The Formula 1 world was shaken this week by the premiere of the long-awaited filmF1: The Movie, with Hollywood star Brad Pitt in the lead. During the press conference in New York, prior to the world premiere on 16 June 2025, Pitt made a striking statement that caught the attention of fans and media. “I worked with Verstappen and Hamilton and so know in my heart which of the two is the best,” said the 61-year-old actor, who plays the role of Sonny Hayes in the film, a former Formula 1 driver who returns to guide a young driver. His words caused a wave of speculation: who is, according to Pitt, the best driver, Max Verstappen or Lewis Hamilton? Although Pitt did not name a name, his statement has re-enacted the rivalry between the two F1 icons.

F1: The Movie, directed by Joseph Kosinski (Top Gun: Maverick) is an ambitious project that combines fiction and reality in a unique way. The film, which appeared in the cinemas on 25 June 2025 on 25 June 2025, was recorded during real Grand Prix weekends, with authentic images of circuits such as Silverstone, Spa-Francorchamps and Zandvoort. Pitt and his fellow player Damson Idris, who plays the young driver Joshua Pearce, drove into a modified Formula 2 car, converted into a Formula 1 car by Mercedes-AMG and Carlin Motorsport. All this was made possible by the close collaboration with the FIA ​​and the input of Lewis Hamilton, who not only plays a cameo role, but was also involved in the project as a producer. Hamilton’s contribution was crucial to make the film as realistic as possible, something that Pitt was full of praise during the press conference.

Pitts experience with Verstappen and Hamilton during the recordings gave him a unique insight into the world of Formula 1. Both drivers appear in the film as themselves, together with other F1 stars such as Charles Leclerc, Carlos Sainz and Sergio Pérez. Verstappen, the four-time world champion and Red Bull driver,, however, had a limited role. He refused to record additional scenes with Pitt, as he was in an interview withThe TelegraphExplained: “We talked about it, but in the end it didn’t happen. It is not why I am here.” Verstappen emphasized that he prefers to focus on racing and his private life, and that the glitter and glamor of Hollywood does not fascinate 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, completely embraced the project. As a 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 told how he introduced Pitt into the world of Formula 1: “I brought Brad a few years ago to the circuit and showed him what racing entails. He stepped in and immediately showed that he has it in him.” Pitt was impressed by Hamilton’s passion and dedication, and praised his ability to visualize the sport authentically. “Lewis made sure that we did not make any mistakes that fans would immediately puncture,” said Pitt. This contrasts with Verstappens more distant position, which feeds the speculation about who sees Pitt in his heart as the best.

The film itself follows the story of Sonny Hayes, a driver from the 90s who ended his career after a major crash and is now returning to help the fictional APXGP team. Together with young Joshua Pearce, he tries to bring the team to the top in a competitive Formula 1 world. The recordings took place on real circuits, with its own pit box for the APXGP team between the garages of Ferrari and Mercedes. This gave the film an unparalleled sense of authenticity, something that both critics and drivers praise. Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc praised the racing scenes: “The images are incredible. It is really impressive how they recorded the racing experience.” Carlos Sainz added: “For people who know little about Formula 1, this is a fantastic introduction to the sport.”

Yet the film is not without criticism. Some drivers, such as Esteban Ocon, noticed that hardcore fans will probably notice small inaccuracies. “It’s Hollywood, so some things are a bit exaggerated,” said Ocon. “But it is by far the most realistic racing film ever made.” Critics such as Nicholas Barber of the BBC were less enthusiastic, and gave the film only two of the five stars, calling it “a long commercial for Formula 1”. Nevertheless, the film has received positive reviews, with praise for Pitts charismatic performance and the spectacular racing scenes, made possible by innovative cameras developed by Apple.

Pitts pronunciation about Verstappen and Hamilton has revived the discussion about their rivalry. The two drivers have dominated Formula 1 for years, with Hamilton’s seven world titles and Verstappens four championships. Their rivalry reached a peak in 2021, when a controversial final race in Abu Dhabi Verstappen yielded its first title. Since then, Verstappen has continued his dominance, while in 2025 Hamilton made the switch to Ferrari, looking for an eighth title. Pitt’s words suggest that, after having worked closely with both drivers, he has a clear preference, but his diplomatic silence keeps the speculation alive.

For Verstappen, the film seems like a side issue. “Maybe I’ll look him once,” he said toRacingNews365, “But I especially hope it will be a success.” His focus is clearly elsewhere, such as his recent performance in Canada, where he again showed why he is the man to beat. Hamilton, on the other hand, sees the film as an opportunity to promote the sport. “I wanted this movie to be real,” he said. “It had to be something that fans can be proud of.” His involvement has given the film an extra low credibility, something Pitt emphasized during the press conference.

The production ofF1: The MovieWas a logistics power tour. With a budget of an estimated 140 million dollars and recordings on 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 is unparalleled close to reality. Pitt himself, who underwent intensive driving training, was deeply impressed by the experience. In an interview with Will Buxton during the recordings in Abu Dhabi, he said: “It’s like nothing I have ever experienced. I don’t know how to proceed after this.” He even hinted on a possible future in motorsport, inspired by actors such as Paul Newman, who started racing at a later age.

Verstappens restraint is perhaps disappointing for Dutch fans, but his focus on his family and career is characteristic of his sober character. Hamilton’s enthusiasm contrasts with this, and his role as a producer shows his wider vision for sport. Pitts cryptic comment keeps the tension in it: who is the best according to him? For now the answer remains a mystery, butF1: The Moviehas already turned the Formula 1 world upside down. While the film is running in cinemas, fans are eagerly looking forward to the next confrontation between Verstappen and Hamilton – not on the silver screen, but on the circuit.