At 61, Brad Pitt is proving that age is just a number when it comes to stealing the spotlight. In the high-octane, heart-pounding F1 (marketed as F1 the Movie), set to hit theaters on June 25, 2025, Pitt delivers a performance that’s as electrifying as the Formula 1 cars roaring across the screen. Playing Sonny Hayes, a retired racing legend who makes a daring comeback, Pitt combines rugged charm, emotional depth, and a fearless spirit to create a character that’s already generating Oscar buzz. With a record-breaking $300 million budget, a $30 million paycheck for Pitt, and a production team that includes the masterminds behind Top Gun: Maverick and Formula 1 icon Lewis Hamilton, F1 is poised to be the cinematic event of the year. Add in cameos from real F1 superstars like Max Verstappen, Fernando Alonso, and Lando Norris, and you’ve got a recipe for a blockbuster that’s as authentic as it is exhilarating. Here’s why F1 is the movie everyone will be talking about in 2025.

The Legend of Sonny Hayes: A Role Tailor-Made for Pitt

In F1, Brad Pitt steps into the driver’s seat as Sonny Hayes, a former Formula 1 prodigy whose career was derailed by a catastrophic crash in the 1990s. Once hailed as “the greatest that never was,” Hayes retreated from the spotlight, trading the glamour of F1 for a nomadic life as a racer-for-hire, gambling enthusiast, and New York City cab driver. When his old teammate, Ruben Cervantes (played by Javier Bardem), calls him back to save the struggling APXGP team, Hayes seizes the chance to rewrite his legacy. Tasked with mentoring the talented but impulsive rookie Joshua Pearce (Damson Idris), Hayes navigates a world of fierce competition, personal redemption, and high-stakes rivalries.

Pitt’s portrayal of Hayes is a masterclass in balancing charisma with vulnerability. With his weathered good looks, sly grin, and laid-back swagger, he embodies the archetype of a maverick who lives for the thrill of the race. Yet, beneath the bravado lies a man haunted by his past, determined to prove he still has what it takes. Pitt’s ability to convey this inner conflict—through subtle glances during tense race scenes or quiet moments of reflection—adds depth to a character who could have easily been a caricature. His chemistry with Idris, whose Pearce is both a rival and a protégé, crackles with intensity, echoing classic mentor-student dynamics like those in The Color of Money or Top Gun.

To prepare for the role, Pitt didn’t just memorize lines—he got behind the wheel. Training alongside professional drivers, he learned to handle modified Formula 2 cars designed to mimic the speed and handling of F1 vehicles. His commitment to authenticity shines through in the film’s breathtaking race sequences, where he’s often seen driving at speeds exceeding 180 miles per hour. This hands-on approach, combined with his natural charisma, makes Hayes a character that feels both larger-than-life and deeply human.

A $300 Million Bet on Speed and Spectacle

F1 isn’t just a movie—it’s a cinematic gamble of unprecedented scale. With a reported budget of $300 million, it ranks among the most expensive films ever made, surpassing even some of the biggest Marvel blockbusters. This massive investment is evident in every frame, from the meticulously recreated F1 circuits to the state-of-the-art camera rigs that capture the visceral thrill of racing. The film was shot during actual Grand Prix weekends in 2023 and 2024, with the fictional APXGP team integrated into real races at iconic tracks like Silverstone, Monza, and Abu Dhabi. This level of access, granted by Formula 1 and the FIA, ensures that F1 feels like a front-row seat to the sport’s heart-pounding reality.

The budget also reflects the star power behind the project. Pitt, who also serves as a producer, commanded a $30 million salary—his highest ever—underscoring his value as both an actor and a global icon. The funds supported a sprawling production that included building a fully functional pit garage for APXGP, designing custom race cars, and hiring a crew of hundreds to capture the action. The result is a visual and auditory feast, with Hans Zimmer’s pulsating score amplifying the roar of engines and the screech of tires. For audiences, especially those watching in IMAX, F1 promises an immersive experience that makes you feel like you’re strapped into the cockpit alongside Pitt.

The Dream Team: From Top Gun: Maverick to Lewis Hamilton’s Expertise

F1 owes much of its polish to its all-star production team. Director Joseph Kosinski, fresh off the billion-dollar success of Top Gun: Maverick, brings his knack for crafting kinetic, crowd-pleasing spectacles. Like Maverick, F1 blends old-school bravado with cutting-edge filmmaking, delivering action sequences that are as emotionally gripping as they are visually stunning. Producer Jerry Bruckheimer, a Hollywood legend behind hits like Pirates of the Caribbean, ensures the film has the larger-than-life energy of a summer blockbuster.

But the real game-changer is Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time F1 world champion who served as a producer and consultant. Hamilton’s involvement goes beyond a celebrity cameo (though he does appear briefly on-screen). He worked closely with Kosinski and screenwriter Ehren Kruger to ensure the film’s racing scenes and team dynamics were as authentic as possible. From advising on realistic race strategies to coaching Pitt and Idris on driving techniques, Hamilton’s expertise grounds the film in the realities of F1, even as it embraces Hollywood drama. His passion for diversity also influenced the casting, ensuring the fictional APXGP team reflects the sport’s growing inclusivity.

Real F1 Stars Steal the Show

One of F1’s biggest draws is its unprecedented integration of real Formula 1 drivers and personalities. Fans of the sport will delight in spotting Max Verstappen, Fernando Alonso, Charles Leclerc, Lando Norris, George Russell, Oscar Piastri, and others zooming past in race scenes or mingling in the paddock. Team principals like Toto Wolff, Christian Horner, and Zak Brown also make brief appearances, adding a layer of authenticity that sets F1 apart from other sports dramas. Even pundits like Martin Brundle and David Croft lend their voices, making the film feel like a live Grand Prix broadcast.

These cameos aren’t just fan service—they’re a testament to Formula 1’s commitment to the project. The sport’s governing body, the FIA, and all 10 F1 teams collaborated with the filmmakers, allowing cameras to capture real races and behind-the-scenes moments. This partnership creates a seamless blend of fiction and reality, where Pitt’s Sonny Hayes feels like he could be racing alongside Verstappen or Leclerc. For F1 enthusiasts, it’s a love letter to the sport; for newcomers, it’s an accessible entry point into a world of speed and strategy.

Why F1 Is the Must-See Movie of 2025

At its core, F1 is more than a racing movie—it’s a story about second chances, resilience, and the pursuit of greatness. Brad Pitt’s Sonny Hayes embodies these themes with a performance that’s both nostalgic and forward-looking, reminding us why he’s one of Hollywood’s enduring icons. At 61, he’s not just keeping up with younger stars like Damson Idris—he’s setting the pace, proving that true star power only gets better with age.

The film’s ambition matches Pitt’s energy. With its jaw-dropping budget, all-star cast, and groundbreaking production, F1 is a bold attempt to redefine the sports movie genre. It captures the adrenaline of Formula 1 while telling a universal story that resonates whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual viewer. From the scream of engines to the emotional stakes of Hayes’ comeback, every element is designed to keep you on the edge of your seat.

As F1 races toward its June 25, 2025, release, anticipation is building for what could be the defining blockbuster of the year. Whether you’re drawn by Pitt’s magnetic performance, the thrill of real F1 action, or the promise of a cinematic experience like no other, F1 delivers on every front. Buckle up—this is one ride you won’t want to miss.