Brad Pitt Directs His Own Formula 1 Movie – One of the Most Expensive Films Ever Made

Brad Pitt's New Film Aims to Be the Biggest Racing Film of 2025 with an Incredible $300 Million Budget

Brad Pitt is back with a new film after Bullet Train. This time, he stars in a yet-untitled Formula 1 film where he plays a former race car driver returning to the dangerous sport years after a devastating accident. The release date has finally been confirmed.

Brad Pitt's Formula 1 Film, with a $300 Million Budget, Set to Release in 2025

The Formula 1 film, developed under the working title Apex, was first mentioned three years ago. Recently, reports of its enormous production costs have drawn attention. According to insider sources, the budget is a staggering $300 million, making Apex one of the most expensive films ever made.

The story centers on Sonny Hayes, played by Brad Pitt, who is hired to train young driver Joshua Pearce (Damson Idris). An aging professional returns to a dangerous racing environment as a mentor for the next generation, reminiscent of Brad Pitt's Top Gun: Maverick. The comparison is not coincidental: Apex features much of the same team from the Top Gun sequel, including director Joseph Kosinski. Additionally, producer Jerry Bruckheimer, screenwriter Ehren Kruger, and cinematographer Claudio Miranda are involved. There is yet another parallel between the two films.

Top Gun: Maverick impressed with powerful, realistic action scenes. Similarly, Kosinski emphasizes authenticity in Apex: The film is being made in collaboration with Formula 1 and was shot during current season races and real Grand Prix weekends, according to the press release announcing the theatrical release.

When Will Brad Pitt's Formula 1 Film Hit Theaters?

So far, Apex has been produced exclusively under Apple TV+. It is now confirmed that the streaming service will release the film in partnership with Warner Bros. in theaters, including IMAX. The Formula 1 adventure will premiere in German theaters on June 26, 2025. The streaming release date on Apple TV+ is yet to be announced.

In addition to Brad Pitt and Damson Idris, the cast includes Kerry Condon, Javier Bardem, Tobias Menzies, Sarah Niles, Kim Bodnia, and Samson Kayo. Furthermore, Formula 1 legend and seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton will appear in the film. Hamilton is also involved in the project through his production company, Dawn Apollo Films.