Where Brad Pitt's 'F1' Movie Was Filmed Around the World

The blockbuster film 'F1' was shot across iconic Formula 1 circuits during actual Grand Prix weekends, blending cinematic storytelling with real-world racing action. As the movie starring Brad Pitt as veteran driver Sonny Hayes arrives on Apple TV+, the global filming locations that provided its authentic backdrop come into focus.

Why it matters:

The film's unprecedented access to real F1 events and circuits during race weekends sets a new benchmark for motorsport cinema. This approach provided authentic crowd reactions, genuine atmosphere, and integrated the fictional APXGP team into the fabric of the real championship, offering audiences a uniquely immersive experience that studio backlots could never replicate.

The details:

• Silverstone Circuit, UK: Filming commenced here during the 2023 British Grand Prix, with Pitt and co-star Damson Idris driving modified Formula 2 cars in front of a live audience, establishing the film's production model.
• Hungaroring, Hungary: The tight, technical Budapest circuit was used extensively for racing sequences and car testing scenes.
• Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium: Provided the film's most dramatic high-speed footage, with the APXGP cars tackling the legendary Eau Rouge and Raidillon complex.
• Monza, Italy: The 'Temple of Speed' features, with Brands Hatch in the UK reportedly used to help recreate certain Italian Grand Prix racing sequences.
• Zandvoort, Netherlands: The circuit's steep banking and coastal dunes are featured prominently.
• Suzuka, Japan: The iconic figure-of-eight layout and fast esses appear in the film's racing montage.
• Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, Mexico: Used for both on-track action and atmospheric shots capturing the vibrant grandstand energy.
• Las Vegas Strip Circuit, USA: Extensive night-time footage was captured under the neon lights, including the pivotal crash sequence for Pitt's character.
• Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi: The season-finale venue plays a major narrative role in the movie's climax.
• Circuit of The Americas, Austin, USA: The US Grand Prix track was praised by the cast and used for key scenes.

Additional filming took place at Daytona Beach in Florida for specific sequences, while the McLaren Technology Centre in Woking, UK, doubled as the fictional APXGP team's headquarters.

The big picture:

Brad Pitt himself highlighted the unique experience of filming at these hallowed circuits. On the Beyond The Grid podcast, he expressed a particular fondness for Silverstone, where the production "got its footing," and Abu Dhabi, where they spent months completing the film. He reserved his highest praise for Spa-Francorchamps, describing the visceral thrill of standing at the base of Eau Rouge as F1 cars roared past. "Fernando [Alonso] went by, and it literally sucks the air out of your lungs. It is unbelievable," Pitt recounted, emphasizing the authentic sensory experience that informed the film's production.

What's next:

With the film now available for streaming, its legacy may influence how future sports movies are produced, demonstrating the value of deep integration with real-world events. For F1, the movie serves as a global advertisement, showcasing the drama and spectacle of its circuits to a massive new audience beyond the traditional fanbase.