The film F1, starring Brad Pitt and Damson Idris, premiered on June 27, 2025, quickly becoming a box office hit with over $300 million in global earnings. The movie centers on Sonny Hayes, a former racing prodigy, as he returns after 30 years to revive a struggling Formula One team, facing off against a volatile rookie while battling his own past. This film aims to deliver an unmatched F1 movie authentic racing experience through its detailed portrayal of the sport.

Director Joseph Kosinski collaborated with screenplay writer Ehren Kreuger, producer Jerry Bruckheimer, cinematographer Claudio Miranda, and Oscar-winning composer Hans Zimmer to create a thrilling action movie with rich sporting realism, building on their success with Top Gun: Maverick (2022). The team’s focus on authenticity and intricate technical elements shaped F1 into a unique cinematic event.

The vision behind creating an unparalleled racing film

Joseph Kosinski’s ambition was to produce what he called the most authentic racing film ever made. In June 2025, Kosinski emailed Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton with the idea of crafting a movie that captured the sport’s reality with minimal fiction. Hamilton’s enthusiastic agreement helped set the tone for the project’s depth and accuracy.

“I sent an email to Lewis just saying, ‘I want to make a film in this world. I want it to be the most authentic racing film ever. Would you be interested in helping me to do that? And he said yes,” Kosinski stated.

The collaboration between Kosinski and Hamilton laid the groundwork for a film that required extensive planning and a generous budget to minimize compromises, enhancing the immersive racing experience for audiences.

Innovative camera technology enhanced the visceral racing scenes

To capture the raw emotions and intense atmosphere inside a race car cockpit, cinematographer Claudio Miranda pushed for new camera technology tailored to the film’s needs. Existing equipment was insufficient, so Sony developed Carmen, a set of miniature cameras that could be mounted inside the cars. These cameras provided dynamic angles and the feeling of being inside the race with the drivers.

Because of their small size and sophisticated build, Carmen cameras could rotate during high-speed sequences and transmit film-quality footage suitable for large cinemas, all without significantly affecting car performance due to added weight. This unique approach offered viewers perspectives not typically seen during live broadcasts or race coverage.

“We’re able to put cameras in places the broadcast can’t. We’re shooting with film-quality cameras that give you a different perspective and experience from what you’re used to seeing on TV,” said John Kosinski in a March 2025 interview with Formula 1.

FIA collaboration brought real-world authenticity to filming

The filmmakers partnered officially with the FIA, Formula One’s governing organization, which granted access to real race events, teams, and staff for inspiration and authenticity. Filming took place at actual race circuits, with actors driving genuine race cars. Due to the tight filming schedules during race weekends, multiple takes were often impossible, forcing the cast and crew to operate with precision and extensive preparation.

“The preparation involved was enormous,” noted Stephen Morrione, editor at Esquire.

Using real teams and personnel as references helped infuse the film’s characters and settings with a convincing sense of realism, creating a movie experience that closely mirrors the intensity and unpredictability of professional races.

Damson Idris’s rigorous training showcased genuine racing skills

To survive the demanding requirements of the role as Joshua Pearce, Idris underwent several audition rounds where his driving talent was tested alongside his acting abilities. The role required actual racing maneuvers, compelling Idris to train extensively for months before production.

“Being a smart, brilliant guy, Damson did loads of training and practice and did really well,” casting director Lucy Bevan said.

During a June 23, 2025 interview on This Morning, Idris revealed that Lewis Hamilton, serving as executive producer, humorously encouraged him by telling him, “Stop driving so slow.” This combination of acting and real racing elevated the film’s authenticity.

Brad Pitt achieved impressive Formula 2 driving feats on set

To balance safety with high-speed realism, the production worked closely with Mercedes AMG’s Team Principal, Toto Wolff, adapting Formula 2 cars to resemble Formula One vehicles while allowing actors to handle powerful race machines with more protection. The team bought six real Formula 2 cars and customized them with the help of engineers to fit camera rigs and other film equipment.

“We actually bought six F2 cars, real F2 race cars and worked with Mercedes AMG, the Formula 1 team and their engineers to build real race cars that could carry our camera equipment, recorders and transmitters for making this film,” John Kosinski explained.

Brad Pitt trained hard and frequently reached speeds of 200 mph behind the wheel, coming within five seconds of top Formula 2 lap times by the end of filming. This dedication allowed the film to capture every subtle reaction on Pitt’s face, underscoring the intensity of high-speed racing.

Filming integrated seamlessly with major 2023 and 2024 race weekends

The production team followed the Formula One circuit throughout the 2023-2024 season, filming scenes during real race weekends at tracks like Silverstone, Hungaroring, Monza, Suzuka, Mexico City, Zandvoort, Las Vegas, and Spa-Francorchamps. The closing scenes were shot at Yas Marina Circuit, showcasing the contemporary F1 grid with drivers including Max Verstappen, Lewis Hamilton, and Lando Norris in their 2023-24 livery.

Damson Idris shared how the packed grandstands and authentic race-day crowd atmosphere added palpable pressure to the actors, helping to translate the event’s energy on screen. The presence of genuine competition amplified the realism and brought an electrifying intensity to the performances.

Why this film redefines racing cinema

What began as a simple idea in an email from Joseph Kosinski to Lewis Hamilton evolved into a groundbreaking project that honors the spirit and technical rigor of Formula One racing. The film’s extensive use of cutting-edge camera technology, real racing cars, and actual race environments, combined with committed performances by Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, and others, set a new standard for an F1 movie authentic racing experience.

Through innovative filmmaking methods and collaboration with the sport’s top figures and organizations, F1 offers fans and newcomers alike an immersive glimpse into the high-stakes world of Formula One. Screenings worldwide invite audiences to witness firsthand what many consider the most faithful cinematic portrayal of racing ever produced.

Our Reader’s Queries

Q. Why is 17 banned in F1?

A. In Formula 1, #17 is the sole driver number that has been formally retired. This honors Jules Bianchi, who had a tragic accident while racing with this number in the 2014 Japanese Grand Prix.

Q. Which F1 driver has ADHD?

A. Lewis Hamilton, born in 1985, is a British Formula One driver racing for Mercedes and has also represented McLaren. He openly talks about his ADHD experience and explores his various interests and hobbies.

Q. Why is number 17 banned in F1?

A. To honor Jules Bianchi, who passed away in 2015 due to injuries from a crash at the 2014 Japanese Grand Prix, his racing number 17 was retired.

Q. What F1 drivers have ADHD?

A. Lewis Hamilton is a British race car driver born in 1985. He competes in Formula One for the Mercedes team and previously raced for McLaren. Hamilton talks openly about his experiences with ADHD. He also shares his various interests and passions.