Saying Formula 1 racing is the top expression of motorsport is sure to get an argument from fans of NASCAR and Indy Car, especially since F1 has made major inroads in U.S. popularity over the past few years.
The glamour-meets-high-tech nature of this European-bred sport is precisely what the director and producers of “F1 The Movie” are banking on as the Brad Pitt-driven film hits theater and IMAX screens June 27.
“Lewis Hamilton (legendary F1 racer and ‘F1 The Movie’ producer) said to me he’d never seen a movie that captures what it’s like to be in the car, so that was the challenge,” says director Joseph Kosinski, who also steered Tom Cruise through his aerial paces in “Top Gun: Maverick.”
For those new to F1 the sport and curious about “F1 The Movie,” we offer this primer.
The various formulas for engine displacement and other technical aspects of single-seater (versus sports cars) European motor racing were determined long ago, with Formula 1 deemed the pinnacle of speed and technology. The very first race was held 75 years ago at Silverstone in England. Many top F1 racers start as kids in karting races, then graduate to Formula 3, then Formula 2, and finally, if they’re talented and lucky enough, Formula 1.
