As Formula 1 gears up for a dramatic 2025 season, the sport is also preparing to take center stage on the silver screen. Brad Pitt’s highly anticipated F1 movie, produced by Apple Studios and backed by Lewis Hamilton, is set for a June 27, 2025 release, and will feature real-life teams and drivers in the paddock.
Among those making an appearance? McLaren star Lando Norris, who confirmed his role in the film – though don’t expect him to trade his race suit for a Hollywood career anytime soon.
Norris Confirms Cameo in Brad Pitt’s F1 Film
With the film crew present at multiple Grands Prix throughout 2024, several drivers were inevitably caught in the action. Red Bull reportedly feared they’d be painted as the villain, while others, like Norris, found themselves involved in smaller roles.
Speaking about his participation in the movie, Norris gave a lighthearted take on his experience:
“I think I’m in bits of it – I’m definitely not Hollywood. I definitely want to stay out of Hollywood. I just like driving my car and going home, in a way. But it’s amazing to work alongside some of the guys last year, to be behind the scenes and see the cameras and all of this.”
While many F1 drivers have embraced the glamour and entertainment side of the sport, Norris remains laser-focused on his racing career.
“So yeah, been nice to be part of it – I’m definitely not an actor, definitely never will be. But I’ll always play those little scenes in the background, and you might see me here or there.”
A Championship Contender, Not a Movie Star?
Norris’ humble dismissal of Hollywood comes at a time when his McLaren team is expected to be a major threat in 2025. With Red Bull facing challenges, Mercedes ushering in a new era, and Ferrari welcoming Lewis Hamilton, Norris sees a prime opportunity to fight for his first F1 championship.
The film, meanwhile, is expected to introduce millions of new fans to the sport, much like Netflix’s “Drive to Survive” did in recent years. With a $300 million budget, real F1 race footage, and Brad Pitt playing an aging driver making a comeback, the project is one of the most ambitious racing films in history.
Will This Film Be F1’s “Top Gun” Moment?
The hype around Pitt’s F1 project has already drawn comparisons to Tom Cruise’s “Top Gun: Maverick”, which reinvigorated interest in military aviation. If executed well, this film could give F1 an even bigger global audience, bringing in fresh eyes just as the sport enters a new regulation era in 2026.
As for Lando Norris, he’s happy to let the cameras roll—as long as they don’t get in the way of his first real shot at F1 glory.
