If you’re a diehard Formula 1 fan heading to the cinema this weekend, legendary Hollywood producer Jerry Bruckheimer has some advice: don’t forget it’s not a documentary. The new F1 movie, with Bruckheimer and director Joseph Kosinski at the helm, aims to capture the essence of Formula 1 racing. With the assistance of Lewis Hamilton as a producer and adviser, the film had unprecedented access to the paddock and live racetracks, creating a unique cinematic experience.
Stars Brad Pitt and Damson Idris took on the challenge of learning to drive purpose-built Formula 2 cars at racing speeds while acting. Despite this dedication to authenticity, Bruckheimer reminds audiences, “It’s not a documentary, so you have to understand that.”
Authenticity and Action: A Winning Combination
The film’s action sequences are a standout, thrilling both motorsport fans and newcomers alike. Given the team’s previous success with “Top Gun: Maverick,” the high standards for practical effects were expected and have been surpassed. “Just shoot it for real,” Kosinski told Screen Crush, emphasizing the effort to create realistic racing scenes.
To achieve this, the film employed a prototype camera system, developed in collaboration with Sony, that was small and light enough to be mounted on race cars without affecting their performance. The Mercedes-AMG Formula 1 team assisted in building custom race cars with multiple camera mounting points, allowing for dynamic shots that convey the speed and precision of Formula 1 racing.
“We worked with the Mercedes-AMG Formula 1 team to build our race car, and as we’re building it, we worked into the design 16 different mounting points for our cameras,” Kosinski explained, highlighting the technical innovation behind the film.
Hamilton’s Critical Role
Lewis Hamilton’s involvement was crucial in maintaining the film’s authenticity. Bruckheimer noted, “We wouldn’t have made it [without Formula 1], quite frankly.” Hamilton’s guidance ensured that the film stayed true to the sport, even in the face of Hollywood’s tendency to sensationalize.
Hamilton’s input extended to details such as the progression of Pitt’s character from Daytona racing to Formula 1, ensuring that the transition was believable. His meticulous attention to detail, including feedback on gear shifts and engine sounds, added layers of authenticity that fans will appreciate.
“He said, ‘You guys lived up to everything you said you were going to’,” Bruckheimer recalled of Hamilton’s reaction after viewing the film.
Behind the Scenes: A Real F1 Experience
The film was shot on location during actual Formula 1 weekends in 2023 and 2024, featuring real paddocks, grids, and racing action. This approach gives the film a genuine feel, with real drivers appearing as high-profile extras and team principals taking on speaking roles.
While the film showcases Formula 1 positively, it also serves as a branding opportunity for the sport’s major sponsors. The attention to detail extends to the use of real F1 facilities, such as the McLaren Technology Centre and the Williams wind tunnel, grounding the film in the world of Formula 1.
Critiques and Hollywood Hyperbole
Despite its technical triumphs, the film’s narrative includes elements that may irk racing purists. Pitt’s character’s seamless return to Formula 1 after a long absence and the exaggerated racing style depicted in the film are points of contention. Bruckheimer, however, defends these choices, stating that the film’s racing tricks have historical precedents in real Formula 1 races.
“Everything that Brad and our drivers do in the races, a Formula 1 driver has done in the past,” Bruckheimer argued, urging fans to appreciate the film’s creative liberties.
However, the film’s plot is criticized for being predictable, with some characters lacking depth. Pitt’s character, despite a dramatic backstory, experiences little growth, and Kerry Condon’s role as a pioneering female technical director is reduced to a romantic subplot.
A Hollywood Blockbuster at Heart
Ultimately, the film succeeds in delivering a Hollywood blockbuster experience within the Formula 1 setting. While it may not satisfy purists seeking a documentary-level depiction of the sport, it offers an entertaining and visually stunning portrayal of Formula 1 racing.
F1 is in cinemas around Australia from Thursday, 26 June 2025. For those willing to suspend disbelief for 157 minutes, the film promises an enjoyable cinematic journey through the world of Formula 1.
