Get ready to hit the track! Brad Pitt is back in action as Sonny Hayes, a retired Formula 1 driver, in the upcoming movie "F1," directed by Joseph Kosinski, known for "Top Gun: Maverick." The film promises excitement, featuring Pitt alongside a talented cast that includes Javier Bardem and Damson Idris.

In the trailer, set to Fleetwood Mac’s classic "The Chain," we see the tension between Sonny and Joshua, a rookie driver. Their relationship is rocky as they butt heads over past victories. It’s a thrilling setup that shows how high the stakes are in racing: win the race and earn respect or lose and prove the skeptics right.
Kosinski, a new fan of F1 thanks to Netflix’s "Drive to Survive," aims to tell the story of the underdog. He tells us, "It’s not about winning the championship but just one race against the giants of the sport." His collaboration with seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton helped bring an authentic feel to the film. Hamilton, involved as a producer, ensured that the portrayal of the sport captures its true adrenaline and speed.
To achieve realism, the movie features genuine F2 race cars, with Pitt and Idris driving at speeds of over 180 mph. Kosinski explains how they worked closely with Mercedes to create cars capable of filming dynamic racing scenes, emphasizing that every moment on screen feels real. He recalls the intense schedule: shooting between actual race practices meant everything had to be perfect in short time frames.
On the tech side, the team pushed boundaries too. Sony custom-built cameras for exhilarating shots of the high-speed action. Kosinski and cinematographer Claudio Miranda incorporated motorized mounts that allowed cameras to move and capture racing from unique angles. This innovation meant that they could film the realism of racing but also communicate with actors in the midst of roaring engines—a daunting task! Kosinski humorously notes, "Instead of telling Brad to speed up, I often found myself saying, ‘Slow down, please!’"
Music also plays a significant role, with composer Hans Zimmer returning to create a captivating score that will amplify the film’s thrilling atmosphere.
As racing continues to rise in global popularity, it mirrors trends in the film industry where action and sports dramas see increasing demand. According to recent statistics, viewership for Formula 1 has surged by 50% in the past two years, highlighting the growing interest not just in the sport but also in cinematic representations of it.
"F1" is set to release on June 27 in North America, offering a mix of real racing drama and character depth that captures the essence of competition and trust. Keep an eye out for this film; it could just take you on the ride of a lifetime!
For more details, check out the official trailer here.
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