Filming a movie during a real Formula 1 race weekend is one of the hardest things a film crew can attempt. The new F1 movie, starring Brad Pitt, did exactly that at the historic Silverstone Circuit. A newly released behind-the-scenes feature by Apple shows how the team managed to shoot scenes in the middle of a live Grand Prix without disturbing the race schedule.
Brad Pitt plays veteran racing driver Sonny Hayes in the film. He revealed that his first day on set happened during a race weekend, with more than 120,000 fans watching from the stands. According to Pitt, stepping onto the track in front of such a massive crowd felt unreal. He described the experience as surreal and said he immediately felt the weight of Silverstone’s long racing history.
Silverstone is known as the place where the first-ever Formula 1 race was held. Because of this, Pitt said the team felt they were working on “hallowed ground.” He explained that everyone involved wanted to be respectful and careful, making sure the filming never got in the way of the sport.
Co-star Damson Idris, who plays young driver Joshua Pearce, also spoke about the intense atmosphere. Standing beside real Formula 1 drivers during key scenes made the moment feel very real. Idris said that being part of such a setting made the cast realize they were creating something meaningful.
The film is directed by Joseph Kosinski, who previously directed Top Gun: Maverick. Kosinski worked closely with Formula 1 and the FIA. This partnership gave the movie rare access to live races, the grid, and even the national anthem moment before the race.
Brad Pitt explained that Formula 1 weekends run on strict timing. The film crew had to prove they could fit into the schedule without causing any problems. In many cases, they had only one take to get the shot right. Pitt admitted the pressure was high, but the team delivered.
Joseph Kosinski later called the experience one of the most intense days of his career. The sound of the crowd, the speed of the cars, and the presence of real drivers created an energy that cannot be recreated on a closed set.
This behind-the-scenes feature clearly shows that the F1 movie did not just copy racing for the screen. It filmed inside the real world of Formula 1, respecting the sport while bringing fans closer than ever before.