Hollywood star Brad Pitt has shared the emotional core behind his highly anticipated new film, “F1: The Movie”, revealing that his character, Sonny Hayes, is directly inspired by the dramatic real-life story of former Formula 1 driver Martin Donnelly. The Academy Award-winning actor described the project as “an unforgettable experience”, not only because of the unprecedented access to the world of Formula 1, but also due to the deep emotional connection to a true and powerful story that left a lasting mark on the history of motorsport.
In the movie, Brad Pitt takes on the role of Sonny Hayes, a former Formula 1 driver who makes an unexpected comeback to the grid, joining the fictional team APX GP. His character returns to racing to partner with the team’s young up-and-coming star, Joshua Pearce, who is portrayed by British actor Damson Idris. The film’s plot is intense and adrenaline-charged, built around Hayes’ troubled past—an arc inspired by Martin Donnelly’s near-fatal crash in 1990 during practice for the Spanish Grand Prix held at the Jerez circuit.
“We based Sonny’s backstory on Martin Donnelly’s crash,” Brad Pitt revealed in an episode of the official Formula 1 podcast Beyond The Grid. “Martin was incredibly generous—he gave us access to his crash footage and allowed us to build the emotional core of our character around that traumatic event.”
The film made its worldwide debut with red carpet premieres in New York City and London, receiving high praise from both current Formula 1 drivers and long-time fans of the sport. Brad Pitt also shared that many of the racing scenes were filmed during actual race weekends across the 2023 and 2024 Formula 1 seasons. These scenes were shot inside real paddocks and on actual circuits, giving the movie an unprecedented level of authenticity. In one memorable highlight, Brad Pitt personally drove the 2023 McLaren Formula 1 car at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas, experiencing firsthand the raw thrill of racing at high speeds.
“My first memory of Formula 1 is of Jackie Stewart wearing plaid—that’s where my passion for this sport began, all the way back in my childhood,” Brad Pitt said. “I miss it. I miss it right now. It’s wild how strong the feeling is.”
The involvement of Formula 1 in the making of the movie was total and enthusiastic. Teams such as Mercedes-AMG Petronas, Williams Racing, and McLaren Racing opened their doors to the film’s production team, offering access to professional-grade simulators, engineering facilities, and full technical support. Seven-time Formula 1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton, who also serves as a co-producer of the film, played an active role in the development of the script. He contributed his deep insights into the sport and helped facilitate the production’s close integration with actual teams and drivers.
“It’s such a bold concept, and I can’t think of any other film that has ever been given this kind of access,” Brad Pitt added during the podcast interview. “To be allowed to fully immerse ourselves into a live championship season is something truly extraordinary. I had more fun than I’ve ever had on any project.”
“F1: The Movie” is more than just a fast-paced action film—it stands as a heartfelt tribute to resilience, passion, and the raw reality of life in the world of Formula 1. At the center of it all is the figure of Martin Donnelly, a driver who miraculously survived one of the most terrifying accidents in motorsport history. His legacy, defined by strength and perseverance, serves as a powerful inspiration for the film. Brad Pitt, through his portrayal of Sonny Hayes, honors that legacy with genuine respect and authenticity, bringing to the big screen a story that blends fiction with a striking emotional truth.
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