Brad Pitt’s F1 Movie: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at “Apex”

In the fast-paced world of Formula 1, 2023 brought an unexpected guest to the Silverstone grid: Brad Pitt. The Hollywood icon was there, not to race, but to film scenes for an upcoming F1 movie that has generated immense buzz in both the racing and film industries. Despite delays caused by an actor strike, the production has continued, keeping fans on the edge of their seats.

The Birth of “Apex”

The movie, currently referred to as the “Untitled Apple F1 Movie,” features a fictional F1 team named Apex. Brad Pitt stars as Sonny Hayes, a former F1 driver making a comeback after a devastating crash. Alongside him is Damson Idris, playing Joshua Pierce, a young driver partnering with Hayes in the struggling Apex team. The team, depicted as a perennial backmarker, brings an underdog story to the high-octane world of F1.

Filming at Silverstone

Silverstone, known for its rich F1 history and unique pit lane setup, was the first location where the film crew was spotted. The Apex cars, designed from Formula 2 vehicles to appear slightly different from actual F1 cars, were seen on track, adding an extra layer of excitement to the British Grand Prix weekend. The meticulous attention to detail was evident in the Apex garage, which rivaled even the top teams in terms of setup and equipment.

Although the Apex cars did not compete against real F1 cars, they were filmed in various sessions, often when the actual F1 sessions were not taking place. This allowed the filmmakers to capture authentic race footage without disrupting the actual event. The cars, sporting a livery reminiscent of the 2019 Haas team, became a talking point among fans and media alike.

Star-Studded Cast and Crew

In addition to Brad Pitt and Damson Idris, the cast includes Kerry Condon and Javier Bardem. The involvement of Jerry Bruckheimer as a producer and Joseph Kosinski as the director—known for their work on the “Top Gun” series—adds significant weight to the project. Their expertise in action-packed storytelling is expected to translate well to the adrenaline-fueled world of F1.

One of the unique aspects of this production is the unprecedented access granted by F1. The film crew was allowed to shoot both on track and in the paddock, giving the movie an unparalleled level of authenticity. All 20 current F1 drivers are set to appear in the film, racing alongside the fictional Apex team, which adds to the excitement.

Plot and Production Challenges

While the plot remains closely guarded, we know that it revolves around Sonny Hayes’ return to F1, partnering with Joshua Pierce in a bid to take Apex from the back of the grid to glory. The movie promises to showcase the intense rivalries, high stakes, and personal dramas that define F1.

The production faced a significant hurdle when the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) strike began shortly after filming at Silverstone. This led to a temporary halt for the main cast, but the crew continued filming in locations like Hungary, Monza, Las Vegas, and Abu Dhabi with a reduced team. This adaptability ensured that the project stayed on track despite the disruptions.

Behind-the-Scenes Insights

During the Silverstone weekend, Brad Pitt was a notable presence in the paddock, even participating in the drivers’ briefing. This rare access helped him understand the intricacies of F1, further enriching his portrayal of Sonny Hayes. The collaboration between Hollywood and F1 extended to Lewis Hamilton, who took on the role of executive producer, providing invaluable insights into the sport.

The film’s sponsors, a mix of real-world brands like IWC Watches, Tommy Hilfiger, Mercedes AMG, and fictional sponsors, add another layer of realism. The attention to detail in every aspect, from the cars to the garage setup, highlights the production’s commitment to authenticity.

Future Filming and Release

Looking ahead, the production team plans to return to several F1 venues in 2024, including Silverstone, Hungary, Spa, Mexico, Las Vegas, and Abu Dhabi. This ensures a comprehensive capture of the F1 experience across different tracks and conditions.

The film is slated for a 2025 release, and the anticipation is palpable. The collaboration between some of Hollywood’s biggest names and the global phenomenon of F1 is expected to draw significant attention. Early feedback from F1 insiders who have seen preliminary footage has been overwhelmingly positive, suggesting that the movie will be a major hit.

Conclusion

The yet-to-be-titled F1 movie starring Brad Pitt is shaping up to be a landmark project, merging the thrill of Formula 1 racing with the glamour of Hollywood. Despite the challenges posed by the SAG strike, the production has continued to gather momentum, with extensive filming planned for 2024. As fans eagerly await the film’s release in 2025, it’s clear that this project will offer a unique and thrilling look into the world of F1, capturing both the sport’s excitement and its intricate human dramas.

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