Brad Pitt’s upcoming Formula One movie received a high-profile boost during NASCAR‘s 200-lap extravaganza at Michigan International Speedway (MIS) in a rare fusion of American stock car culture and global racing cinema. While the Stock Car Racing giant and Formula One rarely share the spotlight, Sunday’s FireKeepers Casino 400 saw the American motorsports giant promoting Joseph Kosinski’s latest feature, “F1.”
NASCAR Gives Hollywood’s F1 Project a Lap in the Spotlight
Pitt stars in “F1” as Sonny Hayes, a former Formula One driver forced into retirement after a devastating crash. The plot revolves around Hayes, who is pulled back into the sport years later to mentor a young prodigy — played by Damson Idris — as they prepare to compete for the fictional Apex Grand Prix team.
Directed by Kosinski, who led “Top Gun: Maverick,” and co-produced by Jerry Bruckheimer and F1 legend Lewis Hamilton, the film offers an adrenaline-fueled, authentic look into the world of open-wheel racing. Rounding out the star-studded cast are Oscar-winner Javier Bardem and “The Banshees of Inisherin” star Kerry Condon.
MIS became the launchpad for RAM’s highly sought-after return to the Truck Series and the stage for “F1’s” massive promotion.
I love that F1 the Movie is advertising on NASCAR broadcasts.
— Jeff Gluck (@jeff_gluck) June 8, 2025
Reflecting on the same, renowned racing reporter, Jeff Gluck, commended NASCAR’s connection, noting, “I love that F1 the Movie is advertising on NASCAR broadcasts.”
According to the seven-time Formula One champion, the movie is the most authentic race film ever. Hamilton further added, “The access we’ve had to Formula 1 is totally unheard of, we actually filmed on race weekends with the film’s 11th team – APXGP, and you’ll definitely see that authenticity come through in the film.”
The Ferrari ace conveyed that the makers have blended real-time racing footage from the F1 schedule into the movie for added realism. “The footage filmed throughout the racing calendar will be blended into the movie and augmented with digital techniques to insert the movie’s team cars in the actual race footage, so it will seem really realistic for fans of the sport,” he stated.
As NASCAR continues to embrace new audiences and Formula 1 expands its global footprint, “F1” the movie stands at the crossroads of entertainment and motorsport. With real race footage, A-list talent, and unprecedented behind-the-scenes access, the film promises to deliver an experience as thrilling as race day itself.
The encouraging takeaway is that Formula 1, widely regarded in recent years as the more globally prominent motorsport, chose to promote its upcoming film during a NASCAR race, aiming to capture the attention of stock car fans. That move signals NASCAR is steering back onto the fast track toward reclaiming its foothold in the broader motorsports landscape.