Brad Pitt's Formula One film ready to race ahead
Brad Pitt's soon-to-be-released Formula One film could not have been made without Lewis Hamilton, director Joseph Kosinski said on Friday.
The Apple Original film F1, with action scenes filmed at race weekends with the Liberty Media-owned sport's cooperation, is due in cinemas and IMAX internationally on June 25 and in North America on June 27.
Kosinski told reporters after an advance showing at the Canadian Grand Prix that the involvement of Hamilton, who joined Ferrari this season after winning six of his seven titles at Mercedes, had been key.
The 40-year-old Briton is credited as a co-producer while his Dawn Apollo production company was also involved. Kosinski, who directed the hit Top Gun: Maverick, explained how Hamilton was the first person he reached out to with the idea of a film.
"I sent him an email and just said 'I want to tell the story in your world. I want to make it as authentic as possible. Will you help me?'" he said. "And luckily Lewis said yes... He had actually talked to me earlier about playing a role in Top Gun: Maverick. So that's how I knew Lewis."
Hamilton, who had to turn down a part in that Tom Cruise film because of his racing commitments, acted as go-between with Formula One and as a consultant advising on technical accuracy and authenticity.
He was also a driver advisor to Pitt and co-star Damson Idris.
"At Hungary, for instance, he said, 'If Brad's going to let someone pass during a blue flag and he wants it to be as tight as possible, he's going to only do that at turn six,'" recalled Kosinski. "That kind of detail... from a seven-time world champion who lives and breathes this world every day, I couldn't have gotten that from anywhere else."
Hamilton also contributed to the story and served as an inspiration for one scene where Pitt's character talks about why he races in spiritual terms.
"So his involvement has been amazing. We couldn't make the film without him."
Producer Jerry Bruckheimer referred to Hamilton's insistence on authenticity also in the sound of the film, citing an example at Silverstone where the Briton had pointed out a corner was taken in second gear but the audio was of fourth gear.
"It's that kind of detail that went into this," he said.
Hamilton has said Pitt's speed is real and the film will be the most authentic racing film yet.
Formula One is hoping the film cements the appeal of the Netflix docu-series Drive to Survive that has boosted Formula One's popularity and growth worldwide and particularly in the key US market.
"I think there's this perception that Drive to Survive turned America onto F1 but I think there's just so many more people out there that don't know anything about it," said Kosinski. "So there's a lot of potential still there." Reuters
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Express Tribune
a day ago
- Express Tribune
Ines de Ramon's kiss dodged by Brad Pitt at F1 premiere
Brad Pitt and his girlfriend Ines de Ramon caused a stir on social media after a seemingly awkward red carpet moment at the world premiere of F1 in Times Square on Monday. A circulating video clip shows de Ramon leaning in for a kiss, only for Pitt to turn away to greet another woman, sparking online chatter and renewed speculation about the couple's dynamic. Shortly after, another video from the premiere's reception appeared to show de Ramon being excluded from a group photo. As Pitt stood centre-stage posing with co-stars and event attendees, de Ramon remained off to the side. While she was within view, Pitt didn't motion for her to join the shot and quickly turned back to the camera after glancing her way. Some fans saw this as a snub, fuelling theories that their relationship is largely for publicity. One user wrote, 'He didn't even signal her to join the group — it's like she wasn't part of it at all.' Others defended the moment, noting that de Ramon was seen hugging another woman shortly after the photo was taken, possibly indicating she was simply distracted or opted out voluntarily. Despite the viral reaction, Pitt and de Ramon did share subtle moments of affection on the red carpet, holding hands and exchanging smiles. Pitt, 61, wore a navy suit with a pastel shirt, while de Ramon, 32, opted for a sheer halter top and feathered floor-length skirt. The couple, linked since late 2022, were recently spotted on a double date with Gigi Hadid and Bradley Cooper. Sources told Us Weekly that Pitt is in a 'good place' following his 2024 divorce settlement with Angelina Jolie, crediting years of therapy and a quieter lifestyle for his stability. While social media is divided over the red carpet interactions, others argue that the awkward moments may simply be circumstantial — not reflective of deeper issues.
Express Tribune
2 days ago
- Express Tribune
Damson Idris hints at Marvel talks for potential T'Challa role in Black Panther franchise
Damson Idris has hinted at ongoing conversations with Marvel Studios regarding a role in the Black Panther franchise, lending credibility to recent casting rumors. The Snowfall star, who currently appears alongside Brad Pitt in F1: The Movie, was previously speculated to be among those considered to take over the mantle of T'Challa, following the passing of original actor Chadwick Boseman. Idris initially responded to the rumors on social media with sarcasm, claiming he had also declined roles in a 007 film, a Daniel Day-Lewis collaboration, and an Eddie Murphy biopic—comments that many took lightly. However, during a recent appearance on Today (via Entertainment Weekly), Idris offered a more ambiguous response when asked directly whether he had spoken with Marvel about playing Black Panther. After hesitating, he answered: 'Yes-no.' When asked if he would take the role if offered, he confirmed with a clear 'yes.' While initial speculation centered on recasting the original T'Challa, current reports suggest Marvel may instead be casting the character's son, Toussaint (also named Prince T'Challa), introduced at the end of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. This younger character is expected to appear in an upcoming Avengers film, eventually playing a central role in Black Panther 3. Director Ryan Coogler, who directed the first two Black Panther films, expressed in a 2022 New York Times interview that he remains committed to the franchise. 'I'll do it as long as folks will have me,' Coogler said, emphasizing the cultural and commercial impact of the series.
Express Tribune
2 days ago
- Express Tribune
F1 director explains why Simone Ashley's role was cut from final version of Brad Pitt film
Simone Ashley's role in the upcoming racing drama F1 has been largely removed from the final version of the film, which premieres in theaters on June 27. Although her casting alongside Brad Pitt and Damson Idris was announced in July 2024 and she was photographed filming, the Bridgerton star's appearance in the movie is minimal—with no dialogue. Speaking exclusively to PEOPLE, director Joseph Kosinski explained the decision, noting that 'two or three storylines' didn't make it into the final cut. 'It happens on every film, where you have to shoot more than you can use,' Kosinski said. Still, he praised Ashley as 'an incredible talent' and expressed interest in working with her again. Ashley has not publicly commented on the edit, but in a recent interview with ELLE, she called the filming experience 'crazy' and said, 'I have a very small part, but I'm grateful to be in that movie.' She also recalled attending multiple Grands Prix and described the adrenaline-filled set: 'Sometimes we literally had one take for certain shots… It was kind of like theater. It felt so live.' In an earlier interview with Who What Wear, Ashley shared that she had met for the film before Bridgerton even aired. 'It's Damson and Brad's movie,' she said. 'I'm just so grateful that I can be part of it.' F1—also starring Kerry Condon, Tobias Menzies, Kim Bodnia, and Javier Bardem—is scheduled for theatrical release and IMAX on June 27, 2025.
