Joseph Kosinski’s High-Speed Journey into Formula One: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at the Thrills of Racing
Director Joseph Kosinski is no stranger to high-octane filmmaking. After soaring to new heights with Top Gun: Maverick, Kosinski now shifts gears with his latest project, F1, an adrenaline-fueled racing film starring Brad Pitt that promises to deliver the most authentic Formula One experience ever captured on screen.
SWAGGER attended a virtual press junket where Kosinski detailed the challenges, triumphs, and creative decisions behind this ambitious project.
Kosinski revealed that his inspiration for the film stemmed from an unexpected source — Netflix’s hit docuseries Drive to Survive. “I think like a lot of people during Covid, I found myself starting to watch the races,” Kosinski explained. “What fascinated me was the incredible drama not just at the front of the pack, but with the underdog teams fighting just to win one race.”
That emotional undercurrent became the foundation for F1, which follows the journey of veteran driver Sonny Hayes (Brad Pitt) and rookie sensation Joshua Pearce (Damson Idris). “Lewis Hamilton was invaluable in shaping these characters,” Kosinski said, crediting the seven-time world champion for providing insight into the mindset of both rookies and seasoned racers. “He’s been both the hungry rookie and the seasoned legend. His perspective helped us build something really authentic.”
Capturing the intensity of Formula One was no small feat, and Kosinski’s commitment to realism was relentless. Rather than relying on CGI or elaborate green-screen setups, Kosinski collaborated with Mercedes AMG and Formula One engineers to modify six real F2 race cars for the film. “It was actually Toto Wolff [Mercedes Team Principal] who suggested starting with a real race car instead of building a movie car,” Kosinski revealed. “That changed everything.”
These modified vehicles were equipped with specialized cameras, allowing Kosinski to capture breathtaking racing sequences at speeds of up to 180 mph. “Every time you see Brad or Damson driving, they’re really behind the wheel,” he added. “That’s not acting—they’re genuinely navigating those tracks.”
When asked about Brad Pitt’s performance in the driver’s seat, Kosinski couldn’t help but praise the actor’s dedication. “Having Lewis Hamilton as your driving instructor—that’s not something you forget,” Kosinski said with a smile. “From day one, Lewis wanted to see if Brad could handle it, because if he couldn’t drive, the whole movie wouldn’t work. But Brad just had this natural ability—it was impressive to watch.”
Kosinski described the racing sequences as both exhilarating and intense. “We only had 10- or 15-minute slots during real race weekends to capture these scenes,” he explained. “It was like shooting a live stage play with no room for error. The energy on set was incredible, and Brad delivered.”
While the film is packed with high-speed action, Kosinski emphasized the emotional core of F1. “This isn’t just a racing film,” he said. “It’s about friendship, sacrifice, and redemption.”
Kosinski credited screenwriter Ehren Kruger for crafting a compelling narrative with rich characters. “I knew we had to start with a strong script,” Kosinski explained. “We could have all the amazing visuals in the world, but without authentic characters, the story wouldn’t resonate.”
Central to that emotional core is the relationship between Sonny Hayes (Pitt) and his team’s technical director played by Academy Award-winner Kerry Condon. “That dynamic, the tension between driver and engineer, adds so much depth,” Kosinski said.
To enhance the immersive experience, Kosinski turned to Oscar-winning composer Hans Zimmer to score the film. “Hans created this incredible theme that just sticks with you,” Kosinski said. “His ability to build tension and emotion through music is unmatched.”
Sound design also played a crucial role. “We had microphones mounted on real F1 cars,” Kosinski explained. “That was tough because every gram matters on those cars, but it made all the difference. The sound you hear in the film is real.”
For Kosinski, F1 is more than just a racing movie—it’s a tribute to the dedication and precision that define the sport. “This film is for everyone,” he said. “Whether you’re an F1 fanatic or someone who’s never watched a race, you’ll be on the edge of your seat.”
Watch the official trailer:
F1 roars into cinemas this June, promising to take audiences on a pulse-pounding journey into the heart of racing. As Kosinski put it, “We couldn’t have done this without the real drivers, the teams, and the incredible people behind Formula One—and I think audiences are going to feel that authenticity on screen.”
F1®, an Apple Original Film, will debut in theatres worldwide and in IMAX on June 27, 2025, with international releases beginning June 25.
Photo credits: Warner Bros. Pictures