Brad Pitt's 'F1' Movie Hits $301 Million Globally, Praised for Authentic Racing Cinematography

The highly anticipated film "F1," starring Brad Pitt and directed by Joseph Kosinski, has garnered over $301 million worldwide since its release, drawing significant attention for its commitment to on-track authenticity. The movie, which premiered on June 27, 2025, immerses audiences in the world of Formula 1 through innovative filming techniques and practical effects. Pitt portrays Sonny Hayes, a veteran driver returning to the sport to mentor a young talent, played by Damson Idris, for the fictional APXGP team.

A key aspect highlighted by the production and viewers alike is the film's dedication to realism in its racing sequences. Seven-time Formula 1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton served as a producer and consultant, ensuring the accuracy of details from car sounds to crash dynamics. Filming took place extensively during actual Grand Prix weekends across 2023 and 2024, embedding the fictional team within the real F1 environment.

Central to achieving this authenticity was the development of groundbreaking camera technology. As stated by Jash Dholani in a recent tweet, "F1 cinematography team built special swivel cameras that could be attached to the racing cars without slowing them down." Sony engineered bespoke "sensor-on-a-stick" 6K cinema cameras, small enough to fit within the tight confines of an F1 car cockpit and capable of panning remotely. Apple also contributed by developing a custom iPhone-based camera module for iconic onboard helmet shots, ensuring cinematic quality at high speeds.

This technological innovation allowed director Joseph Kosinski, known for "Top Gun: Maverick," to prioritize practical effects over extensive CGI. The cast, including Pitt and Idris, underwent rigorous training to drive real F2 cars modified to resemble F1 vehicles, often reaching speeds of 200 mph. Dholani emphasized this choice, tweeting, "The story loses all emotional weight when the audience realizes that it's all fake... You know what AI cannot generate? Dramatic stakes."

While critics and audiences have largely praised the film's visual spectacle and immersive racing scenes, some F1 purists noted minor Hollywood-esque liberties with the plot. Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc commented that while "Hollywood-like," the film would "attract a lot of new audiences." The movie's success is expected to further boost global interest in Formula 1, converting new viewers into fans of the sport.