Brad Pitt’s F1 Movie in Jeopardy as Original Footage Reportedly Scrapped
One of the most ambitious film projects ever tied to Formula 1 may be heading back to the drawing board. Brad Pitt’s highly anticipated F1 movie produced in partnership with Lewis Hamilton has reportedly hit a massive production setback, as sources claim all previously shot footage is being scrapped. With delays, sponsorship changes, and production complications mounting, the film’s future now hangs in the balance.
From Hype to Uncertainty
When Apple TV+ first announced the blockbuster F1 movie starring Brad Pitt and co-produced by Lewis Hamilton, expectations were sky-high. The film, directed by Joseph Kosinski (Top Gun: Maverick) and produced by Hollywood veteran Jerry Bruckheimer, promised a level of realism never before seen in racing cinema.
Brad Pitt was set to portray Sonny Hayes, a retired Formula 1 driver returning to the grid to mentor a young talent, played by Damson Idris. What made the project unique was its real-life filming on actual F1 circuits, integrated into real Grand Prix weekends with a modified F2 car, backed by the full support of Formula 1 and the FIA.
But now, despite months of coordination, dramatic track footage, and behind-the-scenes excitement, multiple sources suggest that all original footage shot during the 2023 season is being discarded jeopardizing the movie’s budget, timeline, and release.
First look at ‘F1’, starring Brad Pitt and Damson Idris.
— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) July 7, 2024
From ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ director Joseph Kosinski. pic.twitter.com/Ex1o1uOlfF
Why the Footage Is Being Scrapped
The decision to scrap the footage reportedly stems from a combination of legal, commercial, and aesthetic issues:
- Sponsorship Conflicts: Several teams and branding elements captured in 2023 have since changed sponsors, liveries, or drivers, making continuity a nightmare for post-production. With long-term marketing deals tied to the film’s accuracy and appearance, the production team faced tough choices.
- Strike Disruptions: The 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes froze Hollywood productions for months. The resulting downtime disrupted the film’s schedule and creative workflow, delaying script adjustments and creating inconsistencies in storytelling.
- Creative Reassessment: Director Joseph Kosinski and the producers reportedly used the downtime to reevaluate the tone and visual approach of the film. Some insiders say they want to start fresh with a “bigger, bolder” look more in line with Top Gun: Maverick’s kinetic energy.
The result? Millions of dollars worth of footage and production days have been rendered unusable, and the project may now undergo partial reshoots or a full restart.
The Budget Blowout
Initially budgeted at over $130 million, the film is now expected to climb past $200 million, making it one of the most expensive motorsport films ever made.
Apple, which holds exclusive streaming rights, is reportedly still committed to the project but is applying pressure for a clear timeline and revised release plan potentially pushing the premiere to late 2025 or even 2026.
Hamilton and Pitt Remain Committed
Despite the chaos, both Brad Pitt and Lewis Hamilton remain firmly attached to the project.
“We’re not giving up. This movie will set a new standard for racing films,” Hamilton reportedly told sources close to the production. “Authenticity is everything, and if it means going back to get it right, then that’s what we’ll do.”
Brad Pitt has also remained enthusiastic, describing the project in previous interviews as “one of the most exciting roles” of his career. He has undergone physical training to look and move like a real F1 driver, and his passion for the sport is said to be a driving force behind the production’s persistence.
Formula 1’s Hollywood Moment Delayed
Formula 1 has leaned heavily into Hollywood partnerships in recent years most notably with Netflix’s Drive to Survive, which transformed the sport’s global fanbase. This film was seen as the next logical step: a mainstream, star-driven feature that would bring F1 to moviegoers in dramatic fashion.
Now, however, that vision is clouded by uncertainty. The film’s delays could threaten its momentum, especially as team lineups, liveries, and sponsor landscapes continue to evolve.
Can the Film Still Succeed?
Despite the setbacks, many industry insiders believe the F1 movie still has the potential to be a landmark success. With the combined power of Apple TV+, Bruckheimer, Pitt, and Hamilton, few projects are better positioned to recover from a stumble.
But the pressure is real. Fans want realism. Studios want results. And time is running out to capture the magic of Formula 1 before its next regulation shift in 2026.
Conclusion: A Reboot, Not a Retirement
While scrapping original footage may seem like a disaster, it may ultimately be a bold move to preserve the film’s vision. Brad Pitt’s F1 movie isn’t dead it’s being reengineered, much like a team tweaks its car for maximum performance.
Now the question is: can Hollywood’s version of a Grand Prix comeback cross the finish line?