F1 Movie Continues Filming Ahead of British Grand Prix as Brad Pitt Arrives at Silverstone

Alex Harrington | Jul 5, 2024

Aug 1, 2022; Beverly Hills, CA., USA; Aug 1, 2022; \"Bullet Train\" director David Leitch (left) and star Brad Pitt pose for a portrait on August 1, 2022 at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel. The action-comedy film is based on the Japanese novel \"Maria Beetle\" which was published in English as \"Bullet Train.\" Before becoming a director Leitch was a stunt double for Pitt five times.. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY / Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY

Hollywood meets high-speed as the British Grand Prix becomes the backdrop for an ongoing cinematic project starring Brad Pitt. The iconic actor was spotted this week at Northamptonshire's Silverstone Circuit, stepping back into the role of Sonny Hayes, a seasoned F1 driver marking a dramatic return to the racing world. Clad in the colors of the fictional 'APx GP' team, Pitt’s engagement at the track isn’t just a fleeting visit but part of a larger tapestry of storytelling that blends the thrilling world of Formula 1 with cinematic drama.

Directed by Joseph Kosinski, known for his success with "Top Gun: Maverick," the film, confirmed to be named 'F1' promises to be a riveting watch. Kosinski’s team resumed shooting, leveraging the bustling environment of Silverstone, familiar from last year’s Grand Prix activities where their cameras first rolled. With an impressive cast that includes Javier Bardem as the team principal and British actor Damson Idris playing Pitt’s teammate, the project has been slated for a June 25, 2025 release.

The film, with a budget reported around $140 million (£125m), saw Apple snapping up the rights, signaling a high-stakes venture into the portrayal of the Formula One universe. Notably, the involvement of Lewis Hamilton, a seven-time world champion turned co-producer, adds an extra layer of authenticity. Hamilton, deeply involved in crafting the narrative, aims to reflect the true spirit of the sport. His contribution includes fine-tuning the script to better capture the essence of what it feels to battle it out on the world’s most glamorous racing circuits.

Sonny has arrived at Silverstone 🤩#F1 #Formula1 #Silverstone #APXGP #British #ApexGP #BritishGP #f1Movie #F1Film #GreatBritain #Since1950 #SonnyHayes #Sonny #BradPitt pic.twitter.com/4ONZXcPXxc

— Expensify APX-GP (@expensifyapxgp) July 5, 2024

“We want everyone to love it and to really feel that we encapsulate what the essence of this sport is all about,” Hamilton expressed, underscoring the aspirations of the team behind the camera.

As filming dovetails with the fervor of the upcoming British Grand Prix, the presence of Hollywood royalty combined with the electrifying atmosphere of the event proves to be a magnet for motorsport enthusiasts. Many have already begun to arrive at Silverstone, eager not just for the race but also for a glimpse of the filmmaking in action.

Meanwhile, the circulating image of Pitt at the Grand Prix, decked out in dark glasses and his character’s racing suit has only amplified the buzz around the film. The high-profile cast, the expert direction, and the substantial backing suggest that the portrayal of F1 in this latest Hollywood production might just set new standards in how motorsport can be dramatized for an audience that spans the globe.

BRAD IS BACK!

Good to have Brad Pitt back with us in Silverstone filming more scenes for the Apple F1 movie. Here he is in the paddock between scenes.#formula1 #f1 #grandprix #photobooks #bradpitt #apxf1 #britishgp pic.twitter.com/iKwLdK9ogX

— Kym Illman (@KymIllman) July 5, 2024

As the film crew navigates the complex logistics of shooting amidst the real-world thrills of Formula 1 racing, the industry watches with bated breath. Will this melding of film and sport offer a new lens through which fans can appreciate the drama and nuance of Formula 1? Only time will tell, but the anticipation is undoubtedly high.