Lewis Hamilton played a crucial role in ensuring that Sky Sports F1 commentators David Croft and Martin Brundle retained their spots in the upcoming Formula 1 movie, Sky Sports revealed. Hamilton, who also receives a production credit for the film, advocated for the inclusion of the commentators’ real voices instead of actors, helping to maintain authenticity in the portrayal of the sport.
Croft and Brundle’s well-known voices feature prominently in the film, including segments that cover dramatic race moments and the official movie trailer. Both commentators have long-standing careers, with Brundle notably beginning his grid walk commentary in 1997, a feature that has become a staple of F1 broadcasts.
The Backstory Behind the Commentary Decision
David Croft explained that it was Hamilton who convinced the film’s producers, Jerry Bruckheimer and Joseph Kosinski, to use genuine F1 commentary for the movie.
“If it wasn’t for Lewis, I wouldn’t be in the film,”
Croft said during the film’s premiere.
Croft recalled Hamilton speaking directly to the producers, urging them to avoid actors and instead choose the real commentators to enhance the film’s realism.
“So I’m really glad to say that the producers agreed with Lewis on that, and I thanked him for it a couple of years ago and he said ‘you don’t have to thank me for it,’ and I said ‘no, you said a really nice thing and I really appreciate it,’”
Croft added.
Details About the Film’s Plot and Cast
In the movie, Croft and Brundle provide commentary on the intense rivalry between Sonny Hayes and Joshua Pearce during the fictional APX GP race. Sonny Hayes, a retired F1 driver coaxed back into competition, is portrayed by Brad Pitt, while Joshua Pearce, his rookie teammate and rival, is played by British actor Damson Idris.
The storyline follows Hayes returning to the circuit to race alongside Pearce for the newly established APX GP team. The film also features performances from Kerry Condon and Javier Bardem, alongside appearances from several real Formula 1 drivers. Filming took place across various race weekends during the 2023 and 2024 seasons, capturing authentic racing action.
When and Where Audiences Can See the Movie
Members of the 2025 Formula 1 grid have already enjoyed private screenings of the film, and early reviews have started to surface. The movie is scheduled for release internationally on June 25, 2025, when it will premiere in UK cinemas. The North American release follows shortly after on June 27, 2025.
This timely release aims to captivate both longtime F1 fans and new audiences by showcasing the sport’s excitement through a mix of Hollywood storytelling and realistic race coverage.
