Shifting Gears: Speed and Style with F1

Directed by Joseph Kosinski and starring Brad Pitt, F1 is far more than a sports film—it’s a cinematic translation of speed, luxury, and the aesthetic of engineering. Beyond modern action tropes, the film offers a visual spectacle, a meticulously crafted celebration of design in motion. Scenes featuring automotive icons like Porsche, Ferrari, and McLaren are not merely about velocity—they’re treated almost as characters themselves, delivering a grandeur that feels both raw and refined. As Kosinski puts it, “The machine defines the mood of a scene just as much as the setting,” underlining how track design and art direction are inseparable in shaping the film’s emotional and visual language.

Where Velocity Turns Cinematic

Filmed in sync with the real Formula 1 calendar, this production treats the cars not as mere set pieces, but as cinematic subjects—shaping the characters’ emotions, the teams’ competitive edge, and the pulse of every scene. The APXGP car driven by Brad Pitt’s character, former champion Sonny Hayes, is built on a specially developed Formula 2 chassis, featuring a carbon fiber body and hybrid engine. It’s not only racing on real tracks but also serving as a symbol of technical elegance on the big screen.

Sound, Speed, and Design

Throughout the film, the rival teams lining up against APXGP feature stylized interpretations of familiar giants like Ferrari, Red Bull, and Mercedes. In the background, hypercars like the Porsche 963 stand like modern sculptures of engineering—sleek lines, matte palettes, and aggressive aerodynamics render them worthy of a contemporary art gallery. Thanks to Kosinski’s cinematic language, every engine becomes a distinct note, and every turn, a choreographed ballet of speed and precision.

Set in Motion: Where Engineering Meets Art

The circuits that host the filming of F — from the misty mornings of Silverstone to the green-laced curves of Hungaroring and the dramatic inclines of Spa-Francorchamps — serve not merely as race tracks, but as natural sets, open-air studios throughout the film. Kosinski treats these tracks as “living architecture,” where the rhythm of the environment shapes the visual narrative. Reflections off nearby industrial structures, the shifting grey-blue hues across the asphalt, and the sweeping silhouette of grandstands in the background all echo a visual language reminiscent of a Ridley Scott composition—textured, moody, and meticulously framed.

The Art of the Race

F1 is not just a film for motorsport enthusiasts—it speaks to audiences with a refined eye for aesthetics. Blending the raw energy of real-life tracks with the creative flexibility of virtual sets, the film strikes a masterful balance between authenticity and imagination. Cars like the Porsche, Ferrari, and APXGP aren’t just machines—they emerge as compelling characters in their own right. Through Kosinski’s vision, the boundary between speed and art dissolves, inviting viewers to witness the quiet beauty hidden within the rush.

On the Big Screen: F1: The Movie

Released on June 27, F1: The Movie invites audiences to the cinema with real track footage and an immersive IMAX format. Starring Brad Pitt, the film stands out as one of the season’s most anticipated releases.

All Blog Posts