Brad Pitt filming F1 movie at the British GP: latest on Silverstone shoot

Lewis Hamilton, who is supporting the movie through his Dawn Apollo Films production company and advising on the script, has been coy about whether he will appear on-screen, saying that he may have a “small cameo”.

Given that other drivers appear as intrigued about the film as fans, and do not appear to have been cast — in major roles at least — much of the plot is expected to take place within the APXGP team and away from the track.

What is APXGP?

The team at the centre of Brad Pitt’s new F1 film is called APXGP, as first revealed by the pit garage fittings put in place at Silverstone ahead of the British Grand Prix. The black and gold cars carry the same name too, and it provides further substance to the suggestion that the film will have, or include, the name Apex.

The fictional team’s set-up at Silverstone replicates that of the real-world constructors around it: tyres are piled high in the garage, spare front wings are stacked outside the pit and screens of telemetry sit above pristine trays of tools.

A pit gantry contains the same arms and traffic light system as this year’s championship contenders, while the pitcrew is suited in bespoke black and grey fireproof overalls.

It’s thought that the team will be shown to be struggling — initially at least. It could therefore plausibly line up at the back of the grid before the race.

 

How will the the Apex movie be filmed?

The APXGP cars have been installed with onboard cameras, but will also be shot trackside. The crew may use some footage from F1’s own cameras, but Hamilton has said that the production is using more advanced technology that will make the cars appear faster than it does on TV.

Action sequences will borrow from the techniques used by Kosinski in Top Gun: Maverick, according to Hamilton. “Just think about what he’s done in terms of the dogfights you saw with the jets,” said Hamilton at Silverstone. “That was pretty epic. Bringing that technology and that viewpoint into our world is going to be amazing.”

After several on-track sessions at the British Grand Prix, filming is set to continue for the rest of the 2023 season, although no other track sessions have been confirmed. Instead, further pit and paddock scenes may be the focus.

 

What is the plot of Brad Pitt’s Apex F1 film?

The plot for the film is thought to see Pitt’s character, Sonny Hayes — an ageing F1 veteran — return to the grid for one final season whilst mentoring a young rookie driver, Joshua Pearce, played by Damson Idris.

Little more is known about the story, set amid the 2023 grid and the title of the film is still unconfirmed, but rumour says it may be called Apex.

 

Will Brad Pitt be racing an F1 car at the British GP? 

Contrary to some suggestions, Brad Pitt will not drive a real F1 car at any grand prix in 2023. Instead he will be driving a modified F2 car that will be adapted by Mercedes. It will be on track in between session times at the British Grand Prix, with onboard cameras installed to capture the action, but it will be difficult to tell whether Pitt or a stunt driver is behind the wheel.

Previously, it was stated that Brad Pitt would enter ‘an eleventh team’ to compete alongside the rest of the grid, starting at the British GP, but that has since been debunked.

 

Who is in the Brad Pitt F1 movie? – full announced cast 

Aside from Pitt and Idris, playing the two APXGP drivers, BAFTA-winning actress Kerry Condon, and Emmy-winner and Tobias Menzies have also been cast.

 

Is Lewis Hamilton in the Brad Pitt F1 film? 

Although listed among the actors, there has been no confirmation thus far about Lewis Hamilton appearing in the movie.

He spoke to Sky Sports about the project at the Monaco Grand Prix and was asked whether he would have a starring role. “No, not really,” he said. “I don’t really have any desire to be in front of the camera, but there may be an element in it where maybe I’ll slot in and play a small cameo, but at the moment that’s not the plan.

“I’m more enjoying the part in the background, making sure that I’m really talking to Joe about who we’re hiring, making sure that it’s diverse, making sure that the sport looks how it’s supposed to look in the future, in terms of being more accessible.”

Hamilton had to turn down a role in Kosinski’s Top Gun: Maverick film because it clashed with his F1 commitments, but has voiced a character in Disney’s Cars franchise.

“I have such high hopes for it,” said Hamilton of the F1 film in October last year. “I know we’re going to make the best racing movie that’s ever existed, both visually, and we’re going to work on making sure we pull on the heartstrings of all those fans.”

 

Who is making the Brad Pitt F1 film?

The film will be directed by Joseph Kosinski, who most recently directed academy nominated film Top Gun: Maverick and is renowned for his skill in CGI – which — despite the assistance of the Silverstone crowd — is likely to play a big role in recreating grand prix scenes.

Legendary producer Jerry Bruckheimer will also be involved, his filmography including Pirates of the Carribean, Beverly Hills Cop, the original Top Gun and 1990 NASCAR film Days of Thunder.

Lewis Hamilton’s Dawn Apollo Films company is involved in production, and has also struck a deal with Apple to make two projects: the film and a documentary that looks at Hamilton’s career through F1.

 

What is the release date for the Brad Pitt F1 film?

Production of the film is now underway beginning at the British GP and remaining with the paddock throughout the rest of the season.

If all goes to plan, the film could be released in late 2024 or in early 2025.

 

Is the trailer out yet? 

There is currently no trailer for the new F1 film.