Successful strategy: Teamwork leads "F1: The Movie" to the finish line

F1: The Movie hit theaters this summer with stunning visuals, thunderous sound, and adrenaline-pumping racing scenes. Yet, some of its most crucial moments happen in the calmest settings. Director Joseph Kosinski immerses viewers in the high-stakes world of Formula 1, centering on Brad Pitt as Sonny Hayes, a seasoned driver returning for a final shot at glory after a career-halting crash decades ago. He faces off against rising star Joshua Pearce, portrayed by Damson Idris, combining sensitivity and swagger in equal measure.

Early in the film, Sonny shares a quiet beer with Kate McKenna (Kerry Condon), APXGPs sharp, no-nonsense technical director. Tasked with convincing her to approve a car upgrade, Sonny finds Kate unmoved by his lone-wolf charm. "Formula 1 is a team sport," she reminds him, underlining the films central theme: success comes from collaboration. This mirrors the real-world effort behind the movie, where a vast crew of artists, technicians, and craftspeople united to produce one of 2025s top-grossing films.

Assembling the Dream Team

Kosinski built a crew capable of bringing the chaotic brilliance of F1 to life on screen. He enlisted Lewis Hamilton as a producer and consultant to ensure authenticity, and reconnected with collaborators from Top Gun: Maverick, creating a team of experts in cinematography, visual effects, editing, and sound.

• Lucy Bevan Casting director (Barbie, How to Train Your Dragon)
• Claudio Miranda Cinematographer (Life of Pi, Nyad)
• Stephen Mirrione Editor (The Revenant, Birdman)
• Ryan Tudhope VFX supervisor (Blade Runner 2049, Deadpool)
• Al Nelson & Gwendolyn Yates Whittle Supervising sound editors
• Gary Rizzo & Juan Peralta Re-recording mixers
• Gareth John Production sound mixer

The soundtrack, featuring Hans Zimmer and Ed Sheeran, added another layer to the films collaborative spirit. Each team member contributed to creating a cohesive, high-impact experience, with Oscars and accolades highlighting their achievements.

Casting Faces of F1

Bevan, new to Kosinskis universe but experienced in blockbuster spectacles, helped shape a cast that reflects the global nature of Formula 1. Damson Idris earned a breakout role as Joshua Pearce, while Javier Bardem brought depth to APXGP owner Ruben. Kerry Condons Kate McKenna was cast for her commanding presence and prior theatrical achievements. Supporting roles were carefully selected to maximize impact, including Will Merrick, Samson Kayo, and Sarah Niles.

Innovating Behind the Lens

Cinematographer Claudio Miranda and Kosinski faced the challenge of capturing the speed and intensity of F1 on film. Standard camera setups were too cumbersome for 200 mph racing, prompting the invention of a custom, lightweight IMAX-quality camera named Carmen. This innovation allowed dynamic filming on real race tracks and facilitated seamless integration of stunt and actor performances.

Real Races, Real Pressure

Shooting at live Grands Prix, from England to Abu Dhabi, required agility and coordination. Crew members had only minutes to film scenes amidst actual racing action, blending actors and real drivers naturally into the environment. Mercedes provided specially built cars for filming, and tracks were adapted to accommodate cinematic needs.

Visual Effects Precision

VFX supervisor Ryan Tudhope and his team handled 2,500 shots, from subtle details like dashboard displays to spectacular crashes. Techniques combined digital and real elements to maintain authenticity. Rain in Monza, for example, was digitally recreated using layered footage, stunt cars, and post-production effects to ensure realism.

Editing for Immersion

Editor Stephen Mirrione sifted through over 5,000 hours of footage, including broadcast material from actual races, to craft a visceral, point-of-view experience for viewers. Mirriones goal was to immerse audiences in the racing world, balancing intense action with storytelling that emphasizes the human and team elements behind the sport.

Collaboration as a Core Theme

The films production mirrored its narrative: teamwork was essential both on-screen and behind the scenes. Kosinski emphasizes story and character first, then layers technical mastery to deliver an authentic experience. The crews meticulous work often goes unnoticed by audiencesa sign of success, as the focus remains on the story rather than the craft itself.

Ultimately, F1: The Movie is a testament to the power of collaboration. From casting to cameras, sound, and effects, every contribution was integral to capturing the thrill, precision, and humanity of Formula 1 racing.

Author: Gavin Porter