Brad Pitt’s F1 film showcases iconic circuits in Super Bowl teaser

Brad Pitt's highly anticipated Formula 1 feature showcases multiple iconic circuits while keeping plot details under wraps

Apple TV+ made a bold statement during Super Bowl LVIII, investing heavily in a new teaser for their upcoming Formula 1 film starring Brad Pitt.

The 32-second spot, costing a reported $8 million for its coveted airtime, offers glimpses of high-stakes racing action across multiple iconic F1 venues while maintaining mystery around its central narrative.

Racing across the globe

The teaser takes viewers on a whirlwind tour of Formula 1's most prestigious circuits.

Starting at Silverstone, where filming took place during the 2023 British Grand Prix, the footage shows Pitt's character Sonny Hayes in the thick of racing action.

The legendary Eau Rouge corner at Spa-Francorchamps makes an appearance, alongside dramatic sequences from Monza, the Hungaroring, and the glittering Las Vegas Strip Circuit.

Drama on and off track

The film's tension isn't limited to wheel-to-wheel action.

A pivotal scene reveals heightened emotions in the fictional APXGP team garage, with Javier Bardem's team owner character attempting to separate Pitt and co-star Damson Idris.

This internal conflict adds depth to the story of a former driver making an unexpected comeback to partner with a rookie teammate.

Technical achievement

Perhaps most impressive is the production's integration with actual Formula 1 events.

The filming crew captured footage during live race weekends throughout 2023 and into early 2024, including extensive night shooting in Las Vegas.

The attention to technical detail is evident in scenes showing realistic racing incidents, including a dramatic collision with Esteban Ocon's Alpine and a heart-stopping crash into the catch fencing.

Commercial impact

The Super Bowl spot represents more than just movie promotion.

Real-world sponsors integrated into the film's fictional team, including IWC, MSC, and Shark/Ninja, received unprecedented exposure to an audience exceeding 100 million viewers.

This marketing coup demonstrates the growing commercial appeal of Formula 1 in the American market.

The film, set for release in June, leaves several intriguing questions unanswered, particularly regarding how it will handle the real-world driver lineup changes that occurred during production.

However, with its star power, authentic racing action, and Apple's significant marketing investment, it's positioned to capitalize on Formula 1's surging popularity in the United States.