As the Formula 1 movie finally hits theaters this week, here are five things to keep an eye out for in the much-anticipated blockbuster.
The project, starring Brad Pitt as Sonny Hayes, integrated a fictional 11th team into the Formula 1 paddock, with filming actively taking place during real races throughout the 2023 and 2024 seasons. Pitt is joined by a notable cast including Damson Idris and Kerry Condon, under the direction of the celebrated duo Joseph Kosinski and Jerry Bruckheimer.
The film received significant support from the F1 community. Lewis Hamilton served as a producer and played a key role in persuading fellow drivers to embrace filming during the intense competition of championship seasons. With the final product, designed to appeal to both dedicated fans and newcomers, having been released in the UK, here are some details worth noting (without spoilers!).
How Hamilton Influenced the Movie
Since the early stages of the project became public in 2021, Lewis Hamilton`s involvement has been central. The seven-time world champion joined as a producer, and long before production began, he was helping to convince key figures in the sport that welcoming Hollywood into the F1 environment was a positive step.
Hamilton had previously stated his intention to guide director Joseph Kosinski and lead producer Jerry Bruckheimer to ensure the film`s authenticity, and more specifics regarding his contributions have recently emerged.
Speaking in June, Kosinski detailed the level of technical insight Hamilton brought to a scene set at the famous Hungaroring circuit in Budapest.
“He was involved in all the technical details, offering fascinating advice,” Kosinski said. “At Hungary, for instance, he mentioned, `if Brad is letting someone pass under a blue flag and wants it to be as tight as possible, he would only do that at turn six.` This kind of specific detail on race maneuvers, coming from a seven-time world champion who lives and breathes this world every day, was information I couldn`t have acquired anywhere else.”
Hamilton`s influence extended beyond technical aspects, with Kosinski revealing that the Brit inspired a scene where Pitt`s character, Hayes, discusses his motivations for racing.
He stated, “Lewis also contributed to the story. There`s a part in the film where Sonny Hayes talks about why he races, almost the spiritual side of it. That was also inspired by a conversation with Lewis. His involvement has been amazing. We couldn`t have made the film without him.”
“Unsung Heroes!” – High Praise for Sky`s Brundle and Croft
Several Sky Sports F1 team members make appearances in the movie, but commentators David Croft and Martin Brundle are featured almost constantly. They play a vital role, especially for viewers less familiar with Formula 1, by explaining the action as it unfolds.
Kosinski explained that the decision to use them for exposition was inspired by their real-life F1 commentary style.
The director observed, “If you listen to their commentary in every real race, very subtly, they cover the basics of Formula 1 while commentating. So, if you`re tuning in for the first time, you get those fundamentals. But at the same time, if you`ve been watching for a long time, you get the detail and specificity that engages knowledgeable fans.”
“So, I was truly inspired by how they call their real races,” he continued. “And we had many sessions with them. I honestly think they are the unsung heroes of this movie. If you watch it, you`ll see how they guide an audience that knows nothing through this story, but do it in a way that feels very authentic and is very much their own voice.”
“Cheating” Concerns Only from “F1 Eyes”
When a group of F1 media members viewed the film at the Canadian Grand Prix in June, a concern raised afterwards was whether certain plot points risked endorsing the breaking of sport regulations.
Kosinski clarified that all racing storylines were based on actual events from F1 history, although he admitted to pushing the boundaries.
“That was something we discussed extensively with Lewis, the line,” he stated. “We never wanted Sonny to cheat. We wanted to find how far you could push it, right to the edge. The difficult part was how to go all the way to the line without crossing it. That was a significant challenge in these racing scenes.”
F1 President Stefano Domenicali dismissed the concern, suggesting it would only be noticed by viewers with “very F1 eyes,” insisting that those less exposed to the sport would simply enjoy the drama.
“I understand it, but that`s a very F1 perspective,” Domenicali commented. “For the audience watching the movie, this won`t be perceived that way. It will be seen as racing action, authentic competition, and that`s what will come across. I`m quite confident about that.”
Senna Feature Among Nods to F1 History
Despite the film being set in the present day, methods were found to incorporate references to some of the sport`s most iconic figures and locations. Old footage was skillfully used to weave three-time world champion and F1 legend Ayrton Senna into the narrative.
“Having lived in this world for four years, talking to Lewis,” Kosinski explained, “every F1 driver talks about the early 1990s era and those engines, and Ayrton Senna is obviously an icon. So, for me, the opportunity to tell a story featuring Senna and hear the sound of those V12s was just an amazing opportunity. And a fun moment for those of you who truly understand the history of the sport.”
A scene in the movie subtly features the banking that was once part of the famous Monza circuit in Italy, which was prominently featured in the 1966 F1-inspired film Grand Prix.
Kosinski added, “Grand Prix and Le Mans are my touchstones. Those movies are almost 60 years old, but you can still watch them and still marvel at the cinematography and the feeling of being there, because you really were. The entire practical nature of this film was inspired by those classics. I`m glad you noticed the Monza banking scene. That`s one I wanted to include just as a nod, because those films were the real inspiration.”
Will There Be a Sequel?
Have you seen the movie and been left wanting more? While real-life racing is always an option (like the upcoming Austrian Grand Prix), there might be more big-screen action in the future.
Bruckheimer stated that he and Kosinski would love to create a follow-up, and he believes Pitt would eagerly seize the chance to spend more time on the track.
He said, “That`s up to the audience. If they turn up, then sure, we`d love to do another one. And so would Brad, I`m sure. He hated getting out of that car, I`ve got to tell you. That was my happiest day and his saddest day! I`m so glad he got out of there and everybody was safe, but he wanted to get right back in immediately.”
