As F1: The Movie races into cinemas this week, Brad Pitt is opening up about the thrilling production process behind the film—and his deep respect for the sport and its sacred venues. From filming amid real Formula 1 races to stepping into the legendary Silverstone Circuit, Pitt and the team behind the movie have created what’s being called a landmark cinematic event for motorsport fans.
A Hollywood icon at the heart of Formula 1
Brad Pitt, 61, isn’t just playing a role in F1: The Movie—he’s immersed himself in the world of elite racing. Speaking about the experience of filming at Silverstone, the home of the British Grand Prix, the Oscar winner didn’t hide his awe. “We were on hallowed ground,” Pitt said. “It was very humbling, stepping into a sport that is so revered and treated like religion.”
Pitt stars as Sonny Hayes, a fictional former F1 driver making a dramatic return to the grid. In the film, Hayes mentors rising talent Joshua Pearce, portrayed by Snowfall actor Damson Idris. But what sets this movie apart is its authentic connection to the sport. Instead of relying on green screens and simulated backdrops, the filmmakers embedded themselves inside the real-world F1 circuit—literally.
During the 2023 and 2024 seasons, the production team operated a fully functional pit garage within an active Formula 1 paddock. The authenticity extended not just to the set but also to the cast. Actual F1 stars including Lewis Hamilton (who also serves as a producer), Max Verstappen, and Charles Leclerc appear alongside Pitt in various sequences.
Real circuits, real challenges
Filming at iconic venues like Abu Dhabi, Rockingham, and Silverstone wasn’t just for show—it was a commitment to realism that brought significant production hurdles. Director Joseph Kosinski, best known for his work on Top Gun: Maverick, said the team had to completely rethink their approach to shooting.
“Usually when we’re making a movie, we are in control of our own schedule,” Kosinski explained. “But when you’re shooting at a real grand prix, we had to work with the F1 schedule. That was a huge logistical challenge.” Every frame shot during a live race had to be timed with meticulous precision to avoid interfering with the actual competition. Yet the payoff is evident: the film captures the visceral speed, pressure, and glamour of Formula 1 in a way few productions have ever achieved. The realism was especially important to Hamilton, who has long advocated for greater accuracy and representation of motorsport in film. F1 itself has called the movie “a landmark for the sport.”
Actors turned racers
While most actors may fake it behind the wheel, Damson Idris and Brad Pitt took a different route. Both underwent race training to perform on track themselves, using custom-modified vehicles designed to mimic F1 performance without compromising safety. For Idris, it was nothing short of life-changing.
“It was the most fun I’ve ever had in my life,” Idris said. “At those speeds, it really is a freeing feeling. By the end of filming, we were very, very confident drivers to the point where we’ve convinced ourselves that we can actually compete.”
The duo didn’t just learn the basics of driving—they absorbed the culture, mindset, and high-stakes atmosphere that define Formula 1. That level of commitment from the cast has helped lend credibility to the film, which aims to satisfy both general audiences and hardcore F1 fans.
Silverstone’s starring role
While locations like Abu Dhabi brought global glamour, Silverstone—one of the most historic tracks in F1—was the emotional and symbolic heart of the production. Rob Jaina, who spent over 20 years working as a pit lane incident officer at the circuit, was brought in to play… himself.
“To add to the authenticity of the film, they were looking for people who actually do the role, so I was contacted to play the role of me essentially,” Jaina said. He filmed intermittently for about a month and even got a glimpse of Hollywood royalty on set. “I remember seeing [Brad Pitt] for the first time… he was wearing a very bright yellow shirt and yellow linen trousers and a matching hat,” Jaina laughed. “There’s not many people who could carry off that outfit and still look quite cool.”
For Jaina and other insiders, the experience was surreal but meaningful. The film didn’t just depict F1—it celebrated the community and craftsmanship behind it.
A film for fans and newcomers alike
F1: The Movie hits cinemas on Wednesday, promising an adrenaline-filled look into one of the world’s most elite sports. With Hollywood talent, real racing legends, and unprecedented access to the inner workings of the F1 world, the film represents a new frontier in sports cinema.
More than just a fictional tale, it captures the intensity and drama of Formula 1 from inside the pit lane—a perspective few outside the sport ever get to see. For Pitt, Idris, Kosinski, and Hamilton, it’s not just a movie. It’s a tribute to the speed, spectacle, and soul of racing. Whether you’re a longtime F1 fan or a newcomer drawn by star power, F1: The Movie offers a rare glimpse under the helmet—and behind the scenes—of a world where every second counts.
