Three months before its release, the F1 film delights the paddock: “Excellent exposure for our sport”

To continue its development throughout the world, the Formula 1 has been capitalizing on Netflix and its series since 2019 Drive to Survive, whose global impact has brought millions of new viewers back to the premier discipline of motorsport. After seven seasons, however, the Netflix show is starting to lose some steam and, above all, is no longer attracting as many new fans.

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Never mind: if Netflix isn't enough, Hollywood will take over. Joseph Kosinski has directed a film that gets as close as possible to the paddocks to tell the story of Sonny Hayes, played by Brad Pitt, a driver who comes out of retirement to drive in F1 for the APX GP team alongside an ambitious rookie (Damson Idris). The film is so interesting because it was shot largely during race weekends, on the circuits where F1 used to go. From Silverstone, the Hungaroring, or Monza in 2023, film crews crisscross the paddocks and shoot a number of takes with the real drivers, often just before the starts.

F1 film attracts Brown and Horner

Lewis Hamilton, co-producer of F1 committed to making the film as realistic as possible and not betraying the reality of the Formula 1, a criticism regularly made of Netflix. Three months before its theatrical release (June 25), F1 has already managed to convince the team bosses.

"I think it will give Formula 1 more visibility. If you think about Top Gun, everyone wanted to be a fighter pilot and Tom Cruise after seeing that movie." laughs Zak Brown, CEO of McLaren. "I think it will be the same with Brad Pitt and motor racing. It will attract new fans, continue to broaden the diversity of the audience, especially by attracting a younger audience. I think it will be great exposure for our sport."

"From what we've seen so far, this film really puts Formula 1 on the big screen. The way they've built the story fits in with the races of recent years." appreciates Christian Horner, the team director of Red Bull. "In terms of added value for the sport, our partners and the brands associated with Formula 1, this exposes the sport to a whole new audience. I'm sure the scenario will appeal to all spectators, but in terms of visibility for Formula 1, it's exceptional."

Ahead of its official release in June, the film was unveiled in a lengthy trailer, released before the Australian Grand Prix on March 13. Hold on tight, some of the camera shots are particularly immersive! As for the storyline and overall quality of the film, we'll have to wait until we see it on the big screen to judge.

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