Brad Pitt and Damson Idris star in a new Formula 1 movie directed by Joseph Kosinski. The film, set for release in June 2025, promises to be one of the most authentic racing movies ever made. Kosinski, who recently directed “Top Gun: Maverick,” spoke about the differences between the two projects.
While both involve high-speed vehicles and adrenaline-fueled action, the F1 movie presented unique challenges. “On Top Gun, we were off on an aircraft carrier 100 miles off the coast. This movie we shot in front of an audience of 400,000 people,” Kosinski said.
“Often, I had only a few minutes to shoot a scene because we were actually shooting it at the real live event.”
To achieve realism, the crew worked with real Formula 1 drivers as advisors, and Lewis Hamilton participated as a producer. Cinematographers adapted cameras for high-speed shots, and the actors had to deliver their performances under pressure. Damson Idris, who plays young prodigy Noah Pearce, spoke about the experience of becoming a real driver.
“The feeling I felt before was absolute fear. But at the end of it, driving up to 180 miles per hour, going from track to track around the world, is an opportunity that I could never have dreamed of,” Idris said.
Inside Kosinski’s F1 challenge
Actor Kerry Condon and producer Jerry Bruckheimer also emphasized the film’s authenticity. Condon, who plays the race director for the fictitious APX GP F1 team, met with F1 insiders to prepare for her role. “I spoke to strategists Ruth Buscombe and Bernie Collins, and they kind of helped me baby step it,” Condon said.
“Ultimately, there’s so much to learn. I mean, I couldn’t, unless I went to college, I couldn’t really learn everything, so they helped me.”
Bruckheimer highlighted Lewis Hamilton’s involvement as a producer, noting his precise advice on various aspects of racing. “His advice was very particular,” Bruckheimer said.
“As an example, he was talking about one of the racetracks and he watched the race we shot. He said when you’re going to Turn 4, you’re not in second gear, you’re in third gear. So, we had to change the sound to make it accurate.”
Filming during actual race weekends presented challenges, particularly with thousands of fans eager to catch a glimpse of the production.
However, Bruckheimer believes that even if fans have seen bits and pieces, they cannot predict how the movie will unfold. The F1 movie, with its star-studded cast and commitment to authenticity, is poised to be a thrilling cinematic experience for both racing enthusiasts and general audiences alike.
