One Brad Pitt fitting decided the entire look of the 'F1' movie

The entire aesthetic of the upcoming 'F1' movie was reportedly decided in a single fitting with Brad Pitt, when a 'silvery white/grey' suit was chosen for his fictional team, APXGP. This chance selection set the visual direction for the entire production, kicking off a design process obsessed with hyper-realism and authenticity, from safety-certified gear to strategically placed fake fans.

Why it matters:

For a sport with a passionate and detail-obsessed global fanbase, authenticity is paramount. The movie's success hinges on its ability to blend seamlessly into the real F1 world. Getting the 'look' right—from the team colors to the pit crew uniforms—is the first step in convincing audiences that APXGP could be a real team on the grid, making the story more immersive and believable for both hardcore fans and newcomers.

The details:

• The 'Aha!' Moment: Costume designer Julian Day revealed the team's signature color was a last-minute discovery. Struggling to find a look, he brought in a silvery white/grey suit for Pitt's fitting, and it was an immediate 'yes' from everyone. The color was chosen to feel distinctive without being too aggressive, avoiding a 'Darth Vader-esque' feel.
• Mercedes Inspiration: To ensure authenticity, Day was invited to the Mercedes headquarters for an inside look at an eight-time constructors' champion. He noted their effective use of black and white uniforms, which helped solidify APXGP's clean, modern palette.
• Sponsorship Precision: The design process had to account for the brutal reality of F1 sponsorship. Day noted that in the real world, a logo being just two millimeters off could cost a team £100,000, so every detail on the movie's livery was treated with similar importance.
• Safety and Camera Work: The production used real, modified F2 cars, meaning safety was non-negotiable. Pit crew uniforms were ordered from OMP, featuring modern, thin, and completely fireproof fabrics. Helmets were a key challenge, requiring a larger visor to capture the actors' eyes on camera while meeting strict safety standards and avoiding the uncomfortable 'hamster cheek' squeeze.
• Building a Believable World: The obsession with detail extended to the crowd. The production created and handed out APXGP merchandise at real races, dressing background actors as fans. As the fictional team's on-screen success grew, so did the number of 'fans' visible in the paddock.

What's next:

The 'F1' movie represents a groundbreaking level of integration between a Hollywood production and a live global sport, an achievement the filmmakers believe may never be replicated. While the film is now in post-production, its legacy could be this unprecedented access, which allowed the fictional narrative to unfold during actual Grand Prix weekends. The meticulous attention to detail, from costumes to crowd placement, signals a clear ambition: to create a film that even the most scrutinous F1 fan can believe in, potentially setting a new standard for sports movies.