The Formula 1 world was shaken up this week by the premiere of the highly anticipated film F1: The Movie , starring Hollywood star Brad Pitt.

During the press conference in New York ahead of the world premiere on June 16, 2025, Pitt made a striking statement that caught the attention of fans and media.

“I’ve worked with Verstappen and Hamilton, so I know in my heart who’s the best,” said the 61-year-old actor, who plays Sonny Hayes in the film, a former Formula 1 driver who returns to mentor a young driver.

His words sparked a wave of speculation: who does Pitt think is the better driver, Max Verstappen or Lewis Hamilton? Although Pitt did not name one, his statement has reignited the rivalry between the two F1 icons.

Directed by Joseph Kosinski ( Top Gun: Maverick ), F1: The Movie is an ambitious project that uniquely combines fiction and reality. The film, which is set to hit theaters worldwide on June 25, 2025, was shot during real Grand Prix weekends, with authentic footage from circuits such as Silverstone, Spa-Francorchamps and Zandvoort. Pitt and his co-star Damson Idris, who plays young racing driver Joshua Pearce, drove a modified Formula 2 car, converted into a Formula 1 car by Mercedes-AMG and Carlin Motorsport. This was made possible by close collaboration with the FIA ​​and the input of Lewis Hamilton, who not only has a cameo role, but was also involved as a producer on the project. Hamilton’s contribution was crucial in making the film as realistic as possible, something Pitt was full of praise for during the press conference.

Pitt’s experience working with Verstappen and Hamilton during filming gave him a unique insight into the world of Formula 1. Both drivers appear in the film as themselves, along with other F1 stars including Charles Leclerc, Carlos Sainz and Sergio Pérez. However, Verstappen, the four-time world champion and Red Bull driver, had a limited role. He declined to film additional scenes with Pitt, explaining in an interview with The Telegraph : “We talked about it but in the end it didn’t happen. It’s not why I’m here.” Verstappen stressed that he prefers to focus on racing and his personal life, and that the glitz and glamour of Hollywood doesn’t interest him. He even skipped the world premiere in New York to spend time with his family, including his daughter Lily and girlfriend Kelly Piquet.

Hamilton, on the other hand, embraced the project wholeheartedly. As producer, he was involved in every aspect of the film, from the script to the casting and the racing scenes. During the press conference, Hamilton explained how he introduced Pitt to the world of Formula 1: “I took Brad to the track a few years ago and showed him what racing was all about. He got in and immediately showed me that he’s got what it takes.” Pitt was impressed by Hamilton’s passion and dedication, praising his ability to portray the sport authentically. “Lewis made sure we didn’t make any mistakes that the fans would see straight through,” Pitt said. This contrasts with Verstappen’s more aloof demeanor, fueling speculation about who Pitt believes is the best in his heart.

The film itself follows the story of Sonny Hayes, a racing driver from the 1990s who ended his career after a serious crash and now returns to help the fictional APXGP team. Together with young Joshua Pearce, he attempts to take the team to the top in the competitive world of Formula 1. Filming took place on real circuits, with the APXGP team having its own pit garage between the Ferrari and Mercedes garages. This gave the film an unparalleled sense of authenticity, something that has been praised by both critics and drivers. Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc praised the racing scenes: “The footage is incredible. It’s really impressive how they’ve captured the racing experience.” Carlos Sainz added: “For people who don’t know much about Formula 1, this is a fantastic introduction to the sport.”

Still, the film is not without its critics. Some drivers, such as Esteban Ocon, noted that hardcore fans will likely notice minor inaccuracies. “It’s Hollywood, so some things are a bit exaggerated,” Ocon said. “But it’s by far the most realistic racing movie ever made.” Critics such as the BBC’s Nicholas Barber were less enthusiastic, giving the film just two out of five stars, calling it “one long advert for Formula 1.” Despite this, the film has received positive reviews, with praise for Pitt’s charismatic performance and the spectacular racing scenes made possible by innovative cameras developed by Apple.

Pitt’s comments on Verstappen and Hamilton have reignited the debate over their rivalry. The two drivers have dominated Formula 1 for years, with Hamilton claiming seven world titles and Verstappen four championships. Their rivalry reached a fever pitch in 2021, when a controversial final race in Abu Dhabi gave Verstappen his first title. Verstappen has continued his dominance since then, while Hamilton has moved to Ferrari in 2025 in search of an eighth title. Pitt’s comments suggest that, having worked closely with both drivers, he has a clear preference, but his diplomatic silence keeps speculation alive.

For Verstappen, the film seems to be a sideshow. “Maybe I’ll watch it one day,” he told RacingNews365 , “but I hope it’s a success.” His focus is clearly elsewhere, such as his recent performance in Canada, where he showed once again why he’s the man to beat. Hamilton, on the other hand, sees the film as an opportunity to promote the sport. “I wanted this film to be real,” he said. “It had to be something that fans can be proud of.” His involvement has given the film an extra layer of credibility, something Pitt emphasised during the press conference.

Production of F1: The Movie was a logistical feat. With an estimated budget of $140 million and filming at eight different circuits, including Zandvoort, it was one of the most expensive sports films ever made. The involvement of the FIA ​​and teams such as Mercedes ensured that the film was unparalleled in its resemblance to reality. Pitt himself, who underwent intensive driver training, was deeply moved by the experience. In an interview with Will Buxton during filming in Abu Dhabi, he said: “It’s like nothing I’ve ever experienced before. I don’t know what I’m going to do after this.” He even hinted at a possible future in motorsport, inspired by actors such as Paul Newman, who took up racing later in life.

For Dutch fans, Verstappen’s reticence may be disappointing, but his focus on his family and career is indicative of his down-to-earth nature. Hamilton’s enthusiasm is a contrast, and his role as producer demonstrates his broader vision for the sport. Pitt’s cryptic comment keeps the suspense going: who does he think is the best? For now, the answer remains a mystery, but F1: The Movie has already turned the Formula 1 world upside down. As the film hits theaters, fans are eagerly awaiting the next showdown between Verstappen and Hamilton – not on the big screen, but on the track.