Inside Brad Pitt and Damson Idris' Intense Training to Drive F1 Cars for New Movie

Brad Pitt and Damson Idris didn't just act the part for the upcoming 'F1' film—they genuinely drove modified Formula 2 cars during actual Grand Prix weekends. A new behind-the-scenes look reveals the intense, months-long training regimen required to get the actors up to speed, both physically and mentally, to handle the demands of driving a race car at the limit.

Why it matters:

The commitment from A-list stars like Pitt and Idris lends a level of authenticity to a Hollywood portrayal of F1 that has never been seen before. By showcasing the intense physical and mental preparation required, the film has the potential to educate a global audience on the true athleticism of elite drivers and bring new fans to the sport.

The details:

• Real Cars, Real Tracks: The actors drove modified Formula 2 cars dressed in the fictional APXGP livery, filming during real race weekends to immerse them in the authentic F1 environment.
• Impressive Speed: According to the film's sequence choreographer, Craig Dolby, both actors were driving "quicker than any near-normal human being will ever, ever get to drive."
• Simulator Dedication: Idris was so dedicated that he used F1 video games to prepare, even creating his character, Joshua Pearce, in the sim before his audition. Pitt's motorsport interest stems from a background in dirt bikes and MotoGP.
• Grueling Physical Prep: Both actors underwent a three-month intensive training program to withstand the physical G-forces.
  • Neck and Core Strength: A key focus was conditioning their necks and cores. Physio Barry Sigrist noted the importance of this for handling high-speed cornering over many laps, with tailored programs for each actor's needs.

What's next:

All this effort points to a film that aims to be a definitive and respectful portrayal of Formula 1. With the actors now capable of handling the cars at impressive speeds, the cinematic sequences are expected to be breathtakingly realistic. The project, backed by producer Jerry Bruckheimer and Apple, is poised to be a major cultural moment for F1, potentially bridging the gap between the sport's niche following and mainstream global entertainment when it is released.