Imagine Top Gun: Maverick.
Got it?
That stratospheric remake with Tom Cruise at its heart — handsome, lethal, young, and back then, still almost unknown.
Well, F1 is Maverick on four wheels.
That’s the promise made by Joseph Kosinski, the director behind this cinematic beast and fresh off the success of the supersonic jet revival.This time, Kosinski hits the track — armed with an arsenal of jaw-dropping technical and technological gadgets, shooting on real circuits, with actual teams, and souped-up cars fitted with custom stabilized cameras.
All so we can feel every bit of G-force on screen, while sitting comfortably in the padded, quilted seats of our favorite multiplex.And if you think Brad Pitt’s gotten a bit full of himself after driving a Porsche at 180 mph for the shoot… well, you’re absolutely right.
But at least — as he said himself — “I’d been dreaming of making a racing movie for decades. Then this crazy idea came along... and here I am, on the track.”
Got it?
That stratospheric remake with Tom Cruise at its heart — handsome, lethal, young, and back then, still almost unknown.
Well, F1 is Maverick on four wheels.
That’s the promise made by Joseph Kosinski, the director behind this cinematic beast and fresh off the success of the supersonic jet revival.This time, Kosinski hits the track — armed with an arsenal of jaw-dropping technical and technological gadgets, shooting on real circuits, with actual teams, and souped-up cars fitted with custom stabilized cameras.
All so we can feel every bit of G-force on screen, while sitting comfortably in the padded, quilted seats of our favorite multiplex.And if you think Brad Pitt’s gotten a bit full of himself after driving a Porsche at 180 mph for the shoot… well, you’re absolutely right.
But at least — as he said himself — “I’d been dreaming of making a racing movie for decades. Then this crazy idea came along... and here I am, on the track.”
Under the direction of Joseph Kosinski and produced by veteran Jerry Bruckheimer, F1 delivers pure on-screen adrenaline.
A blend of speed and cinematic spectacle.The film follows the story of Sonny Hayes (played by Brad Pitt — aging like fine wine), a former racing star from the '90s who, after a serious accident and years away from the track, is called back to save a struggling team: APXGP, a fictional outfit placed within an otherwise fully authentic Formula 1 setting.
By his side is rising star Joshua Pearce (played by young talent Damson Idris), a promising force on the circuit constantly under pressure.Call it a full-throttle buddy movie, where rivalry turns into respect and the racetrack becomes a stage for personal redemption and comeback stories.
All topped with a touch of sports intrigue, a hint of pit-lane strategy, and just a dash (barely) of romance.“We wanted to make a film about courage and second chances — without turning it into a paddock melodrama,” Kosinski explained.
A blend of speed and cinematic spectacle.The film follows the story of Sonny Hayes (played by Brad Pitt — aging like fine wine), a former racing star from the '90s who, after a serious accident and years away from the track, is called back to save a struggling team: APXGP, a fictional outfit placed within an otherwise fully authentic Formula 1 setting.
By his side is rising star Joshua Pearce (played by young talent Damson Idris), a promising force on the circuit constantly under pressure.Call it a full-throttle buddy movie, where rivalry turns into respect and the racetrack becomes a stage for personal redemption and comeback stories.
All topped with a touch of sports intrigue, a hint of pit-lane strategy, and just a dash (barely) of romance.“We wanted to make a film about courage and second chances — without turning it into a paddock melodrama,” Kosinski explained.
To bring this giant production to life, real-world Formula 1 stepped in.
The film was shot during actual race weekends — from Silverstone and Spa to Monza, Zandvoort, Suzuka, and Las Vegas.Throughout the filming, Brad Pitt and Damson Idris drove modified Formula 2 cars rebranded as APXGP, equipped with custom cameras and sensors designed to capture every vibration — so that “audiences in theaters feel the G-force and gear shifts just like the drivers,” as Kosinski put it.And to make sure nothing was left to chance, Lewis Hamilton himself came on board as a co-producer, overseeing the realism on track.
“We’ve finally put an end to decades of racing films that didn’t represent the reality of our sport,” said Hamilton. “This time, every detail is spot on. Even the sounds.”
And if he says so…Oscar-winning cinematographer Claudio Miranda worked tirelessly with IMAX cameras mounted on special stabilizers custom-built by Sony just for this film — all to keep up with the cars blasting past at over 300 km/h.And the music?
Underneath the roar of the engines, you’ll hear Hans Zimmer, Doja Cat, and original tracks that turn this into a full-on pop sports soundtrack — shifting between sonic tension and pure emotional hype.In true “no dolls being combed here” fashion, Brad Pitt actually drove those beasts at 180 mph, with Hamilton himself as his technical coach.
“Brad turned out to be a surprising driver. I didn’t expect him to be that serious behind the wheel,” said Hamilton.And get this — the APXGP car was added to F1 24 and F1 25 even before the movie hit theaters: the first time a film has launched a fictional car in video games before its cinematic release.
The film was shot during actual race weekends — from Silverstone and Spa to Monza, Zandvoort, Suzuka, and Las Vegas.Throughout the filming, Brad Pitt and Damson Idris drove modified Formula 2 cars rebranded as APXGP, equipped with custom cameras and sensors designed to capture every vibration — so that “audiences in theaters feel the G-force and gear shifts just like the drivers,” as Kosinski put it.And to make sure nothing was left to chance, Lewis Hamilton himself came on board as a co-producer, overseeing the realism on track.
“We’ve finally put an end to decades of racing films that didn’t represent the reality of our sport,” said Hamilton. “This time, every detail is spot on. Even the sounds.”
And if he says so…Oscar-winning cinematographer Claudio Miranda worked tirelessly with IMAX cameras mounted on special stabilizers custom-built by Sony just for this film — all to keep up with the cars blasting past at over 300 km/h.And the music?
Underneath the roar of the engines, you’ll hear Hans Zimmer, Doja Cat, and original tracks that turn this into a full-on pop sports soundtrack — shifting between sonic tension and pure emotional hype.In true “no dolls being combed here” fashion, Brad Pitt actually drove those beasts at 180 mph, with Hamilton himself as his technical coach.
“Brad turned out to be a surprising driver. I didn’t expect him to be that serious behind the wheel,” said Hamilton.And get this — the APXGP car was added to F1 24 and F1 25 even before the movie hit theaters: the first time a film has launched a fictional car in video games before its cinematic release.
The real teams — Mercedes, Ferrari, Red Bull, McLaren — all collaborated directly on this colossal project, giving the Hollywood crew access to their expertise, facilities, pit boxes, even drivers, and allowing filming during actual races.
Charles Leclerc enthusiastically stated it felt like “Hollywood in the paddock.”So? Feeling a bit of F1 fever yet?Once again, it’s Brad Pitt’s charisma that holds everything together, turning F1 into a film that — despite its flaws — delivers a cinematic experience that’s fresh, immersive, and on a whole new level.
The movie levels up thanks to Kosinski’s refined direction and a stylized take on the world of racing.According to Rotten Tomatoes, the film is scoring highly with critics, while Metacritic reports a solid average of 70 out of 100.
Early industry screenings have praised its high-octane action and the cast’s powerful performances — making F1 a must-see on the big screen.
Charles Leclerc enthusiastically stated it felt like “Hollywood in the paddock.”So? Feeling a bit of F1 fever yet?Once again, it’s Brad Pitt’s charisma that holds everything together, turning F1 into a film that — despite its flaws — delivers a cinematic experience that’s fresh, immersive, and on a whole new level.
The movie levels up thanks to Kosinski’s refined direction and a stylized take on the world of racing.According to Rotten Tomatoes, the film is scoring highly with critics, while Metacritic reports a solid average of 70 out of 100.
Early industry screenings have praised its high-octane action and the cast’s powerful performances — making F1 a must-see on the big screen.
Still not convinced?
Here are five good reasons why you should watch F1 on the big screen.
But the real showstopper is that the millionaire actor actually drives — and not for a single second does he fake it.Forget those racing films where actors sit behind a fan and a GoPro. F1 is not that kind of movie.
Pitt strapped himself into a real Formula 2 car, modified by Mercedes to look like an F1, and pushed it to nearly 290 km/h.“I needed to feel the machine, the noise, and the asphalt under the seat,” he said in an interview. “I didn’t want to make just another racing film.”His driving coach? None other than Lewis Hamilton.
“I taught Brad how to draft, how to feel the braking point, and in just a few months, he trained in many of the techniques we drivers learn over years,” said Hamilton. “Brad wasn’t acting — he was really driving.”And we see him race on legendary tracks like Silverstone, Monza, and Spa during actual Grand Prix weekends, in front of thousands of fans who had no idea they were becoming part of cinema history.
The production squeezed into official F1 weekends at Silverstone, Suzuka, Las Vegas, and more, thanks to an unprecedented deal with the FIA and Formula 1 itself.Ferrari, Mercedes, and Red Bull allowed the use of their garages, hospitality suites, and even let their drivers appear in small roles.
Brad Pitt and Damson Idris even interact with real paddock legends like Guenther Steiner on screen.
No ridiculous scenes, no improvisation, no glaring mistakes.The result? For F1 fans, it’s like a grandmother’s loving hand on the cheek.
For newcomers, it’s a proper crash course — the good kind — in how Formula 1 really works.
A four-wheeled western that blends myth and speed. A movie that roars like a race car on full throttle.Apple even brought the APXGP car onto the roof of Apple Park at WWDC, making it a symbol of the intersection between technology, film, and sport.It’s not just for petrolheads. F1 is for anyone who wants to experience a moment where cinema, tech, and sport collide — at a time when Formula 1 is more popular than ever.Yes, to be honest, the plot slows down a bit when the cars pull into the pits.
But the cinematic brilliance and high-octane action keep your eyes glued to the screen and your butt in the seat.
Scout’s honor. Pardon our French.
So — whether you’re a lifelong racing fan or just looking for an immersive cinematic experience that speaks the language of today (with nods to gaming, smartphones, and streaming), F1 is the movie for you.“We’re not making a documentary,” said Jerry Bruckheimer. “But we’re not making a fantasy either. What you’ll see on screen is Formula 1 like you’ve never seen it before.”With F1, Apple and Hollywood have raised the bar, crafting a film that breaks past the limits of sports cinema to capture the thrill of speed and the complexity of motorsport like never before.Some scenes are so immersive, you’ll swear you can smell the burnt rubber and feel the engines roar in your bones.Wanna know the price tag?
The official budget hasn’t been revealed, but estimates range between $200 and $300 million.
Bruckheimer denies the $300M figure, but admits: “Without F1 sponsors and tax breaks, this would’ve been a half-a-billion-dollar film.”And to dive into all this?
All it takes is a movie ticket.
Here are five good reasons why you should watch F1 on the big screen.
1. Brad Pitt. Period.
Let’s start with the obvious: Brad Pitt is Brad Pitt.But the real showstopper is that the millionaire actor actually drives — and not for a single second does he fake it.Forget those racing films where actors sit behind a fan and a GoPro. F1 is not that kind of movie.
Pitt strapped himself into a real Formula 2 car, modified by Mercedes to look like an F1, and pushed it to nearly 290 km/h.“I needed to feel the machine, the noise, and the asphalt under the seat,” he said in an interview. “I didn’t want to make just another racing film.”His driving coach? None other than Lewis Hamilton.
“I taught Brad how to draft, how to feel the braking point, and in just a few months, he trained in many of the techniques we drivers learn over years,” said Hamilton. “Brad wasn’t acting — he was really driving.”And we see him race on legendary tracks like Silverstone, Monza, and Spa during actual Grand Prix weekends, in front of thousands of fans who had no idea they were becoming part of cinema history.
2. It’s Not a Movie About Formula 1 — It Is Formula 1
This isn’t your usual racing flick with go-kart-style circuits and cartoonish overtakes.F1 was filmed right in the middle of real races, with real teams working in the background.The production squeezed into official F1 weekends at Silverstone, Suzuka, Las Vegas, and more, thanks to an unprecedented deal with the FIA and Formula 1 itself.Ferrari, Mercedes, and Red Bull allowed the use of their garages, hospitality suites, and even let their drivers appear in small roles.
Brad Pitt and Damson Idris even interact with real paddock legends like Guenther Steiner on screen.
3. You’re Inside the Cockpit
If you’ve seen Kosinski’s Top Gun, you already know: he doesn’t do things halfway.“We created a system that lets you see the track through the driver’s eyes,” says Oscar-winner Claudio Miranda, director of photography.The film features nearly an hour of native IMAX footage in a towering 1.43:1 ratio — meaning every inch of the screen is filled with blistering immersion.4. Lewis Hamilton Was Watching. Closely.
Hamilton didn’t just lend his name to the project — he co-produced it, oversaw the script, helped direct scenes, and even invested his own money.“I didn’t want to see another film where the driver pulls into the pits and gets out without removing the steering wheel. Enough of that!” said Hamilton. “Everything had to be right. Everything had to be real.”From the way gloves are put on to the pre-race rituals, from the hybrid V6 sounds to the motorhome briefings — everything was meticulously studied.No ridiculous scenes, no improvisation, no glaring mistakes.The result? For F1 fans, it’s like a grandmother’s loving hand on the cheek.
For newcomers, it’s a proper crash course — the good kind — in how Formula 1 really works.
5. It’s Not Just a Movie. It’s an Event.
This is the first time cinema, sport, and pop culture have merged quite like this.F1 isn’t just a film. It’s a cross-media phenomenon.A four-wheeled western that blends myth and speed. A movie that roars like a race car on full throttle.Apple even brought the APXGP car onto the roof of Apple Park at WWDC, making it a symbol of the intersection between technology, film, and sport.It’s not just for petrolheads. F1 is for anyone who wants to experience a moment where cinema, tech, and sport collide — at a time when Formula 1 is more popular than ever.Yes, to be honest, the plot slows down a bit when the cars pull into the pits.
But the cinematic brilliance and high-octane action keep your eyes glued to the screen and your butt in the seat.
Scout’s honor. Pardon our French.
So — whether you’re a lifelong racing fan or just looking for an immersive cinematic experience that speaks the language of today (with nods to gaming, smartphones, and streaming), F1 is the movie for you.“We’re not making a documentary,” said Jerry Bruckheimer. “But we’re not making a fantasy either. What you’ll see on screen is Formula 1 like you’ve never seen it before.”With F1, Apple and Hollywood have raised the bar, crafting a film that breaks past the limits of sports cinema to capture the thrill of speed and the complexity of motorsport like never before.Some scenes are so immersive, you’ll swear you can smell the burnt rubber and feel the engines roar in your bones.Wanna know the price tag?
The official budget hasn’t been revealed, but estimates range between $200 and $300 million.
Bruckheimer denies the $300M figure, but admits: “Without F1 sponsors and tax breaks, this would’ve been a half-a-billion-dollar film.”And to dive into all this?
All it takes is a movie ticket.
