Brad Pitt is revving up for one of the most ambitious racing films ever made, diving headfirst into the high-octane world of Formula 1. Set to capture real Grand Prix events and featuring authentic involvement from actual F1 teams, his upcoming movie promises to do more than entertain—it could become a pivotal cultural moment that draws mainstream attention to motorsports.
As Formula 1 gains momentum globally—spurred on by the popularity of Netflix’s Drive to Survive—this film could amplify interest in both the sport and the growing F1 betting markets. With America’s only F1 team, Haas, playing a vital role in the ecosystem, and the intersection of entertainment, racing, and legal sports betting evolving rapidly, Pitt’s project may ignite a new era for fans and gamblers alike.
Brad Pitt’s Formula 1 Film
Brad Pitt stars in and produces an upcoming Formula 1 movie that goes beyond typical Hollywood dramatization. Teaming up with producer Jerry Bruckheimer and director Joseph Kosinski—who helmed Top Gun: Maverick—the film integrates Pitt’s fictional character into real-life racing circuits.
The movie’s plot centers around a veteran driver (played by Pitt) mentoring a rookie driver on a fictional F1 team called APXGP. This immersive storyline unfolds on actual race weekends, using footage captured during live events, and leverages real team support, including participation from F1’s key players like Lewis Hamilton, who also serves as a producer.
Drive to Survive’s Influence on F1 Popularity
Since its debut, Netflix’s Drive to Survive has reshaped how fans consume motorsport, pulling millions into the inner workings of F1 teams, drivers, and rivalries. With each new season, the series has led to double-digit increases in viewership. The U.S. Grand Prix in Austin has grown to over 440,000 attendees in recent years, and Miami and Las Vegas now have their own high-profile races.
Pitt’s movie, building on this momentum, has the potential to do what Drive to Survive did—only on a cinematic scale—with sweeping visuals, emotional stakes, and unprecedented access that could resonate with both casual audiences and die-hard fans.
Filming During Live Grand Prix Events
The movie breaks new ground by filming during actual Formula 1 races. Pitt and co-star Damson Idris have been spotted in full race gear walking the paddock and filming at Silverstone, Spa, and Hungaroring. The fictional APXGP car—built by Mercedes engineers—has even participated in laps between qualifying sessions.
Using this real footage ensures authentic sound, speed, and ambiance that green screens can’t replicate. F1 insiders expect this blend of real-world racing and scripted drama to pull audiences deeper into the experience than any racing film before.
Haas F1 Team and America’s Role in Global Racing
Haas F1, founded by NASCAR mogul Gene Haas, is currently the only American team competing in Formula 1. Headquartered in Kannapolis, North Carolina, the team plays a unique role in U.S. motorsports, bridging the gap between NASCAR and F1. With Ferrari supplying engines and technical support, Haas serves as a critical point of American identity in a largely European-dominated sport. Pitt’s movie could highlight this transatlantic dynamic, subtly showcasing the U.S.’s growing role in elite open-wheel racing—especially important as the team looks to rise through the constructors’ standings.
North Carolina’s Deep Racing Roots
While Brad Pitt’s highly anticipated Formula 1 movie is set against the backdrop of international circuits and elite racing drama, it still has surprising ties to North Carolina, the beating heart of American motorsports.
The state is home to NASCAR’s most iconic teams and tracks and the Haas F1 Team headquarters in Kannapolis, making it the base of operations for America’s only Formula 1 team.
This connection gives North Carolinians a direct link to the world Pitt’s movie explores—a fast-paced universe of precision, strategy, and global competition. With legal sports betting now active in North Carolina, the timing couldn’t be better for fans to explore the thrill of wagering on both NASCAR and F1 events.
Whether it’s stock cars at Charlotte or Pitt’s fictional F1 team on the big screen, one thing is certain: North Carolina DraftKings promos will surely be a hot commodity this racing season.
Rise of Motorsports Betting in the U.S.
Sports betting on motorsports, once a niche market, is seeing serious traction. Since the U.S. Supreme Court lifted the federal ban on sports gambling in 2018, states like New Jersey, Arizona, and North Carolina have opened the door to F1 betting. Books now offer odds on race winners, podium finishes, qualifying results, and even fastest laps.
The involvement of a household name like Brad Pitt in an F1 film is likely to push awareness even further, driving up bets during Grand Prix weekends and inviting a new demographic into the betting fold—especially in states where F1 races are growing in popularity.
Authenticity Through Collaboration With F1 Teams
The movie’s production has partnered closely with Formula 1, including cooperation from top-tier teams and the sport’s governing body, the FIA. Lewis Hamilton, a seven-time world champion, plays a critical role as a producer, ensuring realism and respect for F1 culture. Engineers, pit crews, and actual data analysts are consulted to replicate team dynamics and race-day tension.
The aim is to portray the sport’s precision and complexity without diluting it for Hollywood audiences—giving longtime fans an authentic experience while making the sport accessible to newcomers.
Cinematic Technology Meets Motorsport
Director Joseph Kosinski is leveraging cutting-edge camera rigs and IMAX-compatible equipment to film at speeds above 150 mph, including special chassis-mounted units. The goal is to immerse viewers with cockpit-level perspectives of the G-forces, rapid decision-making, and environmental factors that drivers face.
Combined with sweeping aerial shots and pit lane micro-dramas, the film is expected to deliver both intimacy and spectacle, capturing the adrenaline-fueled theater of Formula 1 in a way that redefines motorsport cinema.
Cultural Crossover and Global Appeal
Brad Pitt’s movie may transcend traditional sports storytelling. With a storyline that includes mentorship, redemption, and global competition, the film appeals to a wider audience than just race fans.
The international nature of F1—spanning Monaco, Japan, Brazil, and beyond—adds cultural weight, making the movie a vehicle for global engagement. It has the potential to mirror what Top Gun: Maverick did for aviation enthusiasm, except here the payload is an emotional, high-velocity introduction to the fastest sport on four wheels.
Potential Boost to U.S. Grand Prix Attendance
Formula 1’s American presence is already growing with three races in Austin, Miami, and Las Vegas. Pitt’s film could supercharge ticket sales and attendance, drawing newcomers who were introduced to the sport via the big screen. Hollywood has a history of influencing behavior—films like The Fast and the Furious triggered car culture booms.
The F1 movie could have a similar effect, particularly on younger audiences who prioritize immersive experiences. As betting markets and streaming services sync up with live races, the film’s release could serve as a massive catalyst for fan conversion and market expansion.
Betting Operators Eye a Windfall
With Pitt’s name attached and the credibility of actual F1 teams behind the production, sportsbooks are already preparing for spikes in motorsports wagering. Expect platforms like DraftKings, BetMGM, and Caesars to roll out targeted promotions aligned with the film’s release date and upcoming Grand Prix weekends.
Bettors may feel more inclined to place wagers after witnessing realistic pit strategies, tire compound debates, and overtaking maneuvers on the big screen—bringing a new sense of strategy and drama to the betting arena.
A New Era for Motorsport Entertainment
This movie isn’t just a film—it’s a launchpad. Combining the star power of Brad Pitt, the technical expertise of F1 insiders, and the growing demand for immersive content, it could mark a transformative moment for motorsports visibility in the U.S.
As interest in Formula 1 explodes and betting becomes more normalized, this cinematic experience may end up playing a pivotal role in turning millions of curious viewers into die-hard fans—and perhaps, even regular punters.
