Brad Pitt’s “F1” Movie: Real Racing Thrills Hit the Big Screen

Hollywood meets the world of fast cars in “F1”, a new movie starring Brad Pitt. Made by Apple and Warner Bros., it costs more than $200 million to bring real Formula 1 racing to movie theaters.

Behind the Scenes: Big Budgets & Real Races

The film cost around $200 million to make, one of the biggest budgets this year. It was shot during real Formula 1 events in 2023 and 2024. Director Joseph Kosinski and producer Jerry Bruckheimer led this bold project working alongside F1 stars and real teams.

Where They Filmed

• Silverstone (UK)
• Monza (Italy)
• Spa (Belgium)
• Las Vegas & Abu Dhabi (international races)

Brad Pitt practiced racing in Formula 2 and 3 cars. He even raced during real Grand Prix weekends with help from world champion Lewis Hamilton.

Cast & Characters

The film mixes a strong cast and real racing figures:

• Brad Pitt as Sonny Hayes, a retired F1 star making a comeback
• Damson Idris as rookie Joshua “Noah” Pearce
• Javier Bardem as Ruben, team owner and former racer
• Kerry Condon as Kate, the team’s technical director
• Lewis Hamilton as producer and coach
• Plus cameo appearances by real F1 drivers like Max Verstappen, Lando Norris, and Charles Leclerc 

Story in a Nutshell

Sonny Hayes was once a top racer. But a crash in the 1990s forced him to retire. Now, Ruben wants him to join the struggling team APXGP. Sonny must guide a talented but hotheaded rookie, Joshua. The team is in danger of falling apart, so they need wins fast.

Movie Part	Key Elements
Prologue	Sonny wins a race, but a crash derails his career in the 1990s
Main Plot	Sonny mentors Joshua, facing tough races worldwide
Climax	Big finale with real F1 circuits and APPXGP’s comeback

Plenty of Speed, But Not Enough Heart?

Critics say the film looks amazing, especially the racing shots. But many feel the story is too easy and predictable.

What the Reviews Say

• Entertainment Weekly: Great racing scenes, but the script “is a bit of a flat tire.” 
• The Times (UK): Calls it “corny” and like a two-and-a-half hour advert for F1. 
• New York Post: Describes it as a thrilling film with strong action and emotion, though a bit long. 
• Impact & Style: Critics praise direction, music, and camera work, calling it a visual feast. 

Some viewers feel like they are watching a slick car ad. The story uses classic sports movie beats—training, rival fights, emotional scenes—but it stays very safe. It never digs too deep or surprises you. 

Why Fans Are Excited

Even with its faults, many F1 fans are cheering. They say this movie gets the sport right. It shows close racing, real G‑forces, and true-to-life circuits.

“Honestly for such a big movie… it’s the closest to reality in racing movie I’ve ever seen.” 

Money Talk & Market Odds

This film is Apple’s biggest push yet in live-action. The studio hopes this will bring more people to their Apple TV+ service.

• Budget: Around $200 million, though some reports say it could be higher. 
• Box Office Prediction: Experts guess it may open at $50 million and reach $130–212 million in the U.S. 

Final Take

“F1” is a thrill ride full of speed, lights, and action. It did a great job showing real racing in all its glory. Brad Pitt fits the race‑car mold. Yet the story is too safe and familiar.

If you love high-speed visuals and real F1 drama, this film is for you. But if you want strong characters or a surprising story, you might feel let down. Either way, it’s a loud, bold trip around the world’s fastest tracks.

At a glance

Release Date	June 27, 2025
Runtime	156 minutes
Rating	PG‑13
Main Cast	Pitt, Idris, Bardem, Condon
Budget	~$200 million