The upcoming film F1, set for release in June next year, has been filming at various real-life F1 races for over a year. Lead actor Brad Pitt and co-star Damson Idris have been seen on the grid filming pre-race scenes and interacting with drivers in the media pen.
Co-producer Jerry Bruckheimer has shared that Red Bull initially feared being portrayed as the villain in the movie. Bruckheimer explained that it took considerable effort to assure the Austrian team that this would not be the case. Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton, who is also serving as a Co-Producer, has played a key role in ensuring the film’s authenticity.
“F1” Movie Team Took Three Years to Assure Red Bull They Wouldn’t Be Portrayed As Villains
The upcoming film “F1” is closely intertwined with the real Formula 1 world, with significant involvement from the teams and key figures. For example, lead actor Brad Pitt was seen walking around the paddock during filming, even waving to the crowd during the Mexico Grand Prix as part of a scene. Mercedes played a significant role in the production, as the team built the cars used in the film, with the Mercedes logo prominently displayed on them. This connection raised concerns among rival teams, particularly Red Bull Racing, which is Mercedes’ main competitor in Formula 1.
Red Bull initially feared that the movie would portray them negatively, assuming they would be cast as the villains of the story. However, it took some time to convince the teams that this wouldn’t be the case. Jerry Bruckheimer, the film’s producer, explained that after years of discussion, they were able to assure Red Bull and other teams that the portrayal would be fair, and now all teams are actively supporting the project. The movie is set to release in the United Kingdom on June 27.
Lewis Hamilton’s Feedback Costing Money To ‘Fix Things’
Producer Jerry Bruckheimer has emphasized the importance of authenticity in the production of the “F1” movie, with one of the key contributors being Lewis Hamilton. The seven-time world champion has been actively involved in the film, offering feedback on various scenes to ensure they accurately reflect the realities of Formula 1 racing.
Hamilton’s insights have proven invaluable, with his attention to detail reaching even the smallest aspects of a driver’s experience. For example, he pointed out a discrepancy in a scene where the character played by Brad Pitt was in third gear instead of the second gear typically used at a specific point in Silverstone. Additionally, Hamilton shared the physical toll F1 drivers experience, highlighting how drivers often lose 10 pounds after a grueling race, especially in challenging conditions like the Singapore Grand Prix.
Bruckheimer has expressed deep appreciation for Hamilton’s contributions, acknowledging that his feedback has enhanced the film’s realism, even though it has led to increased production costs. Despite these challenges, Bruckheimer emphasized the team’s commitment to creating a film that truly represents the F1 experience. Hamilton’s involvement has been a significant factor in achieving this level of authenticity, ensuring that the portrayal of the sport and its drivers resonates with both fans and newcomers alike.
