Hollywood icon Brad Pitt continues filming for F1, a high-stakes racing drama directed by Joseph Kosinski (Top Gun: Maverick). Filming began in July 2023, yet production remains active, with Pitt spotted shooting intense scenes at the Mexico Grand Prix. As filming now heads to the Abu Dhabi race in December, delays and reshoots have pushed the film's budget to over $300 million, making it one of the priciest projects for Apple and Warner Bros.
F1 stars Pitt as a retired Formula 1 driver who returns to mentor a young protégé, played by Snowfall's Damson Idris, while rekindling his pursuit of victory as the young driver's teammate. Alongside Pitt and Idris, the cast includes Kerry Condon and Tobias Menzies, adding further gravitas to this adrenaline-fueled sports drama. Initially expected to wrap by 2023, F1 has been challenged by extensive filming schedules that align with real-world Formula 1 races. Kosinski, known for his breathtaking action sequences, is determined to give audiences an immersive, on-the-track experience, collaborating with Maverick cinematographer Claudio Miranda.
The delays and ballooning budget may be concerning, but given Kosinski's success with Top Gun: Maverick, which became a global blockbuster, there's hope that F1 can match or exceed those heights. The film's high budget reflects the ambition to capture the sport's global appeal, banking on strong interest from European audiences, where Formula 1 has a dedicated following.
With a release date set for June 27, 2025, F1 is shaping up as a major cinematic spectacle, promising edge-of-your-seat racing action and strong performances. However, the film's ultimate success will depend on whether it can justify its monumental budget and appeal to audiences worldwide. Apple and Warner Bros. are betting big on Kosinski and Pitt's combined star power, but only time will tell if F1 races to victory at the box office.
I'm intrigued by F1's ambitious approach to capturing the excitement of Formula 1. Seeing Kosinski and Miranda team up again signals the film will offer visually stunning race scenes and immersive camera work, reminiscent of Top Gun: Maverick. Although the production's high cost and extended timeline raise questions, it's exciting to see a film take on such a challenging scope with realistic racing scenes, rather than CGI-heavy shortcuts. Pitt's commitment to the role—appearing at live races—is another positive sign. I hope the film delivers an emotional core to complement its visuals, exploring the mentor-protégé dynamic between Pitt's and Idris's characters, which could be a compelling contrast to the adrenaline of F1 racing.
Do you think F1 can capture the thrill of racing as effectively as Top Gun: Maverick captured flight? Why or why not?
