Breaking new ground, Hollywood heavyweight Brad Pitt has popped up at the British GP of Silverstone to shoot scenes of his new Formula 1 Movie.
Marking a new chapter in his illustrious career, Pitt is immersing himself into the world of motorsport for his forthcoming F1 movie – currently rumoured to be named APEX – under the direction of ‘Top Gun: Maverick’s’ maestro, Joseph Kosinski.
Pitt’s latest endeavor saw him and his co-star Damson Idris burning rubber on the legendary Northamptonshire circuit. A captivated audience of ardent F1 fans and celebrity enthusiasts alike watched their performance unfold, including the likes of Orlando Bloom, Hannah Waddingham, and Damian Lewis, with Lewis adding a touch of British pride to the event by performing the UK national anthem.
In an exciting blend of fiction and reality, Pitt assumes the role of a retired Formula 1 driver who makes a comeback to race alongside a fledgling prodigy and a team of F1 titans including Lando Norris, Charles LeClerc, Max Verstappen, and 7-time world champion Lewis Hamilton. Rounding off the ensemble is Academy Award-winner Javier Bardem as the head of the fictional team that brings Pitt’s character back into the competitive fray.

The Plot of Brad Pitt’s Formula 1 Movie
During a conversation with Sky Sports, Pitt, brimming with enthusiasm, spilled some details about the film’s plot and his personal excitement about the project.
The vibe is amazing, to get to be part of it and tell our story. The teams have opened their doors to us.
He unveiled the intriguing background of his character – Sonny Hayes, a 1990s racing prodigy who survives a devastating crash and withdraws from the world of Formula 1, only to continue racing in different disciplines.
His character is pulled back into the high stakes world of F1 by his friend, portrayed by Bardem, the owner of a struggling team on the brink of failure. The team’s only hope is a young talent played by Damson Idris, and they turn to Pitt in a desperate bid to turn their fortunes around.
Pitt set the scene for a breathtaking cinematic experience.
You’ve never seen speed, you’ve never seen the G-forces like this, the footage is really, really exciting.
He further confessed his respect for the professional drivers and the sport itself, remarking, “The aggression and dexterity, I have so much respect for it.”
A-List Cast: Who Else Is Joining Brad Pitt in the F1 Movie?
Adding to the allure of the forthcoming film is a stellar supporting cast.
Accompanying Pitt in this thrilling venture is none other than ‘Snowfall’ star Damson Idris, who portrays the young, promising driver that sparks the team’s hopeful resurgence.
Alongside these stars, the film will feature real-life F1 greats like Lando Norris, Charles LeClerc, Max Verstappen, and Lewis Hamilton. Additionally, Javier Bardem adds gravitas to the production as the team owner who coaxes Pitt’s character out of retirement.
Pitt and Idris were also spotted on the track at Silverstone, demonstrating the film’s commitment to authenticity, giving fans a glimpse of what’s in store when the film hits the screens.
The Director’s Vision: A Glimpse Into What the Film Is Trying to Achieve
APEX is on a mission to deliver more than just adrenaline-fueled car chases and high-stakes drama; it aims to portray the essence of the sport itself. Hamilton, who is also a producer on the film, expressed his drive for authenticity: “We want everyone to love it and to really feel that we encapsulate what the essence of this sport is all about.”
The ethos behind the film is clear – respect for the sport and its faithful portrayal. Brad Pitt echoed these sentiments
This should be as authentic as we can get it. Lewis wants us to respect the sport, that we really show it for what it is. As a civilian, I had no idea what it takes to be a driver.
Behind the Scenes: How the Film’s Production Is Coming Along
While the production has begun in earnest at the British Grand Prix, the release date is yet to be announced. However, we can expect the film to have a theatrical run before it lands exclusively on Apple TV+. With a mock pit garage erected at Silverstone and a specially modified F2 car driven for scenes, the anticipation surrounding the movie is palpable.
Pitt’s dedication to the role is apparent in his commitment to being part of the British Grand Prix. He was seen participating in drivers’ briefings alongside Hamilton, Charles LeClerc, and Pierre Gasly, despite not racing in the actual Grand Prix.
This Formula 1 movie also marks a collaboration between Joseph Kosinski, Jerry Bruckheimer, Pitt’s Plan B Entertainment, and Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton.
Pitt expressed his excitement about the project, stating, “I’m a little giddy right now, I’ve got to say.” His fervor, coupled with his dedication to authentically capturing the spirit of Formula 1, promises an unforgettable cinematic experience. With the support of an A-list cast and crew, we can only anticipate a gripping tale of speed, rivalry, and the pursuit of glory on the horizon.
The Challenges and Triumphs: Brad Pitt’s Experience in the Driver’s Seat
Pitt’s endeavor into the world of racing hasn’t been without its own set of trials and triumphs. Describing his inaugural spin around the Silverstone track, Pitt admitted to Sky Sports, “I don’t know if you could call mine a hot lap, I’d call it kind of a warm lap.” Despite the challenging aspects of the role, Pitt’s perseverance prevailed, fueling his commitment to embody the grit and resilience of a Formula 1 driver.
Despite facing the daunting task of driving in front of the British GP crowd, Pitt maintained his composure. “I wasn’t nervous… The guys really prepared me well,” he shared, showing his gratitude for the guidance he received.
His experience at Silverstone offered him an invaluable glimpse into the life of a professional driver, fostering a newfound respect for the sport. “As a civilian, I had no idea what it takes to be a driver. The aggression and dexterity, I have so much respect for it,” he declared.
Formula 1’s Response to Brad Pitt’s Upcoming Film
With the spotlight shining on the revered sport through the lens of Hollywood, the Formula 1 fraternity has expressed excitement about the prospects of the movie, though its president and CEO Stefano Domenicali highlighted potential challenges with its “quite invasive” production process.
Domenicali reminisced about the initial skepticism in the F1 community when their partnership with Netflix began, as he disclosed in a meeting with F1 investors reported by Motorsport.com. “When we started the collaboration with Netflix, the [F1] community said what’s going on? This is not our place to be,” he revealed. However, the tide of opinion has since turned as they realized the potential reach and influence of such media collaborations.
Continuing, he emphasized the importance of social media presence for the sport, driving teams and drivers to actively promote Formula 1. Domenicali pointed out the movie as an additional tool for publicity. The film, he stated, would mark the first time a movie production would be embedded within a racing event.
However, he acknowledged the potential intrusion of the production process. “It will be quite invasive in terms of production, it’s something that we need to control in a way, but it will be another way of showing that F1 never stops,” Domenicali affirmed.
Liberty Media CEO Greg Maffei stressed that F1 cannot rely on Netflix series Drive to Survive as a long-term promotional tool, and that the film is another step in raising awareness of the sport.
The Simpsons has gone for 20 years, but there aren’t that many shows that run that long. Drive to Survive is wonderful. But we cannot rely on Drive to Survive to be our only promotion vehicle forever. You’ve got to keep it fresh, change the game. And that’s one of the things I’d like to think we’ve done with the team entering F1. Credit Stefano, what we’ve done more recently around other kinds of Instagram and TikTok and the like, we’re keeping it fresh and different.
Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time world champion and the film’s consulting producer, spoke enthusiastically about the project but didn’t hide his anxiety about the end product, given his personal investment in it.
Hamilton described watching Brad Pitt’s practice sessions before the Austrian Grand Prix as a thrilling experience. “I was here a week or two I think it was before Austria, watching Brad practice and it’s massively exciting to see it all coming together and to know that we’re finally starting to film this weekend,” he expressed to PlanetF1.com ahead of the British Grand Prix weekend.
Despite his excitement, Hamilton also confessed to feeling nervous. “There are nerves, naturally, because it’s something we’ve been working on for so long and we want everyone to love it and to really feel that we encapsulate what the essence of this sport is all about. So that’s our goal. Hopefully, we can do you proud,” Hamilton stated.

The Evolution of the movie: A Journey from Concept to Reality
The film, which began as an idea borne out of respect for the sport and its unsung heroes, is swiftly becoming a reality. Pitt and the crew are working tirelessly, with every lap around the track, every conversation in the pit, and every briefing session bringing them one step closer to realizing their vision.
Hamilton’s involvement in the project as a producer ensures that the racing sequences are accurate and in line with the sport’s ethos. The champion racer expressed his anticipation and apprehension for the film, stating, “There are nerves because it is something we’ve been working on for so long. We want everyone to love it and to really feel that we encapsulate what the essence of this sport is all about.”
The Unveiling: What Lies Ahead for the Movie?
While there’s no release date announced yet, the film is expected to hit the screens either towards the end of 2024 or in early 2025. Before its exclusive landing on Apple TV+, it will enjoy a theatrical release, allowing fans to experience the thrills and spills of the story on the big screen.
The film’s development process, though still in its pre-production stage, showcases a commitment to authenticity that permeates every aspect of the production. From building a mock pit garage to driving a modified F2 car around the circuit, every detail is meticulously handled to capture the essence of the sport.
The Promise: A Peek Into the High-Octane World of Formula 1
Brad Pitt’s Formula 1 Movie promises to give audiences a firsthand look at the high-octane world of Formula 1. As Brad Pitt put it, “You’ve never seen speed, you’ve never seen the G-forces like this. The footage is really, really exciting.”
To encapsulate the authenticity and passion that define the world of Formula 1 racing, the film brings together an incredible cast, led by Pitt, and a dedicated crew. Their shared respect for the sport and commitment to their craft promises a film that will deliver not just speed and excitement, but a tribute to the discipline, teamwork, and audacity at the heart of one of the world’s most thrilling sports.
As fans worldwide hold their breath for the release of APEX, the team behind it races against time, working relentlessly to cross the finish line. With each passing day, the anticipation grows, just like the speed of a car on a straight, reaching new heights and promising a cinematic experience like no other. As the saying goes, “Racing is life. Everything before or after is just waiting.” For Pitt and the rest of the team, the race is well and truly on.
What is the title of the upcoming Formula 1 movie featuring Brad Pitt as a lead role?
The upcoming Formula 1 movie featuring Brad Pitt in the lead role is said to be titled “APEX” but the title is not the final one. We will update as soon as we have more information.
Who else is starring in the Formula 1 movie with Brad Pitt?
Joining Brad Pitt in the cast of the Formula 1 movie are Damson Idris, Javier Bardem, Orlando Bloom, Hannah Waddingham, and Damian Lewis.
What is the plot of the Formula 1 movie?
The plot of the Formula 1 movie revolves around Brad Pitt’s character Sonny Hayes, a retired Formula 1 driver from the ’90s, who returns to the sport to mentor a promising young talent, played by Damson Idris. His return is at the behest of a fictional team owner, played by Javier Bardem.
When is the release date for the Formula 1 movie?
While there is no concrete release date yet, the Formula 1 movie is expected to be ready before the end of 2024 or in early 2025.
Who is directing the Formula 1 movie?
The director of the Formula 1 movie is Joseph Kosinski, known for his work on “Top Gun: Maverick”.
Is the Formula 1 movie based on a true story?
The Formula 1 movie is not based on a true story. It follows a fictional narrative, although it features real-life Formula 1 champions such as Lewis Hamilton and we’ve had some comebacks in F1 in the past few years (Alonso, we’re looking at you) but they haven’t been as dramatic as the movie character’s one.
Are there any real-life Formula 1 drivers involved in the movie production?
Yes, 7-time world champion Lewis Hamilton is not only involved in the movie, but he is also serving as a producer. The film also features Lando Norris, Charles LeClerc, and Max Verstappen as some of the notable names in the sport.