The new Brad Pitt movie F1: The Movie takes fans behind the scenes of Formula 1 racing with real tracks, real drivers, and real drama. Directed by Joseph Kosinski, the film was shot during actual 2023 and 2024 F1 race weekends, making it one of the most authentic racing movies ever made. The crew traveled to famous circuits like Silverstone, Monza, and Yas Marina, while also capturing quieter moments in small-town diners and laundromats.
Real F1 Tracks Used in the Movie
The movie filmed at 14 real racing circuits, blending Hollywood action with live Grand Prix events. Key tracks include:
- Silverstone (UK): The British Grand Prix circuit was used for training and early race scenes. Pitt and co-star Damson Idris drove modified Formula 2 cars during actual race weekends.
- Daytona International Speedway (USA): The film’s opening scene features Pitt’s character winning a fictional 24 Hours of Daytona race.
- Monza (Italy): Known as the “Temple of Speed,” this historic track hosted high-speed racing scenes.
- Spa-Francorchamps (Belgium): Famous for its challenging corners like Eau Rouge, this track added intense racing drama.
- Las Vegas Strip Circuit (USA): The glitzy street circuit provided a backdrop for night races and party scenes.
- Yas Marina Circuit (UAE): The futuristic Abu Dhabi track was used for the movie’s climactic final race.
Other tracks featured include Hungaroring (Hungary), Suzuka (Japan), Zandvoort (Netherlands), and Mexico City’s Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez.
Behind-the-Scenes Filming at Real F1 Events
The production team got special permission to film during real Formula 1 weekends. Pitt and Idris participated in formation laps before races, and the fictional APX GP team was set up in real pit lanes. Director Joseph Kosinski said:
“You just can’t fake the speed and action of Formula 1. Brad and Damson are driving the cars traveling at ridiculous speeds around these tracks.”
The actors trained with real Mercedes-AMG F1 engineers and used modified Formula 2 cars designed to look like F1 vehicles.
Non-Racing Locations That Added Depth
While the racing scenes were shot at world-famous tracks, the movie also filmed in unexpected places:
- Christina’s Coin Laundry, Florida: A humble laundromat where Pitt’s character meets his old teammate.
- Pappas Drive-In, Florida: A family diner that tragically burned down after filming.
- McLaren Technology Centre, UK: The high-tech facility doubled as the APX GP team headquarters.
- The Globe Inn, UK: A cozy British pub where characters share drinks and banter.
- Caesars Palace, Las Vegas: A glamorous nightclub scene featuring a cameo from DJ Tiësto.
Also read: Brad Pitt Praises F1 Community for Unprecedented Access in Making Authentic Racing Movie
When and Where to Watch
F1: The Movie was released in theaters on June 25, 2025 (UK/Ireland) and June 27, 2025 (USA/Canada). It will later stream on Apple TV+.
