Is the New F1 Movie Featuring Brad Pitt Based on a True Story? (2025)

When you hear ‘Brad Pitt’, what pops into your head? The heartthrob’s good looks? The charm that could melt butter? Or maybe it’s that undeniable talent that makes him the cherry on top of every movie he’s in? Whatever it is, one thing’s for sure: when Brad Pitt steps into a role, he doesn’t just play the part—he inhabits it like it’s his second skin.

It’s like Pitt has got a magic touch that turns everything he touches into gold—except, you know, he doesn’t even need Midas’ curse. He just is the role!

And this time, he has not just strutting across the screen in a tux or playing a cool, laid-back guy. No, this time, he’s getting into a race car, putting the pedal to the metal, and driving the plot of his 2025 film, F1. But here’s the big question that has everyone confused: Is this high-speed thrill ride based on a true story, or is it another one of those classic Hollywood smoke-and-mirrors jobs?

Well, let’s take you on a journey to uncover the truth.

Is Brad Pitt’s F1 based on a true story or pure fiction?

First, let’s pump the brakes for a moment. While it’s hard not to get excited about the idea of Brad Pitt getting behind the wheel of a race car, the story in F1 isn’t exactly ripped from the headlines. His character, Sonny Hayes, isn’t a real-life driver. Nope. He’s a fictional character created specifically for the film. Yes, the plot is pure fiction.

So, if you were hoping to watch a biopic about your favorite F1 legend, you might need to adjust your seatbelt. The film is based on a made-up storyline that revolves around Sonny, a former F1 driver who gets lured back to the sport to mentor a young up-and-coming talent, Noah Pearce (played by Damson Idris).

But just because it’s not based on a true story doesn’t mean it’s not grounded in real-life racing.

Sure, the plot mirrors some of the trials and tribulations that real-life drivers face, like personal loss, the weight of mentorship, and the glory of racing, but don’t expect F1 to hit you with a true-to-life F1 driver’s biography.

Do real F1 stars make an appearance in the movie?

Even though the main characters aren’t taken from the annals of F1 history, this film isn’t cutting corners when it comes to authenticity. Over 20 real-life F1 drivers are making cameo appearances as themselves, which is like having your favorite musicians perform at your birthday party—it just takes things to a whole new level (we learned from Screen Rant).

You’ve got heavy hitters like Lewis Hamilton, Max Verstappen, George Russell, and Carlos Sainz Jr. appearing on screen, and that’s just the start. These aren’t just background extras. These are the stars of the sport, bringing their expertise and presence to the film. Idris opened up to Vanity Fair, taking a trip down memory lane to revisit his audition for the highly-anticipated F1 film:

We’ve already spotted Verstappen in the high-octane Super Bowl trailer, but fans were eager to know if Hamilton is also putting the pedal to the metal. And now you have the answer.

Wait, didn’t we mention the icing on the cake?

Brad Pitt and Damson Idris aren’t just pretending to drive—they’re actually getting in the cars, training for “almost three months” to make sure they look and feel like real racers (per Deadline). It’s not your typical “actor behind the wheel” situation; they’re in it for the real experience.

How F1 brings iconic tracks and real racing to the big screen

Here’s the thing: you could shoot a racing movie anywhere, but to get that rush, you have to hit the real tracks. And that’s exactly what they did for F1. The film’s crew filmed at some of the world’s most iconic tracks, including Silverstone, Daytona, and Monza.

Director Joseph Kosinski (yes, the genius behind Top Gun: Maverick) has his foot on the gas pedal when it comes to making this film a true visual feast. According to Deadline, they filmed at iconic racetracks, including Silverstone and Daytona, capturing the high-octane energy of the sport with precision.

But that’s not all. They didn’t just throw a camera at a speeding car and hope for the best. The team worked with Mercedes and even customized Formula 2 cars, rigging them with special mounts to film the action in a way that’s never been done before. Imagine a camera attached to the car, panning and zooming in real-time as the car whips around the track. It’s like getting a front-row seat to a race, without the risk of losing your lunch in the process.

And let’s not forget about the man who’s been in the game longer than most drivers have been alive—Lewis Hamilton. The seven-time F1 world champion isn’t just along for the ride; he’s actually producing the film. He was on hand to ensure that the details were as close to reality as possible, from tire compounds to the way a driver handles a car during a race.

What’s the big picture? A star-studded cast that knows their job

Let’s be honest—when you’ve got a lineup like this, you know you’re in for a treat. Brad Pitt leads the pack, with Damson Idris in a breakout role as the promising new driver.

But it doesn’t stop there—Javier Bardem, Kerry Condon, and Tobias Menzies add their gravitas to the film, making it one hell of a cast. With this kind of talent, you might think it’s all about the fast cars and loud engines, but don’t forget, these actors are also here to serve up some heart-stopping drama and emotional depth.

The story focuses on the fictional journey of Sonny Hayes (Pitt), a retired driver who comes back into the game to mentor the young up-and-comer Noah Pearce. It’s a tale of second chances, mentorship, and racing to prove your worth. It’s got that underdog feel that makes sports movies so irresistible, and it’s packed with the kind of tension that only high-speed racing can deliver.

Is F1 based on a true story? No. Not exactly. But does it bring the world of Formula 1 racing to life in a way that feels authentic, thrilling, and real? You bet it does. With Brad Pitt in the driver’s seat, a star-studded cast, and an insane level of attention to detail when it comes to the sport itself, this movie is set to be a wild ride—one you won’t want to miss.

Ergo, if you’re in the mood for an action-packed story that makes you feel the wind in your hair and the thrill in your bones, F1 will take you there. It might not be based on true events, but it’s sure as hell going to feel like it is. Get ready for the ride of your life.

Get ready to feel the rush!

F1 is gearing up to hit theaters with full throttle on June 25, 2025, internationally, and a couple of days later, on June 27, 2025, in the United States and Canada.