Brad Pitt hails Silverstone as F1 hits cinemas

A Hollywood star has described the home of the British Grand Prix as "hallowed ground" as a new film about Formula 1 is set to open in cinemas.

Brad Pitt made the comments about the Silverstone Circuit in Northamptonshire, where he shot scenes for F1: The Movie, due for release this week.

The production had a fully operational garage situated in a real F1 pit lane at the circuit during the 2023 and 2024 grands prix.

"We were on hallowed ground," Pitt said. "It was very humbling, stepping into a sport that is so revered and treated like religion. We just wanted to make sure we didn't get in anyone's way."

The 61-year-old plays fictional veteran driver Sonny Hayes, a former star returning to the grid after a long absence.

The film was shot at real racing locations, including Abu Dhabi and Silverstone and Rockingham in Northamptonshire.

F1 stars including Lewis Hamilton, who is a producer on the film, Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc also appear alongside Pitt.

Director Joseph Kosinski, who also directed Top Gun: Maverick, said filming at actual grands prix presented major production challenges.

"Usually when we're making a movie, we are in control of our own schedule," he said.

"But when you're shooting at a real grand prix, we had to work with the F1 schedule. That was a huge logistical challenge."

F1 described the movie, with parts being filmed in real-time during grands prix, as a "landmark for the sport".

Damson Idris, who co-stars as young driver Joshua Pearce, said the on-track experience added realism.

"It was the most fun I've ever had in my life. At those speeds, it really is a freeing feeling," he said.

"By the end of filming, we were very, very confident drivers to the point where we've convinced ourselves that we can actually compete."

F1: The Movie is out in cinemas on Wednesday.