F1 Movie Brad Pitt: Release Date, Role, Cast, and Real Race Details

Brad Pitt is heading back to the big screen, but this time, it’s not for your usual Hollywood flick. He’s stepping into the fast-paced world of Formula 1. The movie is simply titled F1, and it’s hitting cinemas in June 2025. If you’re a motorsport fan or just love seeing Brad Pitt behind the wheel, this one’s going to be special.

The film is directed by Joseph Kosinski, the man who gave us Top Gun: Maverick. So expect big thrills, roaring engines, and heart-pounding race moments. And no, this isn’t a green-screen-heavy production. They actually filmed this during real F1 race weekends.

When is the F1 movie releasing in theatres?

F1 will be in US and Canadian cinemas on June 27, 2025. It will be available in both standard and IMAX formats. That means larger-than-life race visuals, loud engines, and plenty of edge-of-your-seat moments on the big screen.

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What’s Brad Pitt’s role in F1?

Brad Pitt plays Sonny Hayes, a former F1 racing star who had his career cut short by a terrible crash in the 90s. Now in his 50s, he gets another shot at the track. He returns to race for a new, fictional team called APXGP (Apex Grand Prix).

Sonny is brought back by his old teammate Ruben Cervantes, played by Javier Bardem. But Sonny’s not just there to race. He’s also got to mentor a hot-headed young driver named Joshua ‘Noah’ Pearce, played by Damson Idris. The two don’t exactly hit it off right away. There’s ego, tension, and a fight for respect between them.

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They filmed during real F1 races

This is where things get really cool. The movie was shot on real Formula 1 tracks, during actual Grand Prix weekends. That includes Silverstone, Monaco, Spa, and even the Mexican Grand Prix.

In fact, a big part of the story has Brad Pitt’s character winning the 2024 Mexican GP. Yes, they actually filmed that with Pitt driving at the circuit.

There’s no fake racing. No cheesy special effects. The crew used real Formula 2 cars that were modified to look like modern F1 cars. They followed the 2022 F1 technical rules, so the look and feel are legit. These cars hit speeds of up to 180 mph. Both Pitt and Damson Idris did some of the driving, all under expert supervision and coaching.

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Lewis Hamilton is the real MVP behind the scenes

Behind the camera, there’s a big name helping steer the film’s direction. Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time Formula 1 world champion, is a co-producer. He’s working on the film through his production company, Dawn Apollo Films.

Hamilton has been super involved. He helped shape the story, advised the writers, and made sure the film stays true to the real F1 world. From how drivers talk to their engineers, to what happens in the paddock, everything is being done with realism in mind.

Thanks to his connections, the production team got access to places that Hollywood films usually never get close to. That includes access to teams, circuits, garages, engineers, and even the FIA, the sport’s official governing body.

Meet the fictional team: APXGP

The movie doesn’t use a real F1 team. Instead, it introduces APXGP, a fictional underdog team trying to make its mark on the grid. Sonny Hayes joins them as a comeback story, while young Pearce represents the future of the team.

Their journey is full of drama. There’s pressure to perform, media attention, and high-stakes competition. At the same time, there’s a human story unfolding. It’s about proving you still belong, even when the world thinks you’re past your prime.

What makes this film stand out?

We’ve seen racing movies before. Rush, Ford v Ferrari, even Days of Thunder. But F1 is doing something no other film has done—it filmed in real race environments, with real race conditions.

There’s no studio lot or recreated track here. When you see Brad Pitt flying down the straight at Silverstone, it’s the actual Silverstone Grand Prix. The crowds? Real F1 fans. The cars? Close to the real thing. This brings a level of immersion that racing fans are going to love.

Also, having Lewis Hamilton directly involved is a big deal. He knows the sport inside out, and that makes the film feel authentic. From pit wall strategies to radio chatter, you’ll see the F1 world the way drivers and teams really live it.

Cast and crew bring star power

Aside from Brad Pitt, Javier Bardem and Damson Idris bring serious acting chops to the screen. Kosinski’s direction, paired with a strong cast, promises a solid balance between character and action. The film is being produced by Apple Original Films and Warner Bros. Pictures, two heavyweights that don’t usually cut corners.

This is more than a racing movie

While it’s built around F1 racing, F1 is also about second chances. It’s about legacy. It’s about mentorship and rivalry. If you’ve ever wondered what happens behind the helmet—what it takes to be a racer at the top level—this film might give you a glimpse.

Get ready for roaring engines, intense drama, and a very different kind of comeback story. Brad Pitt’s F1 is racing into theatres, and it’s not slowing down.