Brad Pitt and Lewis Hamilton have been filming at racetracks during this year’s world championship to star in an upcoming F1 movie.
After the paddock saw a preview of the film, which stars Hollywood actor Brad Pitt and Formula 1 legend Lewis Hamilton, it has received positive reviews. At last month’s United States Grand Prix in Austin, Texas, F1 executives showed the drivers some of the project’s segments.
Filming for the production, reportedly set to be named “Apex”, has happened at tracks across Europe on race weekends throughout this season. Pitt and co-star Damson Idris were at Silverstone for the British GP, with the former gracing the asphalt in a Formula 2 car for scenes.
Pitt was not present when filming at the Hungarian GP resumed later that summer. Later, cameras were present at the Italian Grand Prix to continue filming in early September.
Additionally, production was supposed to take place at the Dutch GP the previous weekend, but it did not. The film’s production is rumored to have been impacted by the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) strike.
The drivers did, however, witness brief footage of the shooting at the Circuit of the Americas four race weekends after being present at Monza. On his own YouTube channel, F1 photographer Kym Illman has disclosed the details of the behind-the-scenes screening.
At the drivers’ briefing in Austin on the Friday night, the drivers were shown a few segments from the upcoming Brad Pitt movie,” the snapper said. “And I had a chat with someone who saw it, and they gave it an 8 out of 10.
“Which is great news because that movie has the opportunity to significantly ramp up interest in the sport of F1.” Illman also reiterated that Pitt has not been back at the track since Silverstone.
Over the weekend, the American spoke with British broadcaster Sky Sports and expressed his enthusiasm for the project. Pitt admitted, “I have to admit, I’m a little giddy right now.”
And, dude, it’s awesome to be here. We’re simply laughing heartily right now. I’m living my best life right now.
“Hey, everything has been fantastic. You know that the vibe is incredible, but it’s still great to be a part of it in this way and share our story, and everyone has been really friendly.
All the teams have opened their doors for us, the FIA, [FIA president] Mohammad [Ben Sulayem] has been really helpful. And F1, [F1 CEO] Stefano [Domenicali], everyone has just been really, really amazing; that we can do this. And it’s going to be really good.”
However, it seems unlikely that the 8/10 rating came from current world champion Max Verstappen. “I completely can’t be bothered with this,” he said when asked about the movie this summer.
“In the end, a film is always made to create a little bit of a show in it. Because yes, of course, it won’t all be real. But I think it’s all fine. I’m actually not that much into it.”
