Formula 1 has been rising in popularity globally thanks, in part, due to the Netflix series ‘Drive to Survive’ attracting fans from markets that have proved traditionally difficult for the sport to break into.
With the sport at the peak of its popularity, a film has been announced covering the pinnacle of motorsports and starring famous actors, such as Oscar winner Brad Pitt and Snowfall star Damson Idris.
The film’s name has not been released yet, nor has the date when it will hit screens but production is underway, with Pitt set to film scenes on track at the upcoming British Grand Prix.
Pitt will drive a modified Formula 2 car, designed to look like a Formula 1 car, around the track in between sessions, allowing producers to capture realistic shots of him racing round a famous track.
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When the film is released, it will be made available via Apple, who have secured the rights to the production.
While Hamilton has said he doesn’t want to appear in a full role in the production, he is expected to appear as himself, alongside such names as BAFTA Award winner Irish actress Kerry Condon.
The plot is thought to be following Pitt who will play a former Formula 1 driver who comes out of retirement to mentor a young driver, played by Idris, as their teammate.
Formula 1 has embraced the potential benefits of the film, alongside other ways to promote the sport, seeing it as a way to reach audiences that aren’t currently watching Grand Prix weekends or attending races.
“When we started the collaboration with Netflix, the [F1] community said what’s going on? This is not our place to be,” Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali said in a meeting with investors.
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“And now we understand the power of it. And then we added the very strong presence with social media, making sure that all our drivers and teams are very active in promoting the sport.
“And that’s another tool with the movie. Actually, we’re going to start the shooting in Silverstone very soon, and you will see it will be the first movie when basically, they will be within the racing event.
“It will be quite invasive in terms of production, it’s something that we need to control in a way, but it will be another way of showing that F1 never stops.”