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This summer, the roar of Formula One engines will shake the cinema as F1: The Movie, starring Brad Pitt, races into theaters on June 25. The high-octane drama, directed by Top Gun: Maverick’s Joseph Kosinski, brings unprecedented realism to motorsport filmmaking by capturing the intensity of the world’s premier racing series from inside the paddock.

Pitt plays Sonny Hayes, a legendary driver who comes out of retirement to join a fictional rookie team called APXGP. British actor Damson Idris co-stars as rookie driver Joshua Pearce, forming a dynamic mentor-protégé duo. Their story unfolds against the backdrop of fierce competition, personal growth, and team dynamics.

What sets F1: The Movie apart is its groundbreaking production method. Filming took place at actual Formula One Grand Prix weekends throughout the 2023–24 seasons. The filmmakers created a fully functional 11th team—APXGP—with its own car, garage, and pit crew, integrated seamlessly into real races alongside titans like Red Bull, Ferrari, and Mercedes. Pitt and the cast performed in real pit lanes, paddocks, and starting grids, capturing the adrenaline of race day firsthand.

To enhance realism, Pitt underwent intensive driving training and piloted a custom-modified Formula 2 car capable of reaching 290 km/h (about 180 mph). He performed many high-speed scenes himself, without relying on stunt doubles. The film includes location shoots at iconic circuits such as Spa-Francorchamps, Silverstone, and the Las Vegas Grand Prix, with some scenes filmed during short windows between actual F1 sessions. As a result, the movie’s race footage blends almost indistinguishably with real F1 broadcast visuals.

F1 legend and seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton played a pivotal role as both producer and technical consultant. From script development onward, Hamilton insisted on authenticity, stating, “We wanted to capture not just the spectacle, but the tension and spirit of F1.” His involvement helps the film resonate deeply with seasoned fans while serving as a compelling introduction for newcomers.

To fully appreciate the film, a basic understanding of Formula One enhances the experience. F1 is the highest class of open-wheel racing, governed by the FIA. It features single-seater cars built to strict technical regulations—or "formulas"—hence the name. Races occur across a global calendar, with each weekend comprising Friday practice sessions, Saturday qualifying, and Sunday’s main race.

Modern F1 cars are engineering marvels. Equipped with hybrid turbo engines, they reach speeds up to 350 km/h and accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just over 2 seconds. They generate extreme downforce, subjecting drivers to over 6 Gs in corners, making physical endurance and focus as vital as technical skill.

Strategic gameplay is essential. Teams must use at least two tire compounds during a race and manage pit stops with razor-sharp precision. Weather, safety cars, and team tactics add layers of complexity, making each race a high-stakes chess match at 300 km/h.

The 2025 season features 10 teams and 20 drivers. Major players include Mercedes-AMG Petronas, Red Bull Racing, Ferrari, McLaren, and Aston Martin. Most drivers rise through the ranks of karting, Formula 4, and Formula 2 before reaching F1. Current reigning champion Max Verstappen races for Red Bull.

Music also plays a key role in the film’s emotional impact. Global K-pop star Rosé of BLACKPINK contributes the original soundtrack “Messy,” earning buzz from fans worldwide. Her involvement, initiated by producer Lewis Hamilton, marks a rare moment for a K-pop artist on a global F1 film soundtrack. The official album F1 the Album drops June 27 and includes tracks by Don Toliver, Doja Cat, Ed Sheeran, and Tiësto.

Apple has also partnered in marketing with an innovative “Haptic Trailer” for iPhones, delivering tactile feedback like engine vibrations and cornering G-force to simulate the sensation of driving an F1 car—making the film experience immersive even before stepping into the theater.

Rather than embellishing with over-the-top fiction, F1: The Movie aimed to translate reality to cinema with F1’s full cooperation. The result is a film that thrills diehard fans and welcomes newcomers alike—an exhilarating, authentic racing spectacle powered by Brad Pitt’s charisma and Kosinski’s dynamic direction. F1 is not just speeding onto the track this summer—it’s taking over the screen.