Brad Pitt isn’t just racing against time in the theater release window—he’s doing it at 200 mph. The final trailer for F1, the star-studded action drama directed by Joseph Kosinski, dropped last week, and it’s clear that Pitt’s latest role as former Formula 1 driver Sonny Hayes is built for the big screen (and IMAX glory).

The F1 Movie Trailer Delivers High-Speed Action And Emotional Stakes

Warner Bros.’ F1 film, releasing internationally on June 25 and in the U.S. on June 27, doesn’t hold back. The nearly two-and-a-half-minute trailer features real race footage, on-track collisions, and tight-drama between Hayes and his rookie teammate Joshua Pearce, played by Damson Idris. Filmed during actual Grand Prix weekends, including Silverstone and the 2024 British GP, the sequences aren’t just cinematic—they’re authentic.

One of the most striking moments in the trailer shows Pitt standing on the grid next to Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton, both of whom appear in the film not just as subjects of the story, but as collaborators. Hamilton, who helped produce the movie and trained the actors in racing techniques, even assisted in choreographing the high-speed scenes to ensure they felt real, not just flashy.

Brad Pitt’s Sonny Hayes Is A Hero Built For Redemption, Not Glory

Sonny Hayes isn’t your typical aging athlete clinging to past fame. He’s flawed, pressured, and pushed to the edge. Kerry Condon’s Kate McKenna cuts through the bravado with a sharp line: “We all lose our jobs if you can't pull off a miracle.” Hayes’ casual “No pressure” response sets the tone for a film that’s as much about ego and teamwork as it is about speed.

Hayes’ relationship with Pearce is central to the story. Early clashes give way to tentative trust, with Hayes delivering a punchy line that’s sure to resonate with fans of tight editing and sharper dialogue: “Three laps. Three laps is a lifetime.” It’s a film that promises not just fast cars, but fast emotions.

Real F1 Locations And Races Give The Film Unmatched Credibility

The decision to film on active F1 circuits is a bold one, and it pays off. The filmmakers got permission to shoot on the formation lap at Silverstone during the 2023 race, putting the actors — and cameras — right in the middle of the action. Pitt even filmed a scene on the grid just before the 2024 race, underscoring the filmmakers’ commitment to realism.

The fictional APX GP team’s headquarters is cleverly staged at McLaren’s real Technology Centre, adding another layer of authenticity. Fans of the sport will appreciate these details, but the film doesn’t rely on them alone. It uses them as a backdrop for a story about risk, relevance, and what it means to come back when the world’s already moved on.

More Than A Racing Film — ‘F1’ Is About Heart, Conflict, And Comebacks

Joseph Kosinski, riding the momentum from Top Gun: Maverick, brings the same energy and precision to F1. But this time, he’s added a layer of emotional grit. He describes the film as having “real heart,” especially in the dynamic between Pitt and Idris. And it shows. Whether it’s a heated exchange in the media pen with Javier Bardem’s Ruben or a quiet moment of reflection after a crash, F1 balances spectacle with substance.

Brad Pitt, now 61, doesn’t just play Sonny Hayes — he inhabits him. In a recent interview with Sky Sports F1, Pitt admitted he felt “a little giddy” being part of the F1 world. That excitement translates on screen. This isn’t an actor going through the motions; it’s a filmmaker and performer tapping into what thrills them most—and sharing that with the audience.

What This Means For Fans And Box Office Watchers

With its mix of real-world racing, star power, and emotional storytelling, F1 is poised to be one of the most exciting releases of the summer. It’s the kind of film that appeals to die-hard fans of the sport and casual moviegoers alike. And with Brad Pitt at the wheel, it’s unlikely to miss the mark.

Whether you're in it for the speed, the drama, or just to see Pitt do something new with a familiar genre, F1 offers a ride worth taking. One that doesn’t just ask for your attention, but your pulse.