F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali believes the upcoming F1 film will have an even greater impact on the sport than Drive to survive.
Perhaps the only good thing about the pandemic was that millions of bored millennials and Gen Z members around the world discovered the sport thanks to the Netflix series while trying to pass the time during lockdowns.
As they watched the highly stylised drama documentary, behind the scenes organisers were ensuring the sport would be among the first to be resurrected. And although the heavily revised calendar included visits to new circuits, others that had been shut down and some that were forced to host two races, Formula 1 clearly benefitted because when the all-clear was finally given, the sport had a whole new audience and has never looked back.
Now the film is coming, and as expected, some heavyweights of the industry are involved, not least director Joseph Kosinski, known from “Top Gun”, producer Jerry Bruckheimer and Brad Pitt.
Set to be released next summer, the film, imaginatively titled F1, has enjoyed the full support of the sport, giving its creators access that others can only dream of.
The two cars of APXGP – the team the experienced Pitt drives for – were not only seen in the garage during the races, but were also seen on the track until shortly before the start of the actual races. In addition, all of the current drivers will make cameo appearances, not least Lewis Hamilton, who was very active in the film both as an advisor and as a producer.
A few years ago, Sylvester Stallone tried to make an F1 film, but Bernie Ecclestone’s demands were so great that the actor decided to do IndyCar instead. And although there have been other films featuring the sport, for many, John Frankenheimer’s 1966 film Grand Prize remains the benchmark.
Formula 1, however, will be very different, especially in terms of authenticity, even if the current trailer was not entirely convincing. Pitt told his (female) technical director: “OK. Red Bull, Ferrari, Mercedes, Aston and now McLaren are all superior to us on the straights. Our chance lies in the fight in the corners. We have to build our car for the fight.”
Hmmm.
When asked what impact the film will have on the sport, Domenicali has no doubts.
“Massive!” he says Motorsport.com“I think if Netflix was big, I think that the film – and we discussed the commercialization and advertising plan in Hungary – will be huge.
“We will reach a goal that does not yet exist,” he adds.
With a clear eye on its potential, F1 was determined to learn from the past and push new boundaries alongside authenticity, just as the sport itself has done over the decades. Organisers are determined that it won’t be just another film about motorsport.
“There was an element that was non-negotiable,” says Domenicali, “to do something unique. But in a context where we cannot touch the race itself,” he adds, “because that is the sport, we make a film with different cuts, with different elements.”
“I think it will be fascinating for you to be part of the creation process, too, because people will see the complexity we are dealing with and what is behind it. It is really impressive.”
“I think it will be interesting for both sides to see that we were able to keep live sports alive. But when you see the film, you will understand what it will be.”
In fact, the Italian believes that sports reporting could benefit from the film.
“We’re developing new camera technologies together with different angles,” he says. “So I would say it’s a good place to develop certain new technologies that we’ll introduce later.”
