Hollywood icon Brad Pitt may have had the time of his life behind the wheel while filming F1, but according to producer Jerry Bruckheimer, the actor’s final day on set was bittersweet — because he simply didn’t want it to end.

A High-Speed Farewell on the F1 Track

Speaking exclusively to PEOPLE at a special screening of F1 at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles, Bruckheimer recalled Pitt’s final day of racing in Abu Dhabi, describing it as a milestone for the production — and a moment of mixed emotions for the actor.

“When Brad climbed onto the car for his last run, it was his unhappiest day because he wanted to drive some more,” said Bruckheimer, 82. “For me, it was the happiest day of my life — because I could finally relax knowing we’d finished safely.”

Pitt, 61, stars in F1 as Sonny Hayes, a retired Formula One driver who returns to the sport to mentor a young prodigy and help save a struggling racing team. The film, a collaboration between Apple Original Films and Warner Bros. Pictures, was shot at real-life Formula One events across the globe, with cooperation from the official F1 organization.

Brad Pitt’s Passion for Racing

The movie’s director, Joseph Kosinski — known for Top Gun: Maverick — told PEOPLE that Pitt’s enthusiasm for driving went far beyond acting.

“Brad genuinely fell in love with being on the track,” Kosinski said. “He had control of the car, he was confident, and we had an amazing safety team around him. He never wanted to stop.”

Kosinski revealed that the actor’s final lap was especially emotional:

“We let him do a few more laps at the end of the last take because I knew how much he loved it. You could see how hard it was for him to say goodbye to the character — and the car.”

Inside Brad Pitt’s F1 Character: Sonny Hayes

In F1, Pitt portrays Sonny Hayes, a seasoned racer pulled out of retirement to join the fictional team APXGP. His mission: help develop rookie driver Joshua Pearce, played by Snowfall star Damson Idris, while reigniting his own passion for racing.

The film also stars Kerry Condon (The Banshees of Inisherin) and Javier Bardem, who brings gravitas as the team’s owner. Together, they tell a story about perseverance, mentorship, and redemption in the high-octane world of motorsport.

“The story really captures what makes racing beautiful — the danger, the speed, and the camaraderie,” Bruckheimer said. “Brad brought such authenticity to it because he loves racing in real life.”

The Making of F1: Real Cars, Real Tracks

Unlike traditional racing films that rely heavily on CGI, F1 was filmed amid actual Formula One events, giving audiences an authentic racing experience. Pitt and the production crew worked closely with F1 teams and drivers to ensure every scene looked and felt real.

From Silverstone to Monaco and Abu Dhabi, the movie’s breathtaking visuals and practical stunts have drawn comparisons to Top Gun: Maverick — another Kosinski blockbuster that blended realism with cinematic flair.

Emotional End to a Dream Role

For Brad Pitt, F1 marked more than just another action movie — it was a dream come true. A longtime motorsport fan, Pitt reportedly trained extensively before filming and even drove modified race cars during production under professional supervision.

“Brad was so committed,” said Kosinski. “He wanted to understand everything about Formula One — from how drivers communicate to how they mentally prepare. It wasn’t just acting for him; it was passion.”

When shooting wrapped, the actor reportedly told crew members he wished filming could continue.

Will There Be an F1 Sequel?

Following F1’s box-office success and critical acclaim, Kosinski hinted that talks for a sequel are already underway.

“We’d love to see what adventures Sonny Hayes goes on next,” he teased. “We’re starting to discuss what that next chapter could look like.”

Fans can expect to see Pitt’s high-speed performance again soon — F1 will make its global streaming debut on Apple TV on December 12, 2025.

Brad Pitt’s Dedication Impresses Hollywood

As Pitt continues to balance big-screen action with his role as a producer through his company Plan B Entertainment, F1 stands as another testament to his enduring star power and relentless work ethic.

“Brad doesn’t just play characters — he lives them,” Bruckheimer said. “Even at 61, he trained, he raced, and he gave it everything he had. That’s why audiences love him.”