Formula 1 races have increasingly transformed into live movie sets, and with the recent IMAX teaser trailer release in 1.90:1 aspect ratio for the upcoming F1 film starring Brad Pitt, it’s the perfect time to explore the behind-the-scenes magic of this ambitious project. This move by IMAX is a significant statement about the film’s technological ambition, emphasizing its commitment to a premium cinematic experience. The wider frame enhances the immersion, showcasing the raw speed and intensity of F1 racing in breathtaking clarity. And the bespoke Sony 6K cameras…. Wow!
Filming Where the Action Happens
Unlike traditional sports films that rely heavily on CGI, this production is capturing real-world F1 action. Shot during actual Grand Prix events, the film crew has embedded themselves within the F1 circuit, blending seamlessly into the paddocks and pit lanes. The fictional “Apex GP” team, introduced in the film, was physically present at the 2023 and 2024 British Grand Prix, running modified F2 cars that resemble F1 machines. These cars, designed with assistance from Mercedes’ technology division and Carlin, have also been on track at Hungary, Zandvoort, Spa, Las Vegas, Abu Dhabi, and Suzuka, with plans to appear in Mexico later this year.
The Art of Authenticity
This film’s immersive approach extends beyond the racetrack. The team has recreated an F1 environment with remarkable detail, including full-scale garage setups, hospitality units, and pit walls. A significant portion of the filming is done trackside, ensuring that the high-speed action remains as realistic as possible. This commitment to realism also applies to the actors, as Brad Pitt and Damson Idris have undergone extensive training to drive the modified F2 cars themselves, enhancing the on-screen believability of their performances.
Behind-the-Scenes Moments
One of the most intriguing aspects of the film’s production is how the cast and crew have seamlessly integrated into actual F1 events. At the 2023 British Grand Prix, Pitt and Idris were subtly included in the pre-race national anthem lineup, positioned strategically to blend in with real F1 drivers. This was a meticulous effort to maintain the illusion that “Apex GP” is a legitimate F1 team. Additionally, during race weekends, Pitt and Idris participated in media interviews in the mixed zone alongside real drivers, further reinforcing the film’s deep integration with the sport.
Revolutionizing Motorsport Cinematography
A major highlight of this production is the innovative cinematography. Utilizing high-tech onboard cameras and cutting-edge filming techniques, the movie captures race footage in ways never seen before. These cameras provide a driver’s-eye perspective with unparalleled clarity, offering audiences a visceral sense of speed and intensity. Even seasoned F1 enthusiasts will experience motorsport from a fresh and thrilling viewpoint. In particular, the film employs bespoke Sony 6K cameras designed specifically for capturing intense in-cockpit action. These specialized cameras, mounted within the tight confines of an F1 cockpit, offer unparalleled immersion and realism. YMCinema was the first to investigate this breakthrough technology, revealing how the production pushes the boundaries of sports cinematography. Additionally, the movie utilizes DJI Ronin 4D systems to achieve ultra-smooth and dynamic tracking shots, as covered in-depth by YMCinema. These advanced filming tools contribute to the film’s ability to bring audiences closer to the action than ever before. Further insights into the groundbreaking camera setups come from YMCinema’s exploration of the bespoke Sony cameras, showcasing how this technology evolved from the cameras used in Top Gun: Maverick. The production also developed a unique six-camera setup inside an F1 cockpit, pushing technical limits to deliver an unparalleled driver’s perspective, as detailed in this deep dive by YMCinema.
Upgraded Action Cinematography: Beyond Top Gun: Maverick
The cinematography in this F1 film takes action filmmaking to the next level, evolving beyond what was achieved in Top Gun: Maverick. While Top Gun: Maverick revolutionized aerial cinematography with its cockpit-mounted Rialto units, this F1 movie enhances ground-based action by introducing advanced camera motion techniques inside the cars. The onboard cameras now have the ability to tilt and pan dynamically, capturing the extreme G-forces and aggressive maneuvers from a perspective never before seen in motorsport cinematography. This innovation adds a new layer of intensity to the racing sequences, making the audience feel every turn, overtake, and high-speed battle with unmatched realism. At the heart of this groundbreaking cinematography is the Sony VENICE camera, the film’s primary camera system. The VENICE has become the go-to camera for high-end cinema productions (and the favorite of F1’s filmmakers!), and its full-frame sensor combined with customizable Rialto extension systems allows for flexible, immersive shots within the tight constraints of an F1 car cockpit. This cutting-edge approach ensures that every frame of the film is visually stunning and technically superior, reinforcing the need to experience it in IMAX theaters.
Blending Fiction with Reality
The film carefully balances real-world footage with minimal digital enhancements. Unlike past motorsport films that relied heavily on post-production effects, this production prioritizes practical effects and real-life settings. An excellent example of this seamless blend is the integration of shots from the 2023 Belgian Grand Prix, where real-world F1 footage was combined with fictional elements to enhance the storytelling. Check out the F1 1.9 IMAX trailer below:
What to Expect
While the teaser trailer keeps plot details under wraps, it promises a gripping narrative filled with intense racing action and high-stakes drama. The film aims to capture the essence of F1—speed, danger, and the relentless pursuit of victory—while maintaining a cinematic quality that will appeal to both hardcore fans and general audiences. As the anticipation builds for its 2025 release, this Formula 1 film is poised to redefine motorsport storytelling, delivering a breathtaking fusion of Hollywood spectacle and real-world racing adrenaline. One thing is certain—this is not just another racing movie; it’s a full-throttle cinematic experience unlike any before. Go see it on IMAX! We know we will!
The more I see the trailer, the more uncertain I am about even watching the Movie Video. No good dialogue, no soul, doesn’t look like a good story, the terribly sound of the V6 engines, but above all – the extreme video -non epic- look this time by Kosinski.
Of course, NO film was used here, no film cameras were used, this no filmmaking – it’s video recording face it, this isn’t a film to make things clear. It’s finally time to learn that there are Videos or Films (for a movie), it’s impossible to „film a video“.
“IMAX 1.9” is strictly speaking a home standard, a little less than 16:9, in the widespread home cinema resolution of 4K. It’s nothing more. The rest is just repeated marketing repeated thousand times. In the particularly large IMAX theaters, you will notice the lack of resolution, pixel-overlays and shaking screens.. High Resolution and non-filmic Cinema is becoming a bigger issue more and more. People don’t like it.
I’m really curious what this Movie handles on big screens without an IMAX-certified cameraman was being used, who pays attention to the angles and wide shots, and intelligent eye tracking on the screen.. So, no fast-paced action like in a normal Hollywood action movie. The trailer currently looks like exactly the last mentioned. We’ll see if this Movie was actually shot for IMAX in this important sense.
One thing seems already quite clear, it won’t be able to match the brutal sound of the real F1 IMAX Sound Film Super Speedway. Let’s wait and see how bad it turns out, or perhaps how acceptable it will be. I really dislike the strong video look of this one. Kosinski could do better, but maybe it’s just intended to look like a documentary Video, rather than a feature Movie. We have had the exact same look with Gran Tourismo.
I think I am not the only one who is not able any longer to be enthusiastic about this
You make some solid points, and I get where you’re coming from. The shift from the filmic look to a high-resolution digital aesthetic is definitely noticeable, and for some, it might not feel as cinematic as Top Gun: Maverick. Kosinski is known for his ultra-clean, almost hyper-real visuals, and this F1 movie seems to be leaning even further in that direction.
That said, it’s also pushing boundaries in a way that no motorsport film has before. The real F1 action, the custom camera rigs, and more. Let’s give it a chance. I will be waiting for this on IMAX.
THX
Yossy