Brad Pitt drives to career highs in new Formula 1 film – also at the box office: “F1” is now his most successful film
The new Formula 1 film “F1: The Movie” has reached an important milestone: with worldwide box office takings of over 545 million US dollars, it is now the most financially successful film in the career of Hollywood star Brad Pitt. The production surpasses the previous frontrunner, “World War Z” from 2013, which grossed around $540 million worldwide.
The film was released worldwide on June 25 and was directed by Joseph Kosinski, known for “Top Gun: Maverick,” among other films. It was produced by Jerry Bruckheimer. Alongside Brad Pitt in the lead role are Damson Idris, Kerry Condon, and Javier Bardem. Seven-time Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton was involved as executive producer and ensured that the film has close ties to the real world of Formula 1.
The plot revolves around former Formula 1 driver Sonny Hayes (played by Pitt), who makes a comeback for the fictional APXGP team to support talented rookie Joshua Pearce (played by Idris). The film was shot on location during real Grand Prix weekends. The fictional team even had its own pit, and numerous real drivers from past seasons made guest appearances.
Pitt and Idris drove modified Formula 2 cars for the shoot. After filming was completed, Brad Pitt, now 61, also had the opportunity to drive the 2023 McLaren on the Circuit of the Americas in Austin.
In the official Formula 1 podcast “Beyond The Grid,” Pitt described his impressions of the drive: “I really wanted to reach 200 miles per hour. It hurts a little – I was only three miles per hour too slow on the straight.“
He described the driving experience as ‘extraordinary’ and emphasized the enormous fascination of the combination of speed, downforce, and concentration. ”You’re just completely present. It’s like a flow state.”
Pitt also got to meet McLaren driver Lando Norris: “I’m still completely euphoric. I can’t thank Zak Brown and the team enough. I want to go back and improve my lap time.”
