Quick Overview of F1 Movie
Detail | Info |
Title | F1 (also called F1: The Movie) |
Lead Actor | Brad Pitt as Sonny Hayes |
Genre | Sports Drama |
Director | Joseph Kosinski (Top Gun: Maverick) |
Writers | Ehren Kruger (story with Kosinski) |
Producers | Jerry Bruckheimer, Lewis Hamilton (also technical advisor) |
Budget | Estimated between $200–300 million |
Worldwide Gross | $144 million (opening weekend) |
Release Dates | June 27, 2025 (US); June 16 premiere (New York); June 23 (London) |
Distribution | Warner Bros. (theatrical), Apple TV+ (later streaming) |
Plot Summary of F1 Movie
- Sonny Hayes, a retired American F1 driver returns after 30 years to help save the fictional APXGP team.
- APXGP is at the bottom of the standings and will be sold unless they win a race.
- Hayes becomes teammates with Joshua Pearce, a young and cocky British driver.
- Together they face mechanical failures, rivalries, crashes and a potential team sabotage.
- The climax takes place at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix where Hayes sacrifices his own win to help Pearce.
- Hayes finally retires after achieving victory and leaves behind a legacy.
Main Cast of F1 Movie
Actor | Role |
Brad Pitt | Sonny Hayes (Veteran Driver) |
Damson Idris | Joshua Pearce (Rising Star) |
Kerry Condon | Kate McKenna (Tech Director at APXGP) |
Javier Bardem | Ruben Cervantes (Team Owner) |
Tobias Menzies | Peter Banning (Scheming Board Member) |
Teams Featured in F1 Movie
- The movie includes real F1 drivers like Lewis Hamilton, Verstappen, Leclerc, Norris, etc.
- Real team bosses like Toto Wolff, Christian Horner, Zak Brown appear as themselves.
- Filming locations include Silverstone, Monza, Las Vegas, Suzuka, and Yas Marina.
Behind the Scenes of F1 Movie
Element | Detail |
Filming Technology | Used mini cameras based on iPhone chip inside custom F1 cars |
Racing Scenes | Filmed during actual race weekends with modified electric F2 cars |
Visual Effects | Done by Framestore (London & Mumbai) |
Realism Efforts | Mercedes helped build six F1-style cars for realism |
Music and Score of F1 Movie
- Composers: Hans Zimmer & Steve Mazzaro
- Zimmer created a hybrid of orchestra and electronic music to reflect the machine-human spirit of F1.
- Songs by: Don Toliver, Doja Cat, Rosé, Tate McRae, Tiesto, Ed Sheeran and more.
- Signature theme: A gunslinger heroic tune for Brad Pitt’s character.
Marketing and Promotions of F1 Movie
Campaign Type | Highlights |
Trailers | First in July 2024, Super Bowl ad in Feb 2025 and full trailer in March 2025 |
Partnerships | Mercedes, McLaren, EA Sports, Tommy Hilfiger, Heineken, Hot Wheels |
Special Releases | F1 25 video game includes APXGP car |
Worldwide Events | Special screenings at Monaco, Le Mans, Glen; F1 drivers given early access |
What the Makers Said about F1 Movie
Jerry Bruckheimer (Producer):
“It took us 3 years to convince Formula One. We wanted to show their world with honesty and heart.”
Joseph Kosinski (Director):
“We built the film around the emotional core of the characters, not just the cars.”
Lewis Hamilton (Co-Producer):
“We wanted the movie to show the soul of F1 not just the speed.”
Why the F1 Movie Stands Out
Feature | Why It Matters |
Real F1 Involvement | Filmed during real races with F1 teams, drivers, and engineers |
Cinematic Technology | Adapted military-style camera work from Top Gun: Maverick |
Cultural Depth | Explores team dynamics, driver rivalries, emotions, and redemption |
Diverse Appeal | Combines drama, action, and true motorsport heritage |
Box Office & Critical Response of F1 Movie
- Opened with $144 million globally
- Critics praised:
- Authenticity of racing
- Brad Pitt’s performance
- Cinematography
- Soundtrack and emotional story
- Authenticity of racing
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