F1 Round Up: Brad Pitt's F1 movie begins filming in Silverstone

Brad Pitt’s fictional F1 team filming in Silverstone

Brad Pitt’s fictional Formula 1 team, APXGP, made its first appearance at the British Grand Prix, signifying the commencement of on-site filming for the as-yet unnamed Apple movie.

The APXGP car, a modified F2 chassis converted to mirror a contemporary F1 vehicle, was captured on official images sporting a striking black-and-gold livery.

This melding of real and reel is director Joe Kosinski’s approach to creating the most authentic motor racing film yet, utilising the real-world setting and specially equipped APXGP car with 15 extra camera positions to immerse audiences in the action.

“And for me, it's to make sure that it's authentic and that all of you and racing fans see its authenticity and say this is believable,” Lewis Hamilton, acting in a producing partner role, articulated.

While filming during official F1 sessions isn't feasible, CGI technology and special movie cameras, positioned in actual F1 cars, are slated to enrich the cinematic experience.

The story centres around Brad Pitt’s character, a veteran returning to the sport with a back-of-the-grid team.

‘Get rid of hybrid engines!’

Reigning world champion, Max Verstappen, amplified his criticism of Formula 1's proposed 2026 regulations, adamantly opposing the continuing use of hybrid engines.

Verstappen raised concerns over the emerging complexity of the sport and its deviation from traditional driving style.

Describing the anticipated driving experience as “just not right,” Verstappen likens it to the era of blown diffusers, claiming it results in an almost “weird atmosphere.”

Furthermore, he criticised the adoption of active aerodynamics and other complex systems, arguing, “I think it’s really overcomplicating a lot of things.”

The Red Bull racer’s perspective is straightforward: “We really have to look into what is good for the sport and I think at the moment, with how it’s looking, I don’t think it’s good for the sport.”

Despite his objections, Verstappen remains involved in Red Bull Powertrains’ preparations for 2026, highlighting it as a "very interesting project" and expressing optimism for the team's prospects.

Nico Hulkenberg Calls Lewis Hamilton "Spoiled by Success"

Nico Hulkenberg has criticized seven-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton, describing him as being "spoiled" by past successes.

Hamilton, who has struggled this season in his W13 and later B-spec W14, has been vocal about his frustrations over the car's performance, particularly at the Austrian Grand Prix.

Hamilton's string of success started in 2014 with a World Championship victory.

For eight years following that, Hamilton never finished lower than second place in the Drivers’ Championship, boasting six titles and two runner-up results from 2014 to 2021.

However, this winning streak came to an end last year when Hamilton finished sixth in the championship.

Mercedes' W13 model, known as the zero-pod, failed to deliver the level of performance Hamilton was accustomed to.

Despite an upgrade to the B-spec W14 model, the British racer's struggles continue, prompting repeated complaints about the car's handling and performance.

During the Austrian Grand Prix, Hamilton complained that his car was not cornering effectively and questioned a time penalty for exceeding track limits.

In response to his complaints, Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff said,

"The car is bad, we know. Please drive it."-Wolff

Hulkenberg, now a Haas driver, made his comments in an interview with Servus TV.

"You'd have to say Lewis was a little spoiled by success," he said. "He's a guy who's quick to complain these days."

Andrew Shovlin, Mercedes' trackside engineering director, explained Hamilton's difficulties during the Austrian race were largely due to understeer in high-speed corners, which led to his penalty for exceeding track limits.