Brad Pitt’s passion for race car driving is no secret, but the extent of his dedication to the craft has been unveiled in exclusive insights from the set of his latest film, ‘F1.’ Director Joseph Kosinski and producer Jerry Bruckheimer shared details with PEOPLE about Pitt’s unwavering commitment to his role even after filming had officially wrapped.
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Kosinski revealed, “Brad really brought it. He just had a feel for the car.” The director emphasized Pitt’s natural talent behind the wheel, attributing it to his years of experience riding motorcycles. However, it was seven-time Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton who confirmed Pitt’s skill when he tested his abilities early on in the filming process.
The chemistry between Pitt and his co-star, Damson Idris, who plays his onscreen rival-turned-teammate in the film, was palpable. Idris admitted to being in awe of Pitt’s performance, stating, “He was so good. I was watching him all the time.” The dynamic between the two actors extended beyond the screen, with Idris sharing that the high-speed scenes they filmed were as exhilarating in real life as they appear onscreen.
Despite the adrenaline-fueled action sequences, filming ‘F1’ was no easy task. Both Pitt and Idris underwent four months of rigorous training to prepare for their roles, culminating in a seamless portrayal of professional race car drivers on screen. Producer Jerry Bruckheimer commended their dedication, stating, “They trained really hard. They put four months in… they became one then — the car and their body and their mind — just centered on the driving and the racing.”
The challenges didn’t stop there; the cast and crew shot scenes at real Formula 1 events across the globe, including Las Vegas, Mexico City, Abu Dhabi, and Hungary. Kerry Condon, who plays APXGP’s technical director in the film, highlighted the demanding nature of filming live at Grand Prix events, where time constraints meant they often had only one or two takes to capture the necessary shots.
One particularly intense filming location was Las Vegas, where the crew had a narrow window of time to film a crucial scene with Pitt. Kosinski recalled the pressures of shooting on a street track with minimal runoff space and low temperatures affecting tire grip. Despite the challenges, Pitt’s dedication and professionalism shone through, with Bruckheimer noting that the actor’s reluctance to leave the car on the final day of filming was a testament to his love for the sport.
The behind-the-scenes insights shared by the film’s creators offer a glimpse into the meticulous planning and effort that went into bringing ‘F1’ to life on the big screen. Pitt’s commitment to his role as Sonny Hayes underscores his versatility and dedication as an actor, leaving fans eagerly anticipating the release of the film.
‘F1’ is now showing in theaters, inviting audiences to experience the high-speed thrills and emotional drama that define this adrenaline-fueled racing film. Pitt’s performance, combined with the authentic racing footage captured at real Formula 1 events, promises a cinematic experience that will leave viewers on the edge of their seats.