Brad Pitt’s upcoming Formula 1 film finally has a title: F1, movie. No comments on the creativity. But credit where it’s due, the title reflects the movie’s subject matter – the world of Formula 1 racing. But did you know that the movie was shot in an F2 car?
While both F1 and F2 are single-seat, open-wheel racing categories, there are key distinctions. F1 represents the pinnacle of motorsport, featuring the most powerful and technologically advanced cars.
In contrast, F2 serves as a feeder series for F1 drivers, utilizing less powerful engines but still achieving impressive speeds. F1 cars are significantly faster, reaching top speeds exceeding 230 mph. F2 cars, while still fast, have a top speed closer to 200 mph.
Mercedes created a modified black-and-gold Formula 2 car for certain scenes. Seven-time F1 champion Lewis Hamilton is involved as a co-producer.
The film presents a fictional narrative within the F1 world. Brad Pitt portrays a seasoned driver named Sonny Hayes, who experiences a comeback after a career hiatus caused by a crash in the 1990s. He takes on a mentoring role for a rookie driver, Joshua Pierce (played by Damson Idris). Together, they compete for APX GP, a fictional eleventh team on the F1 grid.
Academy Award winner Javier Bardem plays the owner of the APX GP team. Supporting roles include Kerry Condon, Tobias Menzies, and Sarah Niles. Joseph Kosinski, known for directing films like Tron: Legacy and Top Gun: Maverick, directed the film.
The production has worked hard for authenticity by collaborating with existing F1 teams, the sport’s governing body (FIA), and race promoters. Filming includes real-world footage captured during races in the 2023 and 2024 Formula One season, including locations like Silverstone and Abu Dhabi.
This is not the first time Apple and F1 have intersected. A couple of years back, thanks to Apple’s Find Me, an F1 driver was able to trace their belongings back. Additionally, if you’re an Apple TV+ user, Lady in the Lake premieres July 19 on Apple TV+. I personally am very excited to watch the upcoming F1 movie.
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