Brad Pitt takes on the character of Sonny Hayes, a once-promising Formula 1 driver from the 1990s who was destined for greatness until a life-altering crash pushed him out of the spotlight. For decades, he drifts from race to race as a hired gun, until fate and a former teammate turned team owner gives him a second chance. Now, he’s back on the track with something to prove and everything to lose. The role offers a layered performance full of grit, personal conflict, and pure racing intensity.

Hayes doesn’t return to an empty garage. His comeback is met with resistance, especially from a young rookie phenom played by Damson Idris. Their dynamic fuels much of the film’s drama a classic clash between old-school wisdom and new-school fire. The generational tension adds realism to the script, creating a storyline that mirrors real F1 team dynamics, where egos, talent, and strategy often collide in high-stakes ways.

Director Joseph Kosinski, known for Top Gun: Maverick, set out to create a film that captures the real essence of Formula 1. Instead of relying heavily on CGI, many racing scenes were filmed during the 2023 British Grand Prix using actual racecars and professional drivers. Both Pitt and Idris trained to handle real cockpit time for select scenes, adding realism to their performances. This hands-on approach promises to give viewers a visceral, trackside experience rarely seen in Hollywood racing films.

Seven-time F1 world champion Lewis Hamilton serves as one of the film’s producers. His involvement adds credibility and insight, ensuring that the movie respects the sport’s culture and technical nuances. Hamilton’s input influences everything from race strategy details to the portrayal of driver personalities, helping bridge the gap between real F1 drama and cinematic storytelling.

The film will debut globally on June 25, 2025, followed by a U.S. release on June 27. Produced by Apple Original Films, F1 will later stream on Apple TV+, allowing fans around the world to dive into the action. With its blend of high-speed racing, layered storytelling, and an all-star cast, the movie is set to capture the attention of motorsport lovers and action film enthusiasts alike.

From garage grit to trackside triumph, Brad Pitt’s F1 promises to be more than just another racing movie it's a comeback story built for men who never back down from a challenge.