Hollywood icon Brad Pitt caused a stir when he appeared to collapse on the track during the 2024 Las Vegas Grand Prix, but the dramatic moment was all part of an elaborate stunt for his upcoming Formula 1 film.
The On-Track Drama That Wasn't What It Seemed
In November 2024, as the real qualifying session concluded with George Russell securing pole position, cameras captured the 61-year-old actor stumbling away from a simulated crash site before falling to the ground. The A-list star, fully kitted in racing gear, executed the fall perfectly onto a cushioned mat held by a crew member, demonstrating the film's commitment to authentic-looking action.
This was not an isolated filming event. Pitt and his production team integrated their work into actual Grand Prix weekends throughout the 2023 and 2024 Formula One seasons. The crew was present at major events including the British, Hungarian, Belgian, Mexican, Japanese, and Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, capturing real-world atmosphere and access to the sport's elite.
A Blockbuster Production with Real Racing Pedigree
The film, which hit UK cinemas in June 2025, was a major commercial success. Produced with a budget estimated between $200-300 million, it became the highest-grossing auto racing film of all time and Apple Studios' most successful release, earning a staggering $631.4 million globally.
Co-produced by seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, the movie stars Pitt as Sonny Hayes, a former driver making a comeback to mentor a struggling team. Damson Idris plays his teammate, Joshua Pearce. While some critics found the plot predictable, the film was widely praised for its breathtaking visuals during racing sequences and exceptional sound design that placed audiences in the cockpit.
Blurring the Lines: Fiction Meets Reality
The production cleverly blurred the lines between cinema and sport. The fictional team, APX GP, even released a mock statement following Pitt's staged collapse in Las Vegas. "During qualifying, Sonny sustained a significant impact requiring immediate medical evaluation," the statement read, adding that his health was their top priority and he would not participate in the following day's race.
This innovative marketing approach generated significant excitement for the film's release, showcasing a production that didn't just film about Formula 1, but became a part of its real-world narrative for two thrilling seasons.
