In recent years, Formula 1 has surged in popularity, becoming a global cultural phenomenon largely thanks to the success of Drive to Survive. Now, the sport is poised to make its mark in Hollywood with Brad Pitt’s upcoming film, F1. The Apple TV+ production stars Pitt as Sonny Hayes, a former F1 driver who returns from retirement to mentor rising talent Joshua Pearce, played by Damson Idris. With a stellar supporting cast including Kerry Condon, Simone Ashley and Javier Bardem, and high-speed action filmed on real tracks, the film promises a thrilling blend of cinema and sport.
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A special celebration of F1 was recently held at the Goodwood Members’ Meeting, hosted by luxury watchmaker IWC. During the event, Idris and Condon spoke about their experience working on the project, offering fans a behind-the-scenes glimpse. Idris even took to the track for a live stunt demonstration in the Mercedes GT he drives in the film, performing sequences that reflect key scenes. The high-tech filming techniques, including cameras designed to follow the action at full speed, impressed audiences with their precision and realism.
Reflecting on the shoot, Idris praised his on- and off-screen partnership with Pitt, calling him “an amazing character” and “a kind spirit” who led by example. He added that driving the car brought both joyful and sombre memories. The event underscored the significant investment and belief in the film, with IWC’s support adding a layer of prestige typically reserved for franchises like James Bond. The quality of the stunts and the cars on display at Goodwood suggests F1 is primed to make a lasting impact when it’s released in June.
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Condon, visibly moved during her return to Goodwood, described the surreal feeling of walking through the set once more. The actors’ engagement in actual races at circuits like Silverstone and Abu Dhabi lends authenticity to the film that motorsport fans are sure to appreciate. Idris compared the experience to live theatre, recalling how he and Pitt had only brief windows of time to capture their scenes between actual racing events. With Formula 1’s full support, F1 appears ready to deliver both cinematic spectacle and motorsport excitement to a wide audience.
