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What is the plot?
The plot of Apex, the upcoming F1-inspired movie, revolves around Sonny Hayes, played by Brad Pitt, an aged, retired racer who suffered a huge crash during the 1990s. Hayes is recruited by a struggling F1 team owner, played by Javier Bardem, to join APXGP as its second driver and mentor young phenomenon Joshua Pierce, played by Damson Idris.
Silverstone is thought to play a key part in the story, given the access that the production crew had over the British Grand Prix weekend in 2023. The film will feature APXGP’s cars competing against the ten real teams on the grid, generating possible cameo opportunities for drivers, team principals and other team members.
One part of the film is set to show Pitt racing a Porsche 911 at Daytona, during the spell between his F1 drives.
The cast
The cast of Apex is headlined by Brad Pitt and Damson Idris. Pitt plays Sonny Hayes, the aged, retired racer who is recruited to mentor young phenomenon Joshua Pierce, played by Idris. Javier Bardem plays the unnamed F1 team-owner, while Tobias Menzies and Kerry Condon are also part of the cast in unconfirmed roles.
Lewis Hamilton, seven-time F1 world champion, is involved in the film as a producer and may also appear in a cameo role.
The team and the car
Pitt and Idris’ characters will be drivers for APXGP – a fictional eleventh team on the current F1 grid. Contrary to some previous suggestions, Brad Pitt will not be driving a real F1 car, instead using a modified F2 car that has been adapted by Mercedes and complete with sponsor stickers from Tommy Hilfiger, MSC Cruises and AMG Mercedes.
The Apex team were also given a full garage and pitwall in between Mercedes and Ferrari, allowing them to capture true-to-life pitlane shots. Both APXGP cars also lined up for the parade lap ahead of the British Grand Prix before pulling off before the start of the race.
Trailer and release date
Apex film is provisionally scheduled for release in 2025, even taking into account the delays caused by writer and actor strikes. Apple holds the rights to the movie, but it isn’t known whether it will be released in cinemas before featuring on its Apple TV platform.
Lewis Hamilton’s involvement
Seven-time F1 world champion Lewis Hamilton has been involved in the film since its inception. His Dawn Apollo company is producing the movie and he has an advisory and consultancy role under the title of ‘producer’.
Speaking ahead of the 2023 season, Hamilton revealed he had been part of the team who selected Damson Idris to partner Pitt as the movie leads – a nod toward his mission of making F1 a more inclusive place. Hamilton has also spent time with director Joseph Kosinski, taking time to locate the best camera positions on the circuit while also overseeing frame rates to ensure the cars look as fast as possible.
Directors, writers and producers
The film will be directed by Joseph Kosinski – renowned for his skill utilising CGI and most recently nominated for an academy award with Top Gun: Maverick. Joining Kosinski is legendary producer Jerry Bruckheimer – responsible for roles in Pirates of the Caribbean, the original Top Gun and 1990 NASCAR film Days of Thunder – as well as a fleet of producers including Hamilton and Pitt themselves.
Which F1 races will Apex be filming at?
Starting at Silverstone, the APXGP team was expected to appear at every F1 round for the rest of the 2023 F1 season. However, due to ongoing strikes involving the Screen Actors Guild and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, filming was delayed for most of the year. It resumed in Las Vegas and Abu Dhabi.
Expect to see the crew at further races in 2024, after a shoot during the Daytona 24 Hours, where Pitt is expected to film scenes and drive — or be depicted — racing a Porsche 911.
F1 says that producers will “ensure continuity” between footage shot in 2023 and 2024, which won’t be made easy by the rebranding of two teams (Alfa Romeo and AlphaTauri), and revised liveries.
Brad Pitt training at Paul Ricard Circuit
According to motorsport journalist and commentator @Julien_FEBREAU, who has been commentating F1 for over 10 years, in the upcoming F1 movie starring Brad Pitt, the team will be called “Apex”
The team name in wich Brad Pitt will drive signifies the point on the inside portion of a corner that a vehicle passes closest to for optimal seep, which is a critical aspect of racing.
Brad Pitt has been training in the south of France at Circuit Paul Ricard a real F2 car close to 1000kms to be able to drive an F2 car developed by Mercedes between F1 sessions at Silverstone and other Grand prix weekend.
With the movie centered around the thrilling world of Formula 1 racing, fans can expect an adrenaline-pumping experience. The actor has reportedly undergone several training sessions to prepare for his role, taking his commitment to the project to new heights.
Brad Pitt’s On-Track Training
As reported by @Julien_FEBREAU on CANAL+, Brad Pitt will be driving solo on the Silverstone track between F1 sessions.
He will not be sharing the track with other drivers, and there will be no “11th team” during the current F1 season.
Filmed scenes of Brad Pitt on the track will be combined with real footage from the 2023 F1 season, creating an authentic backdrop for his performance.
The F2 car will be modified in post production to look like a real F1 car, using the same techniques as Top Gun Mavericks.
The smallest developed yet 6K camera will be used to film from the point of view of the driver inside the cockpit during Silverstone track action.
Damson Idris Joins the Cast
Adding to the star power of “Apex,” Damson Idris will be starring as an F1 driver alongside Brad Pitt. The role was inspired by the life and career of Sir Lewis Hamilton, who is also producing the movie.
Idris’s character will provide a fascinating look into the world of F1 and the dedication required to succeed in the sport.
With “Top Gun: Maverick” director Joseph Kosinski at the helm, “Apex” promises to be an action-packed film that will showcase the incredible world of Formula 1 racing.
Fans can expect a thrilling ride with a talented cast and an engaging storyline.
Update 06/05 : Correction with new sources added, it’s the team name not the movie title, the team name in which Brad Pitt will drive for the moment is Apex, it’s not been confirmed yet to be the final name.
