**Brad Pitt Wins Praise from F1 Stars After Special Screening of New Racing Film**
Hollywood heavyweight Brad Pitt has earned accolades from real-life Formula 1 drivers following an exclusive preview of his new racing film, which many hope will broaden the sport’s appeal beyond its devoted fanbase. The much-anticipated movie, simply titled ‘F1’, was unveiled at a special screening for drivers and team members at the Grimaldi Forum in Monaco, right before the glitz and glamour of the Grand Prix weekend.
Pitt stars as Sonny Hayes, a fictional veteran racing driver returning to Formula 1 after a lengthy hiatus. The Apple Original production, with a global release set for 25th June, boasts the involvement of Sir Lewis Hamilton, who not only co-produces the film but also serves as a consultant, lending genuine racing expertise to its creation.
One of the many professional racers impressed by Pitt’s portrayal was Britain’s rising talent, Oliver Bearman. Bearman praised the Hollywood icon for his preparation and commitment to authenticity, saying: “Honestly, he did an impressive job. He was pushing the car, that’s for sure. I know he was training in the background with a proper team, and he was taking some risks. He really did his homework, so it’s cool to see that effort translated to the big screen.”
The film, directed by Joseph Kosinski and co-produced by veteran filmmaker Jerry Bruckheimer, is being positioned as a game-changer for F1’s global image. The behind-the-scenes hope is that it will ignite interest among a new generation of fans, much as Netflix’s ‘Drive To Survive’ docu-series has done in recent years.
Bearman remains optimistic about the impact of ‘F1’ on the sport’s popularity. “It’s going to be a huge hit, and it should make more people want to watch Formula 1, which was really the goal. The onboard footage and the technical work that went into filming make all the difference—it’s incredible,” he said, highlighting the attention given to capturing the sensation of racing from the driver’s seat.
Williams driver Carlos Sainz echoed Bearman’s enthusiasm, emphasising the potential for the film to attract viewers unfamiliar with the intricacies of F1. “I truly believe it will bring in a new audience and do well for people who don’t know much about the sport,” Sainz commented. However, he also acknowledged that the movie might raise a few eyebrows among purists. “For journalists and hardcore fans, there are definitely things that feel a bit too Hollywood, but I enjoyed it all the same. The race footage is just astonishing—by far the best aspect.”
Despite the near-universal praise, not all drivers managed to catch the screening. Notably, four-time world champion Max Verstappen chose to spend time with his family, including his newborn daughter Lily, rather than attend the Monaco preview.
It’s clear that expectations for the film run high, not just among the press and the motor racing elite, but also from stakeholders eager to see the sport break through into mainstream culture. Motorsport has always thrived on the spectacle, but insiders are betting that a big-budget blockbuster can take this excitement to unprecedented heights.
With cinema and sport increasingly intertwined, films like ‘F1’ reflect a modern approach to storytelling—blending drama, authenticity, and state-of-the-art cinematography to win fans both on and off the track. Should ‘F1’ prove successful, it could mark a new era for Formula 1, attracting viewers who might otherwise never have set foot in the paddock or tuned in on race day.
Ultimately, the early reactions suggest that the film not only respects the sport’s essence, but also pushes its boundaries—something that’s as true in filmmaking as it is on the circuit itself. As Formula 1 continues to evolve, both on screen and on the tarmac, the world will be watching closely to see just how far Brad Pitt’s Sonny Hayes—and Formula 1 itself—are ready to go.