A new film is currently in production, in collaboration with various teams and drivers. Joseph Kosinski, the director of the highly successful ‘Top Gun: Maverick’, is in charge, while Jerry Bruckheimer acts as producer. Warner Bros. Pictures will be responsible for distributing the film in cinemas and IMAX. Lewis Hamilton, a seven-time Formula 1 world champion, is not only a co-producer but also stars in the film. Filming began last year and will continue during selected weekends of the grand prix throughout the season. The production team has created an 11th fictional team called ‘APX GP’, with a garage and a stand in the pit area.
The story revolves around the character played by Pitt, who is 60 years old in real life, as he embarks on a return to Formula 1. He is accompanied by Damson Idris, who plays his rookie teammate in APX. The cast also includes Oscar-winning Javier Bardem and Best Supporting Actress nominee Kerry Condon. Formula 1 has announced that production of the film will be completed at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in December.
The sport hopes that this film will further solidify the popularity and growth of Formula 1, following the success of the Netflix documentary series ‘Drive to Survive’. This series has significantly boosted the appeal of F1, especially in the crucial US market, leading to the addition of three races in Austin, Miami, and Las Vegas. Mercedes driver Hamilton, who will join Ferrari at the end of the season, has expressed his belief that the film will surpass the impact of the Netflix program. (Reporting by Alan Baldwin)
