Formula One racing is a high-octane world where passions flare, tensions simmer, and budgets can be astronomical. Even the most minor detail can spark a major controversy.
Take, for instance, Brad Pitt’s recent in-character interviews at the British Grand Prix media pen. Pitt has been immersed in filming “F1,” the aptly titled movie he’s been working on for a couple of years now.
His former production company Plan B is collaborating with Lewis Hamilton’s Dawn Apollo Films, Jerry Bruckheimer, and Apple Studios.
With Formula 1 itself acting as a producing partner and consultant, the production was granted access for filming throughout the season at actual F1 events.
The weekend of the British GP at Silverstone saw the much-anticipated debut of the film’s first trailer.
Just hours prior, Warner Bros. revealed the official movie poster a simple yet striking close-up of Pitt in his racing helmet, emblazoned with the film’s title “F1.” Following the Silverstone premiere, the trailer was released globally across all platforms.
But Silverstone wasn’t just about the trailer. The cast, including Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, Javier Bardem, Kerry Condon, Tobias Menzies, Sarah Niles, Samson Kayo, and Kim Bodnia, were also on hand to film scenes.
While filming for a new Formula 1 movie, Brad Pitt’s character, Sonny Hayes, became a surprising presence at F1 races throughout the 2023 season. The fictional APXGP team, fronted by Hayes, occupied an 11th-team slot in the paddock, separate from the main competition.
This wasn’t a major point of contention, but the decision to film media interviews alongside real driver interviews caused a stir, especially after a particularly dramatic race finish. Imagine the scene: After a heart-stopping final lap, Pitt, in full Sonny Hayes persona, steps into the media pen, celebrating a fictional victory.
Right beside him, a visibly emotional Lando Norris, who just suffered a real-life defeat, tries to make sense of the race and answer questions from the press. This close proximity of fictional triumph and genuine disappointment proved too jarring for some fans.
Taking to social media, they expressed frustration that F1 was becoming a “mockery,” blaming the “intrusive” movie for cheapening the sport. A firestorm erupted on social media (formerly Twitter) after a scene from Brad Pitt’s upcoming Formula One film sparked controversy.
The scene depicted Pitt’s character, presumably a driver, celebrating a fictional race win. This moment clashed with the reality that Lando Norris, a real-life F1 driver, was enduring a difficult period in his career. Fans felt this intrusion into a genuine struggle disrespected the sport the film aimed to honor.