Lights, Camera, Apex: Brad Pitt’s F1 Masterclass Earns Lewis Hamilton’s Seal of Approval

In a thrilling fusion of Hollywood glamour and high-octane racing, the upcoming Apple Original Films production, set to hit theaters on June 25, promises to be the most authentic Formula 1 movie ever made. Seven-time F1 world champion Lewis Hamilton, who serves as a co-producer on the film, has given a glowing endorsement of Brad Pitt’s driving prowess.

“Brad Pitt, speed, thrills, an epic underdog story, drama, humour and a little bit of romance,” Hamilton said in recorded comments at the launch event. “Watching Brad drive around at speeds over 180 miles an hour was really impressive to see because it’s not something you can just learn overnight. The dedication and the focus that Brad put into this process has been amazing to witness.”

Directed by Joseph Kosinski, known for his work on “Top Gun: Maverick,” the yet-to-be-titled film also stars Javier Bardem as the owner of a struggling F1 team, with British actor Damson Idris portraying hotshot driver Joshua Pearce alongside Pitt’s aging racer Sonny Hayes, who seeks redemption on the track.

The two-minute trailer, released on Thursday, offers a tantalizing glimpse into the high-speed action that awaits audiences when the movie, distributed internationally by Warner Bros. Pictures, premieres in June.

Authenticity at 180 Miles per Hour What sets this F1 film apart is the genuine racing footage captured during actual Grand Prix weekends. Pitt and Idris piloted F2 cars, specially adapted by Mercedes and equipped with cameras and recording equipment, allowing them to navigate the tracks alongside real F1 drivers.

The movie’s fictitious APX team had its own garage and pit wall, with their cars strategically positioned at the back of the grid before the races began. During 10-15 minute windows between practice and qualifying sessions, the actors hit the track, their tires warmed and cameras rolling, while oblivious fans watched on, unaware that a Hollywood superstar was behind the wheel.

Kosinski emphasized the authenticity of Pitt’s driving, stating, “When you see Brad driving, that’s not acting. He’s really concentrating on keeping that car on the track and out of the wall during all those scenes, so that’s something that you just can’t fake.”

Hamilton’s Influence and Pitt’s Natural Talent Lewis Hamilton, who is set to kick off his own F1 season in Australia this weekend, played a crucial role in shaping the film’s narrative. The Ferrari driver wanted to ensure that Pitt could genuinely drive before fully committing to the project.

“If Brad can’t drive, this whole film wasn’t going to work,” Kosinski explained. “What Lewis was very happy to discover was that, you know, Brad had a lot of just natural ability right from the start. I don’t know where he got that. … He rides motorcycles, which I think has something to do with it, but he’s just a very talented, naturally gifted driver, which gave Lewis a lot of confidence that we might have a shot at pulling this off.”

Cutting-Edge Cinematography To capture the heart-pounding intensity of F1 racing, Kosinski and his team employed state-of-the-art, remotely operated on-car cameras, which were slimmed down to a quarter of the size used in “Top Gun.” This allowed for intimate, immersive shots that put the audience right in the driver’s seat.

“Shooting at 180 miles an hour, literally. It was an adrenaline rush every weekend,” Kosinski said, likening the experience to a live stage play.

Pitt and Idris underwent months of rigorous training to prepare for their roles, ensuring that their performances behind the wheel were as convincing as their acting chops.

As anticipation builds for this groundbreaking F1 film, fans and cinephiles alike can look forward to a thrilling ride that combines the star power of Brad Pitt, the racing expertise of Lewis Hamilton, and the directorial vision of Joseph Kosinski. If the trailer is any indication, this movie is set to redefine the racing genre and deliver an unparalleled cinematic experience.