When Brad Pitt and the crew of F1: The Movie first arrived at the 2023 British Grand Prix, the Hollywood star had a blunt message for the drivers: “If we’re ever in the way, just tell us to f*ck off!” This candid directive set the tone for a respectful and collaborative interaction between the film team and the Formula 1 world. As production began, the drivers and teams quickly adapted to having the actors and cameras among them, marking the start of a unique filmmaking journey embedded within a live sporting environment.
Brad Pitt Returns to Racing in a Story of Redemption, Mentorship, and High Stakes
The film stars Brad Pitt as Sonny Hayes, a once-promising Formula 1 driver who left the sport in the 1990s without a win. Hayes is pulled back into the high-octane world by APXGP team owner Ruben Cervantes, played by Javier Bardem. The catalyst for Hayes’ return is a young, exceptionally talented driver named Joshua Pearce, portrayed by Damson Idris. Pearce’s raw talent needs refining, and Hayes becomes his mentor, adding emotional depth and a redemption arc to the story. This dynamic forms the heart of the movie’s narrative.
Brad Pitt Blends Hollywood and High-Speed Grit in Formula 1 Redemption DramaFilming began at Silverstone in 2023 and concluded in Abu Dhabi in 2024. Pitt and Idris immersed themselves in the racing world, even practicing at iconic tracks like Le Castellet. Their first real F1 experience came at the British Grand Prix, where they stood beside real drivers during pre-race ceremonies. Pitt recalled the thrill of driving in front of 80,000 fans, cherishing the moment he didn’t crash or make a mistake. The film’s integration into actual race weekends helped lend authenticity and excitement to the production.
Strikes Halt Production, But Pitt Finds His Place in Formula 1 Community
Just days after the successful shoot at Silverstone, Hollywood was plunged into turmoil. The SAG-AFTRA and Writers Guild of America strikes brought the production to a halt. Pitt, who described himself as “gutted,” found a silver lining in getting more driving time in the modified Formula 2 car. While the industry faced chaos due to streaming trends and post-pandemic uncertainty, Pitt used the break to further familiarize himself with the racing world, solidifying his connection with the sport and its people.
Reflecting on his journey, Pitt noted a transformation in his relationship with Formula 1. Initially feeling like an outsider, by the following year, he felt at home within the paddock. The once-humble actor became part of the racing community’s ecosystem, embraced not just by fans but also by the drivers. While it remains unclear if any driver ever took him up on his offer to “f*ck off,” it’s evident that the line between Hollywood and high-speed sport blurred beautifully during the making of F1: The Movie.