F1: The Movie is an American action film directed by Joseph Kosinski, with a screenplay by Ehren Kruger. Led by Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, and Javier Bardem, the movie delves into the high-stakes world of Formula 1. Released in French cinemas on June 25, 2025, it now continues its journey on television, with a broadcast scheduled on Canal+ on March 6, 2026, at 9:10 PM.
Produced by Jerry Bruckheimer and co-produced by Brad Pitt and race car driver Lewis Hamilton, F1: The Movie continues in the same visual and technical style as Top Gun: Maverick, another hit from director Joseph Kosinski. The film aims for maximum immersion, featuring breathtaking onboard shots that put viewers right in the heart of the action.
A former star of Formula 1 in the 1990s, Sonny Hayes saw his career come to a halt after a dramatic crash. Thirty years on, now racing as an independent driver, he's approached by Ruben Cervantes, owner of a struggling team teetering on bankruptcy, who offers him a surprising opportunity to re-enter the championship.
Tasked with supporting Joshua Pearce, a young prodigy as talented as he is unpredictable, Sonny quickly realizes that modern Formula 1 offers no room for nostalgia. Amid internal rivalries, relentless media scrutiny, and constant danger, the pursuit of redemption becomes a high-stakes battle where a teammate can quickly become the biggest rival.
One of the standout features of F1: The Movie is its filming during actual Grand Prix weekends, including Silverstone, Monza, Spa-Francorchamps, Suzuka, and Abu Dhabi. The production teams shot amidst real race events, seamlessly blending fictional Apex GP cars into the authentic paddocks of these legendary circuits.
To boost authenticity, Mercedes-AMG transformed Formula 2 cars into high-speed stunt vehicles capable of reaching nearly 200 mph. Tiny cameras developed in partnership with Sony and advanced sensors based on Apple Silicon technology provided groundbreaking camera angles, reminiscent of the immersive approach previously showcased in Top Gun: Maverick.
Brad Pitt and Damson Idris underwent rigorous training that mimicked the intense preparation of professional pilots: simulator sessions, driving in Formula 3 and then Formula 2 cars, targeted muscle training, and endurance testing. Damson Idris spent seven months honing his skills to convincingly portray Joshua Pearce, while Brad Pitt leveraged his motorcycle experience to quickly adapt to high-level racing.
Billed as one of the most expensive films ever made about motorsport, F1 The Movie has been the subject of much speculation regarding its budget. While some reports suggested a figure nearing $300 million, producer Jerry Bruckheimer clarified these numbers, pointing to close collaborations with Formula 1 and favorable tax arrangements as part of the financing strategy.
Lewis Hamilton's role as a co-producer was key to ensuring the project's authenticity. The film also features genuine personalities from the paddock, including Max Verstappen, Charles Leclerc, Lando Norris, Toto Wolff, and Christian Horner, along with legendary commentators.
Blending the thrill of sports documentaries with the adrenaline of a blockbuster, F1 The Movie keeps viewers on the edge of their seats with relentless tension, high-speed racing, and intense human rivalries. The story appeals not only to motorsport enthusiasts but also to those drawn to tales of downfall and redemption, echoing the spirit of films like Rush or Ford v Ferrari.
F1 The Movie
Film | 2025
Release in theaters: June 25, 2025
Broadcast on Canal+ on March 6, 2026, at 9:10 PM
Action | Runtime: 2h35
Directed by Joseph Kosinski | Starring Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, Javier Bardem
Original title: F1 The Movie
Country: United States
With F1: The Movie, Joseph Kosinski delivers a stunning and in-depth look behind the scenes of modern Formula 1. Blending cutting-edge technology, genuine sportsmanship, and stories of legacy, the film continues its journey beyond the cinema by premiering on Canal+, reaffirming its status as a standout among recent automotive productions.
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