Joseph Kosinski, the director behind the highly anticipated F1 movie starring Brad Pitt, has been making waves discussing his passion for filmmaking, the challenges of bringing the high-octane world of Formula 1 to the big screen, and the invaluable contributions of both Pitt and Lewis Hamilton to the project. The movie, simply titled "F1," is set to release internationally on June 25th and in North America on June 27th, 2025, promising an immersive cinematic experience for racing enthusiasts and casual viewers alike.

Kosinski's journey to directing "F1" was fueled by a lifelong love for adventure movies and a desire to recreate the grand theatrical experiences he enjoyed as a child. His previous work, including "Tron: Legacy," "Oblivion," "Only the Brave," and "Top Gun: Maverick," showcases his ability to blend stunning visuals with compelling narratives. Fresh off the success of "Top Gun: Maverick," Kosinski is no stranger to capturing speed and adrenaline on film. He said the tools didn't exist to make this movie, so they invented them, developing a brand new camera system.

The director emphasizes that "F1" is designed for the big screen, aiming to provide a special and authentic experience for fans. To achieve this, Kosinski and his team have gone to great lengths to ensure realism. According to Kosinski, the movie was filmed on real race tracks during actual Formula 1 race weekends. Brad Pitt and Damson Idris, who play the lead roles, even learned to drive race cars for real, adding another layer of authenticity to their performances. In fact, when audiences see them driving in the movie, they are actually driving a race car on a Formula 1 track during a race weekend.

Kosinski credits Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time Formula 1 World Champion, with playing an instrumental role in ensuring the film's authenticity. Hamilton served as a producer and advisor, providing insights into the world of Formula 1 and helping to shape the story and characters. Kosinski reached out to Hamilton early in the process, knowing his interest in film, to help make the film as authentic as possible. According to Kosinski, Hamilton worked very closely with him, Jerry Bruckheimer, and Brad Pitt from the beginning to help craft the story and characters. Hamilton's involvement extended to advising Pitt and Idris on their driving techniques and providing technical expertise on everything from gear selection to racing lines. Hamilton even contributed to the story, serving as inspiration for a scene where Pitt's character talks about why he races in spiritual terms.

The film's plot revolves around Sonny Hayes, played by Brad Pitt, a former F1 driver who returns to the sport after a long hiatus. Hayes is recruited by his former teammate, Ruben Cervantes (Javier Bardem), who now owns a struggling Formula 1 team. Hayes is tasked with mentoring the team's young rookie driver, Joshua Pearce (Damson Idris), while also attempting to revive his own career. Kerry Condon plays Kate McKenna, the team's technical director, and develops a relationship with Sonny Hayes.

While aiming for authenticity, Kosinski and his team also faced the challenge of creating a compelling story that would appeal to both seasoned F1 fans and newcomers to the sport. Brad Pitt noted that the hardest thing was to develop a story. The sport is so revered, and there are so many people that are knowledgeable about it, and there are so many people who haven't seen it yet. Pitt highlighted the need to thread the needle where they're not dumbing it down to those in the know, but it's an invitation and explanation for those who have not been around this sport before.

Notably, not all initially planned storylines made the final cut. Actress Simone Ashley, known for "Bridgerton," was originally cast in the film, but her role was ultimately omitted. Kosinski explained that this is a common occurrence in filmmaking, where more footage is shot than can be used.

With its blend of high-speed action, compelling characters, and a commitment to authenticity, "F1" promises to be a thrilling cinematic ride. Joseph Kosinski's dedication to capturing the essence of Formula 1, combined with the star power of Brad Pitt and the expertise of Lewis Hamilton, has created a buzz around the film, making it one of the most anticipated releases of the year.