Filming for Brad Pitt’s F1 movie underway at Silverstone

Production for Apple’s new F1 movie has started in Silverstone, with Brad Pitt set to get behind the wheel in a modified Formula 2 car across the British GP weekend.

Pitt, 59, will star in the film as veteran F1 driver, Sonny Hayes, returning to the sport after a 30-year hiatus to mentor an up-and-coming talent, Joshua Pearce, played by Damson Idris.

‘Racing’ under the team name APXGP, the production has resurrected a replica garage alongside teams in the pit lane, with live timing and data alongside every authentic aspect you’ll find in neighbouring teams.

The production will have access to the paddock and the grid during the build-up to Sunday’s race, however, despite rumours of Pitt joining the drivers on their formation lap, he will not be running during any F1 session.

The film won’t be captured on a live track, instead, the current grid will be added alongside Pitt and Idris with post-production CGI.

With support from Mercedes, and Lewis Hamilton in particular, Pitt will take to the Silverstone Circuit running a modified Formula 2 chassis with an extended wheel base and an additional 15 camera mounts manufactured by the German team. 

Hamilton has been heavily involved in the behind-the-scenes of the movie, working with director Joseph Kosinski and producer Jerry Bruckheimer, the same team behind Top Gun: Maverick, to maintain the authenticity of the sport.

The Mercedes driver has consulted on the script and played a part in the casting process, as well as having taken the time to work directly with Pitt in LA and on track days at Silverstone to train and prepare him for his time on track.

Pitt will be getting behind the wheel this weekend in-between practice sessions, having physically prepared with the help of driver coaches in the lead-up to his big debut.

The British Grand Prix is the first race weekend of filming, but not the last, with several F1 races across the season set to feature in Apple’s movie, expected to be released in late 2024/early 2025.

Download the full F1 British Grand Prix event guide HERE with track stats and facts and a full event schedule, plus our extensive driver profiles.

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