’s release. With a stellar cast, cutting-edge technology, and a commitment to authenticity, “F1” promises to be a cinematic spectacle that captures the excitement and drama of Formula 1 racing.
Source: The Independent, The Athletic, Deadline
