November 24, 2024: Hollywood superstar Brad Pitt sparked concerns on the set of his upcoming Formula 1 movie when he collapsed during a dramatic car crash scene. The incident occurred during filming at the Los Angeles Grand Prix, where Pitt, dressed in full racing gear, stumbled away from a crash site before falling onto a padded mat held by crew members.
The highly anticipated film, set to release in June 2025, is co-produced with F1 legend Lewis Hamilton and features appearances from real-life F1 drivers. Pitt’s role involves driving a specially modified F2 car for the film, which blends high-octane action with behind-the-scenes racing drama.
The Collapse: What Happened?
The collapse took place on November 23, following George Russell’s pole position victory in Vegas. Brad Pitt, playing Sonny Hayes—a retired F1 driver making a comeback—was filming an intense crash scene. Moments after the shot, fans captured footage of the actor unsteadily walking before collapsing onto a mat.
F1 Team and Crew Issue Health Update
Following the incident, Pitt’s team issued a statement in character, referring to him as Sonny Hayes. The fictional team, APX GP, said:
“During qualifying, Sonny sustained a significant impact requiring immediate medical evaluation. Incidents of this magnitude are always taken seriously, and Sonny’s health remains our top priority. While Sonny is stable, he will not participate in tomorrow’s race as he focuses on recovery. The entire team stands behind him, and we’ll provide updates when available.”
This tongue-in-cheek statement, which mirrors real F1 race updates, emphasised Pitt’s stable condition while maintaining the immersive experience the film has promised for fans.
Behind the Scenes of a Unique F1 Film
The movie, directed by Joseph Kosinski of Top Gun: Maverick fame, has gained significant attention for seamlessly integrating the fictional APX GP team into real-world F1 races. Filming has taken place at iconic tracks, including Silverstone, Monza, Spa, and Las Vegas, where the production team was granted access to F1 garages to create a realistic environment.
Pitt stars as Sonny Hayes, a retired Formula One driver returning to the track alongside his teammate, played by Damson Idris. The cast also includes Javier Bardem, Kerry Condon, Tobias Menzies, Sarah Niles, and Idris Elba. With a script penned by Ehren Kruger and produced by Jerry Bruckheimer, the film aims to capture the essence of F1 racing, blending on-track action with personal and professional drama.
Lewis Hamilton’s Role and Vision
Lewis Hamilton, an executive producer of the film, has been heavily involved in shaping its authenticity. Speaking at the 2023 British Grand Prix, Hamilton expressed his excitement:
“We want everyone to love it and to really feel that we encapsulate what the essence of this sport is all about—that’s our goal, and I hope we can do you proud.”
With the collapse incident addressed and Pitt’s recovery underway, fans are eager to see the adrenaline-fueled project come to life in what is expected to be a summer blockbuster.
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