F1 News: Brad Pitt Formula One Movie Takes On Daytona 24 Hours

The 'Apex' film crew reached Daytona to film the series.

Formula 1 movie starring Brad Pitt and co-produced by Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton has been filming at Daytona for the 24 series. The movie, supposedly named 'Apex', aims to showcase a fictional Formula 1 team, APXGP, in a quest for a rookie driver's championship title.

The production crews of the film were immersed in the real-life Formula 1 experience at various Grands Prix last season to depict a perfect F1 setting in the movie. A Formula 2 car, which was made to look like an F1 car, was also used for shooting purposes. However, it appears that the storyline will also venture into the realm of IMSA, using Daytona as its setting.

To prepare for his role, Pitt will collaborate with Wright Motorsports, a team participating in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. One of the team's Porsche 911 GT3 RS bearing the number 120, customized for the film and featuring Brad Pitt's character, Sonny Hayes, will participate in the Rolex 24. The car will be driven by Adam Adelson, Jan Heylen, and Porsche factory driver Fred Makowieck.

The storyline revolves around Formula 1 and follows the character of veteran driver Sonny Hayes, portrayed by Pitt, who comes out of retirement to assist rookie F1 charger Joshua Pears, played by Damson Idris.

Helmed by Joseph Kosinski, known for directing Top Gun, and produced by Jerry Bruckheimer, who has been named the Grand Marshal for the 62nd Rolex 24 at Daytona, is scheduled to officially kick off on Thursday, Jan. 25. Speaking on the "iconic venue", Bruckheimer said:

“Daytona International Speedway is an iconic venue and it’s going to be an honor to give the command for the Rolex 24 At Daytona.

“I’ve been here for the biggest NASCAR race and now I can’t wait to experience one of the most prestigious sports car races in the world.”

Hollywood strikes in the previous year have resulted in a delay in much of the production work, pushing the movie's release to 2025. The challenges in filming have given rise to various production issues, including the cancellation of a scene set to take place at the inaugural Grand Prix in Las Vegas. When Hamilton was asked for a release date, he said:

“Probably early 2025, I would imagine, with the post-work they’d have to do. So yeah, it’s been delayed a lot.”