F1: The Movie brings Hollywood into the heart of the racing world

The upcoming Formula One movie F1, starring Brad Pitt, is taking an extraordinary approach to filmmaking: it’s being shot on real F1 tracks during actual race weekends. Instead of studio sets, the film crew has gone straight to the source—iconic circuits like Silverstone, Spa, and Monza—bringing Hollywood directly into the heart of the racing world.

Directed by Joseph Kosinski (Top Gun: Maverick), the production has been seamlessly embedded into the Formula One calendar. Pitt has been spotted driving a specially built F2-based race car on track, filmed between sessions of live F1 events. 

t all began with rigorous prep at Circuit Paul Ricard in France. Here, before principal photography, both actors trained in F3/F2 cars—learning to push automotive limits and help test camera setups.

In early July 2023, production officially launched at Silverstone Circuit during the British Grand Prix weekend (July 8–9), set as the fictional APXGP team’s pit garage right between real-world garages. Pitt and Idris were filmed driving modified F2 cars outfitted with F1 aero parts.

Filming continued across the remainder of the 2023 and 2024 race seasons at numerous iconic circuits: Hungaroring (Budapest), Spa‑Francorchamps (Belgium), Monza (Italy), Zandvoort (Netherlands), Suzuka (Japan), Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez (Mexico City), Las Vegas Strip Circuit (during the 2023 Las Vegas GP), and finally Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi—wrapping up in December 2024 during the season final.

Unique additional shoots included:

• Daytona International Speedway during the 2024 24 Hours of Daytona in Florida, featuring branded Porsche‑ and BMW‑based race cars in a dramatic opening sequenc

• A set built at McLaren’s Technology Centre in Woking, UK, double-cast as APXGP’s operational HQ

• Urban scenes filmed around central London, reflecting the team’s off-track life

• A beach-centric sequence shot at Oceano Dunes near Grover Beach, California in November 2024

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F1: The Movie © Plan B Entertainment, Jerry Bruckheimer Films, Dawn Apollo Films, Apple Studios, Monolith Pictures