Brad Pitt Trades Hollywood Glamour for High-Speed Thrills: Set to Race during the British Grand Prix!

From Silver Screen to Silverstone: A-List Actor Takes the Wheel in New Formula 1 Film 'Apex'—An Epic Blend of Hollywood and Motorsport!

While it's not uncommon for celebrities to attend Formula 1 race weekends, Brad Pitt is going a step beyond the norm. The renowned actor is scheduled to make an appearance at the eminent Silverstone Circuit during the upcoming British Grand Prix.

However, his purpose for being there won't be that of a mere spectator. Instead, he will be actively participating in the event by taking to the track as a driver.

The movie he is filming involves the addition of a fictional "11th team" to the grid, and filming will begin at Silverstone.

The first photos of the garage came out earlier this week before the first look of the Apex car was unveiled. The labeling outside of the Apex garage revealed the name of Brad Pitt's character to be 'Sonny Hayes'

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Who all are involved?

Pitt is currently shooting a new Formula 1 movie reportedly called "Apex" for Apple TV+, directed by Joseph Kosinski, known for his work on "Top Gun: Maverick," and is being produced by Jerry Bruckheimer, Pitt's Plan B Entertainment and Lewis Hamilton.

“Joseph says Frankenheimer’s Grand Prix is his biggest touchstone. Both he and Jerry are determined to make the most accurate, most impressive race movie anyone has ever seen. Oh. And Tom Cruise has already offered to do some extra driving if they need him.” tweeted Will Buxton after interviewing them at F1 Accelerate Summit.

What is the role of Lewis Hamilton in this?

It is of particular significance that seven-time-world champion and driver for Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team, Lewis Hamilton is not only co-producing the film but also actively participating in the endeavor. He is reportedly in regular communication with the filmmakers regarding the script and other important aspects of the movie.

"I'm more enjoying the part in the background, making sure that I'm really talking to Joe about who we're hiring, making sure that it's diverse, making sure that the sport looks how it's supposed to look in the future, in terms of being more accessible,'

said Hamilton.

Will Pitt drive a real F1 car at Silverstone?

In the upcoming British GP, the Hollywood actor will be seen behind the wheel of a modified F2 car instead of that of an F1 car.

The car being used in the movie has been modified by the Mercedes F1 team, so it is expected to closely resemble a real Formula 1 car both internally and externally.

One noticeable change in the car as compared to real F2 is the removal of the distinctive "shark" tailfin, which has been replaced with a more common airbox shape found in modern Formula 1 cars. Additionally, the front wing has been altered to resemble the simplified components and sharper endplates seen on Formula 1 cars starting from 2022

Will live F1 action would be disturbed?

He will only be allowed on the track when there are no active sessions taking place.

However, due to safety concerns and competition regulations, it is extremely difficult to film the movie during live Formula 1 racing.

F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali expressed in an exclusive interview with SunSport that the film will enable them to tap into a completely new market.

He emphasized the high caliber of talent involved in production stating, “We have the best producer in Hollywood, one of the best directors in Hollywood, one of the best stars, and the investment they are making is huge.”

Domenicali firmly stated that the increased excitement surrounding the film will not overshadow the actual racing.

He added, "The live coverage of the sport will stay pure, it will not be compromised, that's the first thing I said.”

"The puristic racing will not be touched. Everything will be around, and it will be interesting to see something new. It will be Hollywood action."

He assured that the live coverage of the sport will remain authentic and unaffected, emphasizing that the essence of pure racing will be preserved.

What’s in it for F1 in this?

The film will introduce new and captivating elements, infusing Hollywood-style action while keeping the racing experience intact.

The movie serves as a strategy to enhance the appeal of Formula 1 in the United States, while the sport's owners, Liberty Media, are preparing for a grand event, the Las Vegas Grand Prix, later in the year.

As filming for the movie commences in July at the British Grand Prix, the release date is expected to be quite distant, possibly around late 2024 or early 2025.

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