As the motorsport world buzzes with excitement, cinema enthusiasts are also gearing up for the release of F1, the much-anticipated sports action drama directed by Joseph Kosinski. This new film, crafted with a powerhouse team including Brad Pitt and legendary composer Hans Zimmer, promises to merge the exhilarating world of Formula One racing with a human story of redemption and mentorship. The trailer, which just dropped, hints at a pulse-pounding, visually captivating journey into the heart of racing, blending authentic track footage with intense personal drama. It’s not just a racing movie; it’s a cinematic experience that immerses audiences into the life of a driver haunted by his past and driven by the desire to reclaim his place among the best. The ambitious project is not merely a portrayal of fast cars and daring maneuvers, but an exploration of passion, resilience, and the high cost of greatness.
From the moment the project was announced, it became a hot ticket in Hollywood, attracting bids from major studios and streaming giants. The idea of Brad Pitt playing a retired Formula One driver coaxed out of retirement to mentor a young prodigy immediately captured imaginations. Adding to the film's allure is the involvement of Lewis Hamilton, not just as a technical consultant but also as a co-producer, lending a rare authenticity to the project. It’s hard not to draw parallels between F1 and Kosinski’s previous collaboration with Pitt, Top Gun: Maverick, where adrenaline, mentorship, and second chances also took center stage. The initial excitement around the film was not just about its premise but the sheer scale of its ambition – a film that dares to capture the raw, unfiltered energy of one of the most competitive sports in the world while telling a deeply personal story of redemption.
The film follows Sonny Hayes, portrayed by Brad Pitt, a once-legendary Formula One driver who saw his career abruptly halted by a horrifying crash in the 1990s. Decades later, his friend Ruben Cervantes (Javier Bardem), the owner of a failing racing team, convinces him to return to the track, not as a contender but as a mentor to a young talent, Joshua Pearce (Damson Idris). Yet, as the film’s synopsis reveals, in the ruthless world of F1, a teammate can quickly become the fiercest rival. The dynamic between Hayes and Pearce, driven both by competitive spirit and mutual respect, is poised to be the film’s emotional core. Kosinski’s vision for the film is to portray this intense dynamic not just as a classic mentor-mentee relationship, but as a nuanced bond where respect and rivalry coexist, reflecting the unpredictable nature of both life and motorsport.
Production for F1 was as intense as the story itself. Brad Pitt and Damson Idris immersed themselves in the world of racing, training in Formula Three and Formula Two cars at the Circuit Paul Ricard in France. Pitt even piloted a modified Formula Two car with an F1 aero package during the British Grand Prix weekend, under the guidance of Mercedes-AMG F1 and Carlin Motorsport. This level of dedication to realism is reminiscent of what made Top Gun: Maverick so compelling – the visceral, real-world experience transferred onto the screen. Filming also took place at some of the world’s most iconic racing circuits, including Silverstone, Monza, and Suzuka, with additional sequences shot during the 24 Hours of Daytona, ensuring that the film’s racing sequences would feel as authentic as possible. The sheer scale and complexity of the production echo the ambition to push cinematic boundaries, blending real racing action with crafted storytelling.
One of the most intriguing aspects of F1 is its aesthetic, shaped by Claudio Miranda’s cinematography. Miranda, known for his work on Life of Pi and Top Gun: Maverick, brings a dynamic visual style that complements the speed and intensity of the racing scenes. Hans Zimmer’s score, meanwhile, is expected to be nothing short of epic, blending orchestral power with modern, driving beats. It’s fitting that Zimmer, who also scored Rush (2013), another F1-themed film, would be part of this project, further deepening its connection to the world of motorsport cinema. The creative synergy between Miranda’s visuals and Zimmer’s soundscape aims to create a sensory experience that places the audience right in the driver’s seat, feeling the rush of speed and the weight of legacy.
Behind the scenes, the film’s journey was marked by ambition and rivalry, much like the sport it depicts. When Jerry Bruckheimer pitched the idea with Brad Pitt already attached, studios and streaming services battled for distribution rights. Apple ultimately secured the film for $130-$140 million, but Warner Bros. later took over theatrical distribution, setting the release date strategically around the Austrian Grand Prix. The film’s budget, speculated at $300 million, was hotly contested by the producers, emphasizing the high stakes involved. This high-profile bidding war reflects the magnetic appeal of the project, with studios sensing not only commercial success but also the potential cultural impact of such a film.
For fans of both motorsport and cinema, F1 is set to be more than just a film – it’s an event. The integration of real-world racing culture, combined with a gripping comeback story, could make it a cultural touchstone akin to Top Gun: Maverick. As the release date approaches, anticipation builds not just for the story of Sonny Hayes but for the stunning spectacle that will unfold on the big screen. Whether you’re a fan of Formula One or just love a good redemption story, mark your calendars: F1 hits theaters on June 25, 2025, internationally, and June 27, 2025, in the United States. Get ready for a ride that promises to be both heart-pounding and heartfelt.
Synopsis :
Sonny Hayes was the F1 prodigy of the 1990s until his terrible accident. Thirty years later, now an independent driver, he is contacted by Ruben Cervantes, the boss of a bankrupt racing team, who convinces him to return to save the team and prove that he is still the best. Alongside Joshua Pearce, a rough diamond ready to become number one, Sonny quickly realizes that in F1, his teammate is also his biggest rival, that danger is everywhere, and that he risks losing everything.
F1
Directed by Joseph Kosinski
Written by Ehren Kruger
Story by Joseph Kosinski, Ehren Kruger
Produced by Jerry Bruckheimer, Joseph Kosinski, Lewis Hamilton, Brad Pitt, Jeremy Kleiner, Dede Gardner, Chad Oman
Starring Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, Kerry Condon, Tobias Menzies, Kim Bodnia, Javier Bardem
Cinematography : Claudio Miranda
Edited by Stephen Mirrione
Music by Hans Zimmer
Production companies : Apple Studios, Monolith Pictures, Jerry Bruckheimer Films, Plan B Entertainment, Dawn Apollo Films
Distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, Apple Original Films
Release dates : June 25, 2025 (FRance), June 27, 2025 (United States)
Photos : Copyright Warner Bros