It’s been a while since I checked up on Joseph Kosinski’s “F1” because, quite frankly, I thought shooting had wrapped months ago. Clearly not.
The film started production in July 2023 — 15 months later, and they’re still going at it. Brad Pitt was seen shooting extensive scenes this past weekend at the Mexico Grand Prix. Filming is expected to continue into December when the Abu Dhabi race takes place.
“F1” stars Pitt, Damson Idris, Kerry Condon and Tobias Menzies, and follows a formula one driver (Pitt) coming out of retirement who both ends up mentoring a younger protégé (Idris), and taking his final stab at glory on the track as the younger driver’s teammate.
A recent Puck report from Scott Mendelson hinted that, most likely due to delays and reshoots, the film has a budget of well over $300 million.
I have faith in this film, but with a budget that keeps spiking, and a production that seems to never end, it now needs to be this incredible commercial success. Apple/Warners are banking hard on European audiences, who are much more familiar with F1 than U.S. moviegoers, and will no doubt be most interested in this film.
Before “Top Gun: Maverick,” Kosinski was mostly known for directing the Tom Cruise starring sci-fi film “Oblivion,” “Tron: Legacy” and “Only the Brave.” He’s now become one of the most sought-after blockbuster filmmakers in the industry. He’s brought his ‘Maverick’ cinematographer, Claudio Miranda, along for the ride on “F1.”
As of this publishing, Warner Bros. is denying that the film will be delaying its June 27, 2025 release date. I’ll update this article if anything changes.