Brad Pitt reveals more about the Formula 1 film’s screenplay
This is the first time in history that we see such an important film crew dedicated not to broadcasting the Grand Prix, but to shooting film scenes. Co-produced by Brad Pitt, the American actor will play the role of a Formula 1 driver from the 90s, brought back to a team in 2023. He revealed more details to Sky Sport and Martin Brundle.
Brad Pitt performed his first moments of driving on a track with an audience. The American actor was able to discover the world of F1 last weekend during the British Grand Prix.
In the movie co-produced with Lewis Hamilton, Brad Pitt plays a Formula 1 driver named Sonny Hayes. The film is expected to be shot throughout the rest of the F1 season, with appearances of APXGP cars on the track on several occasions. On Sunday, the fictional team Apex was supposed to join the formation lap with the 20 drivers. Unfortunately, none of the Formula 2 cars disguised as F1 were able to start and follow the drivers. While this surprised the journalists, considering the script, it is highly likely that it is part of the scenes to be filmed.
The 59-year-old actor was still able to drive between the official F1 sessions. « “I am a bit dizzy at the moment, I must say it’s just awesome to be here. It’s one of the best moments of my life,” said the actor to Sky Sports microphone.
« Everything was amazing, the atmosphere is incredible but you know that. Just being part of it this way and being able to say it’s our story and everyone has been really cool with us. All the teams have opened their doors to us. The FIA and Muhammad (editor’s note: Ben Sulayem, FIA director) have been really welcoming, and Stefano (Domenicali) as well, so that we could do this filming. » reports the Oscar-winning actor.
Brad Pitt reveals a bit of the film’s story
« I would be a driver who raced in the 90s, who had a terrible accident that made him leave F1 to race in other disciplines, and then my friend, the owner of an F1 team that was last in the championship without scoring any points, managed to convince me to take a seat in his team. » says the actor. He even jokes with Martin Brundle, a former F1 driver, saying that « he will probably be in the movie » and that he could « make a cameo appearance. » (note: a scene where the actor appears in person).
The actor known for Fight Club or Seven had never driven a single-seater before this shoot. But for the American, having ridden a motorcycle is an asset. « I have been riding motorcycles for the past 20 years, and even done some track racing, so I mean to say that this experience has helped me a lot. »
Cameras do not reflect reality
For the American actor, the images and camera perspectives on the race cars will bring a new dimension to race footage in movies: « Let me tell you that with all the cameras present and their positioning, you will never have felt speed and centrifugal force as well as this, it’s super exciting. » explains the 59-year-old man on Sky Sports.
« It’s also humiliating, I mean, I don’t know if you can call it a fast lap. Personally, I call it more of a warm-up lap » mocks Brad Pitt. « I had a few unintentional detours in the grass. It’s just my ego that got hurt. It was such a good moment. The guys prepared me so well » he continued.
« In the corners, it is difficult to see the grandstands, but during the straight lines, you have a little time to look around, but I am really focused on the trajectories and what we are trying to create. » he relates.
The actor also sends a message to all the experts on their couches: they should give us a little break. If you see a spinout or something that looks like a road exit, it’s in the movie, jokes the actor.
