In the high-octane world of Formula 1, rivalries on and off the track are legendary, and the drama isn’t limited to racing. Red Bull Racing, one of the sport’s most successful teams, feared it might play the villain in the upcoming Formula 1 movie, particularly due to Mercedes’ heavy involvement in the production. But legendary producer Jerry Bruckheimer, known for his blockbuster hits, spent three years quelling their concerns and getting all teams on board.
“Mercedes, Hollywood, and Red Bull’s Concerns”
The project, simply titled F1, features Brad Pitt as veteran driver Sonny Hayes and Damson Idris as rising star Joshua Pierce, with Lewis Hamilton’s production company, Dawn Apollo Films, consulting on the movie. Mercedes’ significant role, including providing the black-and-gold-liveried cars for filming and branding them with its iconic logos, immediately raised eyebrows among rival teams.
Red Bull, Mercedes’ fiercest competitor in recent years, wasn’t thrilled. According to Bruckheimer, the team was convinced the film would cast it as the antagonist, a narrative fueled by their often-heated rivalry with Mercedes.
“Since we teamed up with Mercedes, the other teams said, ‘Wait a second, this movie is going to be about Mercedes, and we’re going to look bad,’” Bruckheimer shared during a recent investor meeting. “Red Bull said, ‘We’re going to be the villains.’”
“A Three-Year Convincing Campaign”
It wasn’t easy to bring Red Bull around. Bruckheimer revealed that it took three years of negotiations to assure the team—and the rest of the paddock—that the movie would portray the sport as a whole rather than centering its narrative on one team.
Eventually, Red Bull leaned into the project, as did the other nine teams, creating a level of unprecedented cooperation for a Hollywood production.
“Immersion on the F1 Circuit”
Filming for F1 has been as immersive as possible, with Brad Pitt and Damson Idris integrating themselves into the sport. The movie’s production team formed an 11th team in the paddock, participating in media sessions and even conducting on-track filming at Grand Prix events throughout the 2024 season.
At Silverstone, Pitt and Idris mingled with real-life drivers in the media pen, and at the Mexico City Grand Prix, Pitt celebrated alongside the crowd. These interactions highlight the film’s commitment to authenticity.
“A Star-Studded Team Bringing F1 to the Big Screen”
The film is directed by Joseph Kosinski, known for the high-flying visuals of Top Gun: Maverick, and produced by Bruckheimer. With a star-studded cast including Javier Bardem as APXGP team owner and mentor to Pitt’s character, the movie promises to deliver adrenaline-packed racing sequences and an emotional story.
F1 will premiere internationally on June 25, 2025, and in North America on June 27, 2025, with Warner Bros handling global distribution. Before its theatrical release, the film will be shown to F1 drivers and teams at Monaco, followed by premieres in major cities such as New York and London.
“Why the Title F1?”
Bruckheimer kept the title simple, drawing inspiration from classic racing films like Le Mans and Grand Prix. “The greatest racing movies were Le Mans and Grand Prix, and now there’s going to be F1,” he said, underscoring the film’s ambition to join the ranks of iconic motorsport cinema.
“Brad Pitt Goes All In”
Brad Pitt, who plays the central role of Sonny Hayes—a veteran racer returning to F1 after a devastating crash in the 1990s—has fully embraced the role. According to Bruckheimer, Pitt is “really invested in this movie” and has been hands-on with both the driving and acting aspects. The producer hinted at a global press tour where Pitt will promote his efforts, a rare move for the Hollywood star.
“The Stakes Are High for Everyone Involved”
For Bruckheimer, Kosinski, and Hamilton, the F1 movie isn’t just a film—it’s a celebration of the sport and a high-stakes attempt to capture its global appeal on the big screen. The collaboration of all ten teams ensures a balanced portrayal of the grid’s complexities, rivalries, and drama, giving fans an authentic experience.
Whether it will live up to the hype remains to be seen, but with the support of F1’s biggest players, F1 could redefine racing cinema and captivate a new generation of motorsport fans.
