‘If Brad Can’t Drive, This Whole Film Wasn’t Going To Work’: F1’s Director Explains How Brad Pitt Got Behind The Wheel For The Upcoming Film

For those acquainted with Joe Kosinski’s work, they recognize his dedication to infusing a heightened sense of authenticity into his blockbuster films. In the production of “Top Gun: Maverick”, rather than relying solely on stunt pilots or extensive green screen use, he made sure that his actors were well-versed in sitting in actual jet cockpits. Consequently, it will come as no shock that Brad Pitt performs all the driving himself in Kosinski’s latest racing thriller “F1”. However, this commitment to realism hinged on a single factor: Pitt’s driving abilities.

Here’s the first trailer for F1, now available online. Earlier this week, director Joseph Kosinski held a virtual press conference discussing the making of this upcoming thriller. He highlighted the focus on allowing the film’s actors to appear as if they were actually driving. In his own words, “We made an effort to let the stars take control in the driver’s seat.

As a passionate cinephile, I’m thrilled to share an extraordinary detail about our film-making process. We acquired six authentic F2 racing cars and collaborated closely with Mercedes AMG, their Formula One team, and their brilliant engineers to transform these speedsters into mobile studios. This means that when you see Brad or Damson [Idris] behind the wheel in this movie, they’re actually driving on a real F1 track in one of these genuine race cars, equipped with our cameras, recorders, and transmitters. This unique blend of high-octane racing and filmmaking is a testament to the innovative spirit that fueled the creation of this extraordinary production.

In essence, the challenge lies in the fact that although an actor might excel at portraying different characters, they may not inherently possess the practical abilities needed to drive a genuine Formula One car. The professional drivers in this field are known for their remarkable reflexes that enable them to manage these high-speed machines safely. In Joseph Kosinski’s production, however, he couldn’t rely on the actors’ reflexes being at that level, but he did require them to demonstrate a certain degree of proficiency instead.

It took several months to prepare, and the actors received backing from Lewis Hamilton, a renowned race car driver with numerous records in Formula One and a producer for the upcoming movie.

In the movie, Brad and Damson are seen driving and it took several months, even up to that point, for them to be ready for these race cars through rigorous training. However, the first day was quite enjoyable. It was myself, Brad, and Lewis Hamilton at the racetrack together, all of us taking turns in sports cars, which was an unforgettable experience having Lewis Hamilton as my driving instructor. But what was crucial and interesting to Lewis was evaluating if Brad knew how to drive, since if Brad couldn’t drive, the entire film wouldn’t have been feasible.

A high level of training was essential for both Brad Pitt and Damson Idris to deliver convincing performances, yet Joseph Kosinski mentioned that Pitt seemed to possess an inherent talent which significantly eased the entire preparatory process. The director further elaborated on this point.

It turned out that Brad had an impressive amount of innate skill from the beginning, which left Lewis puzzling about its source or whether it was inherited. What intrigued Lewis even more was Brad’s motorcycle riding ability, something he suspected played a role in his driving talent. All in all, Lewis found Brad to be a naturally gifted driver, and this encounter instilled confidence in Lewis that we might stand a chance at succeeding with Brad on our team.

From my perspective, while motorcycles and F1 cars may seem worlds apart in terms of physical structure and operation, there’s a logical connection that can be drawn. Both demand swift reflexes for safety, and a bold sense of confidence to rev the engines to their maximum potential. As Joseph Kosinski put it, Brad Pitt possesses these qualities in spades.

As a film critic, I found myself awestruck by Brad’s unparalleled driving prowess in our latest production. The authenticity he brings behind the wheel is nothing short of extraordinary. You see, the stunts we perform for this film are not for the faint-hearted.

Indeed, fearlessness is an indispensable trait when you’re at the helm with Brad. It’s essential to understand that what you witness on screen isn’t merely acting; it’s a testament to his relentless focus and unwavering determination to keep that car on track, avoiding those precarious near-misses with the wall in every scene.

That level of concentration is something that can’t be feigned, I believe. I fervently hope that when our audience watches this movie, they too will feel the raw, undiluted intensity of Brad’s driving skills.

In the movie titled F1, Brad Pitt takes on the role of Sonny Hayes, a retired Formula One racer who’s brought back into the game by his friend Javier Bardem. He partners with a promising newcomer named Joshua “Noah” Pearce, played by Damson Idris. The impressive lineup of actors also includes Kerry Condon, Tobias Menzies, and Shea Whigham. This high-octane film, requiring the cinematic experience for full enjoyment, is set to hit domestic theaters on June 27.

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2025-03-14 00:08