The Formula 1 British Grand Prix took the spotlight last weekend not only for Max Verstappen’s eighth victory of the season, but also because the circuit was the setting for a new film starring Brad Pitt.
The Hollywood superstar paraded through the paddock wearing the special attire of the fictional APXGB team that he will represent in the movie.
The main idea of the movie is to tell the story of a retired driver (Brad Pitt) who returns to the track after 30 years to try to help the team that is in the bottom of the championship.
The movie is a production by Apple in partnership with Formula 1 itself and driver Lewis Hamilton, one of the greatest F1 drivers of all-time. The FIA has given the film production free access and even provided space for the construction of the 11th garage in the paddock.
“To be a part of it in this way? To tell our story? Everyone has been cool with us, the teams have opened their doors to us, the FIA (governing body Federation Internationale de l’Automobile) has been really helpful, F1 and Stefano Domenicali (Formula One Group CEO). Everyone has been amazing,” affirmed Brad Pitt about the collaboration between the FIA and the movie production.
In addition to the black and white racing suit, the model of the car to be used in the film was also presented. The characters played by Brad Pitt and Dawson Idris will drive two Formula 2 cars converted by Mercedes.
However, the former drivers Craig Dolby and Luciano Bacheta are the ones driving the actual cars for the filming. In fact, the ‘film cars’ took their places on the grid for the race and ran part of the formation lap before the start of the Silverstone Grand Prix.
The film will continue to be shot during other F1 races this year and there is no release date yet.
“It should be as authentic as we can get it” as they have employed F1 experts who have been “operating the show like the real thing. Lewis (Hamilton), who’s also our producer, is really intent that we respect the sport, that we really show it for what it is,” said Brad Pitt about the movie.
What do the drivers think about this?
Apparently, the presence of the American actor and the entire production has not bothered the drivers. Brad Pitt even participated in the official briefing last Friday (7/7). Lewis Hamilton called it “probably the best drivers’ briefing we’ve ever had”.
French driver Pierre Gasly, who posted selfies with Pitt on Instagram, stated: “We had the chance to meet him and they introduced themselves and talked about the film. It was definitely a special moment”.
