Movies - F1 : Navigating the Road to Redemption

By Mulder, 07 july 2024

Hollywood is gearing up for the release of F1, a high-octane sports action drama that promises to deliver a thrilling cinematic experience. Directed by Joseph Kosinski and penned by Ehren Kruger, F1 is set against the backdrop of the prestigious auto racing championship. The film is a collaborative effort with the FIA, Formula One's governing body.

F1 boasts a stellar cast, including Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, Kerry Condon, Tobias Menzies, Lewis Hamilton, Javier Bardem, and Sarah Niles. The plot centers on Sonny Hayes (Brad Pitt), a former Formula One driver who, after a catastrophic crash in the 1990s, is persuaded to come out of retirement by a team owner and old friend (Javier Bardem) to mentor the young and talented Joshua Pearce (Damson Idris) for the Apex Grand Prix team (APXGP). Adding authenticity, real-life F1 stars like Lewis Hamilton, Max Verstappen, Carlos Sainz Jr., Sergio Pérez, and Benoit Treluyer make appearances as themselves. Abdul Salis and Will Merrick also join the cast in yet-to-be-disclosed roles.

The journey of F1 from concept to production is noteworthy. In December 2021, The Hollywood Reporter announced that Jerry Bruckheimer would produce the film, with Brad Pitt starring. Joseph Kosinski, known for Top Gun: Maverick, was attached as the director, and Ehren Kruger as the writer. Lewis Hamilton's involvement added an extra layer of excitement. The project quickly became a hot commodity, with multiple studios and streaming platforms vying for distribution rights. After intense bidding, Apple secured the distribution rights in a package deal worth between $130-140 million. By June 2024, Warner Bros. Pictures acquired the theatrical distribution rights, planning a global release in IMAX format on June 25, 2025, followed by a U.S. release on June 27, 2025. The film will also be available on Apple TV+ at a later date.

Principal photography for F1 began in July 2023 at the Silverstone Circuit in the UK, coinciding with the 2023 British Grand Prix. Brad Pitt drove a specially modified Formula Two car with additional Formula One aero-package during the race weekend. Although Pitt did not participate in official F1 sessions, his involvement during such a prestigious event added an authentic feel to the film's racing sequences. The production team also captured scenes at the 2024 24 Hours of Daytona, with a Wright Motorsport Porsche 911 GT3 R featuring prominently, carrying cameras and sporting a livery from the film.

The film’s visual narrative is crafted by cinematographer Claudio Miranda, whose expertise promises to bring the high-speed action to life on the big screen. Complementing the visual spectacle is the musical score composed by the legendary Hans Zimmer, whose involvement was announced during the 2024 Austrian Grand Prix. Zimmer's score is expected to elevate the film's emotional and dramatic moments, adding depth to the thrilling race sequences.

F1 has generated significant buzz, especially with the teaser trailer that debuted before the 2024 British Grand Prix and the official title reveal. The film's blend of high-speed drama, heartfelt mentorship, and redemption arcs promises to captivate audiences. The narrative of a retired racer mentoring a young prodigy while seeking his own redemption is a compelling storyline that resonates with themes of second chances and personal growth.

As the release date approaches, anticipation continues to build. With a powerhouse team of creators and a dynamic cast, F1 is poised to become a blockbuster hit. Fans of motorsport and cinema alike are eagerly awaiting its release, which promises to offer an adrenaline-fueled adventure on the big screen. Mark your calendars for June 2025, when F1 races into theaters, delivering a cinematic experience that combines the thrill of racing with the human stories behind the sport.

Synopsis :
A racing driver comes out of retirement to mentor a young driver in the hope of returning to glory...

F1
Directed by Joseph Kosinski
Written by Ehren Kruger
Produced by Jerry Bruckheimer, Chad Oman, Brad Pitt, Dede Gardner, Jeremy Kleiner, Lewis Hamilton, Joseph Kosinski
Starring Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, Kerry Condon, Tobias Menzies, Javier Bardem, Sarah Niles
Cinematography : Claudio Miranda
Music by Hans Zimmer
Production companies : Apple Studios, Jerry Bruckheimer Films, Plan B Entertainment, Dawn Apollo Films
Distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, Apple Original Films (through Apple TV+)
Release dates : June 25, 2025 (France), June 27, 2025 (United States)