As the world of Formula 1 makes its grand cinematic debut with the release of F1 The Movie this week, we highlight five noteworthy elements in this major production.
The film, featuring Brad Pitt in the role of Sonny Hayes, incorporated a fictional 11th team into the Formula 1 environment. Filming took place during actual race weekends throughout the 2023 and 2024 seasons.
Pitt leads a distinguished cast that includes Damson Idris and Kerry Condon. The movie was brought to life under the direction of Joseph Kosinski and produced by the renowned Jerry Bruckheimer.
The project garnered support from the F1 community, with Lewis Hamilton acting as a producer. He played a role in encouraging fellow drivers to cooperate with filming efforts, even during intense championship battles.
With the film now released in the UK, designed to captivate both dedicated racing fans and newcomers, here are some aspects worth noting that avoid major plot spoilers.
Lewis Hamilton`s Influence on the Film
Since the project was first publicly discussed in 2021, Lewis Hamilton`s name has been closely linked to it.
The seven-time world champion joined as a producer and was instrumental in convincing F1 leaders and his fellow competitors that integrating Hollywood into the paddock would be beneficial.
Hamilton had previously stated his intention to guide director Joseph Kosinski and producer Jerry Bruckheimer to ensure the film`s accuracy. More specific details about his involvement have emerged around the movie`s release.
Speaking recently, Kosinski revealed the depth of technical input Hamilton provided, specifically regarding a scene set at the iconic Hungaroring circuit in Budapest.
“He was involved in all the technical details, just fascinating advice from him,” Kosinski explained. “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.`”
“That kind of detail on these moments from a seven-time world champion who lives and breathes this world every day, I couldn’t have gotten that from anywhere else,” Kosinski added.
Hamilton`s impact extended beyond technical aspects. Kosinski mentioned that the Brit also inspired a scene where Pitt`s character, Hayes, discusses his motivations for racing.
Kosinski stated, “Lewis also contributed to the story. I mean, there’s a part in the film where Sonny Hayes talks about why he races, and almost the spiritual side of it.”
“And that also was inspired by a conversation with Lewis. His involvement has been amazing. We couldn’t make the film without him,” he concluded.
Praise for Commentators Brundle and Croft
Several F1 personalities make appearances in the movie as themselves, but commentators David Croft and Martin Brundle are featured extensively.
Their commentary plays a vital role, especially for viewers new to F1, in clarifying the events unfolding on screen.
Kosinski shared that their use for providing information was inspired by their real-life F1 broadcasting style.
The director observed, “What you notice, if you listen to their commentary, in every race, very subtly, they do cover the basics of Formula 1 as they commentate on a race.”
“So that if you’re tuning in for the first time, you’re getting those fundamentals. But at the same time, if you’ve been watching for a long time, you’re getting the detail and the specificity that engages the fans that know it all.”
“So, I was really inspired by how they call their real races. And so we did a lot of sessions with them. I really think they’re the unsung heroes of this movie,” Kosinski commented.
“If you watch it, you see how they kind of carry an audience that knows nothing through this story but do it in a way that feels very authentic and it’s very much their own voice,” he finished.
`Cheating` Concerns Addressed
During a screening for F1 media at the Canadian Grand Prix, a question arose regarding whether parts of the plot risked condoning rule-breaking in the sport.
Kosinski clarified that the racing storylines were based on historical F1 events but admitted to pushing narrative boundaries.
“That was something that we talked a lot with Lewis about, and the line, right? We never wanted Sonny to cheat. We wanted to find how far can you push it so that you can get right to the edge,” he explained.
“The hard thing was, how do we go all the way to the line without crossing it? And that was a big challenge in these racing scenes,” Kosinski noted.
F1 president Stefano Domenicali dismissed this concern, suggesting it would only be noticed by those with an extremely detailed knowledge of F1 rules, while general viewers would simply appreciate the action.
“I understand it, but that’s very F1 eyes,” Domenicali stated. “If you look to the audience that will watch the movie, this will not be perceived.”
“It’s perceived as racing action, authentic fighting, and that’s what will come out. I’m pretty sure about it,” he added.
Historical Nods, Including Ayrton Senna
Although set in the present day, the film incorporates references to legendary figures and locations from F1`s past.
Archival footage was skillfully used to integrate three-time world champion and F1 icon Ayrton Senna into the narrative.
“I’ve been living in this world for four years, talking to Lewis,” Kosinski shared. “Every F1 driver talks about the era of the early 1990s and those engines, and Ayrton Senna obviously is an icon.”
“So, for me, the opportunity to tell a story featuring Senna and to hear the sound of those V12s was just an amazing opportunity,” he said.
“And a fun moment for those of you who really understand the history of the sport,” Kosinski added.
One scene subtly references the banking that was once part of the famous Monza circuit in Italy, a feature prominently seen in the 1966 F1-inspired film Grand Prix.
Kosinski commented, “Grand Prix and Le Mans for me are kind of the touchstones. Those movies are now almost 60 years old, but you can still watch them and still marvel at the cinematography and the feeling of being there, because you really were.”
“The whole practical nature of this film was inspired by those classics. I’m glad you noticed the Monza banking scene. That’s one I wanted to get in there just as a nod because those really were the inspiration,” he concluded.
Possibility of a Sequel?
Have you seen the movie and found yourself wanting more?
While real-life F1 racing continues, there might be future cinematic ventures.
Producer Jerry Bruckheimer indicated that he and Kosinski are open to creating a sequel, and Brad Pitt would likely welcome the chance for more time on track.
“That’s up to the audience. If they show up, then sure, we’d love to do another one,” Bruckheimer stated.
“And so would Brad, I’m sure. He hated getting out of that car, I’ve got to tell you,” he added.
“That was my happiest day and his saddest day! I’m so glad he got out of there and everybody was safe, but he wanted to get back in right away,” Bruckheimer concluded.
