Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has candidly admitted that his cameo appearance in the new F1 movie makes him "cringe," despite receiving positive feedback from producers.
Why it matters:
Top F1 figures like Toto Wolff and Lewis Hamilton served as executive producers for the highly anticipated F1 movie starring Brad Pitt, aiming to ensure the film's authenticity. However, Wolff's personal experience on screen proved to be a different challenge.
The details:
- Filming Experience: Wolff revealed to the Wall Street Journal that he had to film his scene five times, striving for a better take, but ultimately felt the outcome was not good.
- On-Set Conditions: The scene was shot in Abu Dhabi immediately after a race, with no time for hair and makeup, adding to his discomfort.
- Scene Description: Wolff's cameo involves him pulling aside young driver Joshua Pearce (played by Damson Idris) after a dramatic crash at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Wolff's character then offers Pearce a potential seat at Mercedes.
- Behind the Scenes: While his on-screen moment was awkward for him, Wolff found the conversations with lead actor Brad Pitt, director Joe Kosinski, and producer Jerry Bruckheimer insightful and engaging as an executive producer.
The big picture:
F1: The Movie, which stars Brad Pitt as Sonny Hayes joining the fictional APEX GP team, was developed over several years and aimed to be one of the most accurate F1 films ever. The involvement of figures like Wolff and Hamilton was crucial for this authenticity, yet it also highlights the difference between their usual roles and the demands of acting.