Director Joseph Kosinski has revealed the “scariest” day filming the high-octane racing drama F1, starring Brad Pitt as former Formula 1 driver Sonny Hayes. The Hollywood star took to the actual Las Vegas Grand Prix track in November 2024 for several adrenaline-fueled driving sequences, impressing Kosinski but keeping the director on edge.

A High-Stakes Shoot at the Las Vegas GP

Kosinski described the Las Vegas shoot as particularly dangerous, telling PEOPLE during a special screening at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on October 12, 2025:

“That race — it’s at night, it’s cold, the tires don’t have a lot of grip, and Brad did not have the opportunity to practice that track at all before the shoot because it only exists those three days out of the year.”

The street circuit layout of the Las Vegas Grand Prix posed additional risks. Unlike traditional tracks, the course runs along the Las Vegas Strip and lacks extensive run-off areas, meaning any mistake could send a car directly into barriers. Kosinski admitted he was “crossing his fingers” as Pitt navigated the challenging conditions.

Brad Pitt’s Dedication Behind the Wheel

Despite the hazards, Kosinski praised Pitt’s talent and dedication:

“Luckily, Brad and Damson actually had a lot of natural talent, so we had a lot to work with. They were really, really good drivers, and you can see that when you see the film.”

Pitt had prepared extensively for the role, completing thousands of laps during training to ensure he had full control of the car during filming. Kosinski emphasized that the production team maintained a careful balance between realism and safety.

“I never felt like we were being irresponsible,” Kosinski said.

Emotional Farewell to Sonny Hayes

By the final day of filming, Pitt was reportedly reluctant to step out of the car. Kosinski allowed him extra laps to savor the experience, noting the actor’s deep connection to the character:

“I think it was emotional for him to say goodbye to this character because he really loved playing him.”

The director also hinted at the possibility of a sequel:

“Based on the reception of the film, I would love to see what adventures Sonny Hayes is going on to next, and I think the audience would too. So we’re actually gonna start talking about that very soon.”

F1 Movie Release

F1 follows Sonny Hayes as he makes a career comeback and fights to save his new racing team. The film will make its global streaming debut on Apple TV on December 12, 2025, bringing audiences closer to the thrill of Formula 1 racing than ever before.