Why the F1 Movie Might Just Be the Motorsport Moment We've All Been Waiting For
Written by Keith Ng, Director of 99 Bends Trackside Singapore
Edited by the 99 Bends Content Team
If you’re reading this, chances are you’re already part of the tribe. The ones who set alarms at 1AM just to catch qualifying. The ones who know exactly how many world titles Lewis has, how many corners Suzuka has, and which year Senna last raced. So let me just say—the upcoming F1 movie is already feeling like a cultural reset.
And I don’t say that lightly.
We’ve had great documentaries (Senna, Schumacher, and of course Drive to Survive). But a full-blown, high-budget, in-the-thick-of-it Hollywood movie backed by actual F1 teams, real race footage, and the GOAT himself Lewis Hamilton? That’s a whole new lap.
What’s the Movie About?
Let’s get the facts out of the way first:
The movie is called “F1”, and it’s being directed by Joseph Kosinski, the man behind Top Gun: Maverick. He’s joined by producer Jerry Bruckheimer (yes, Pirates of the Caribbean and National Treasure Bruckheimer), and 7-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton, who’s acting as a producer and motorsports consultant. This isn’t just an F1 cash grab—it’s a love letter from within the paddock.
Brad Pitt plays a retired Formula 1 driver making a comeback to mentor a young rookie (played by Damson Idris) in a fictional team called APXGP—Formula 1's 11th team, created solely for the film. The coolest part? They actually ran a real APXGP car on track during multiple 2023 and 2024 race weekends, including Silverstone and Spa, during the actual event. Not in a separate filming window. Not staged. The real thing.
Editor’s note: This is as close to method acting as motorsport gets.
It’s already been confirmed by Variety, Deadline, The Race, and Formula 1’s own press release that F1 teams gave full access to the production. That means actual garage setups, pit walls, trackside commentary, and footage from inside the paddock.
Why We’re So Hyped at 99 Bends
For us at 99 Bends Trackside Singapore, this film doesn’t feel like “just another release.” It feels like we’ve finally arrived.
We’ve spent the last few years building a community here in Singapore that lives and breathes Formula 1. We’ve seen kids sit in our simulators for the first time and ask, “How do I become a real racer?” We’ve met families who drove across the island just to buy a diecast Ferrari or the newest team polo. We’ve run midnight pop-ups, sim rig battles, giveaways, and even community screenings.
This movie, in a strange way, feels like a tribute to all of that.
It’s got the elements of legacy, grit, second chances, and teamwork—the same themes we see play out every Sunday on the grid and behind the scenes in our own team.
Editor’s note: I cried watching the trailer. And I’m not ashamed.
Behind the Scenes: Why This Isn’t Just Another Racing Movie
Let’s be honest. Hollywood hasn’t always done justice to motorsport. Some attempts (Driven from 2001… we’re looking at you) lacked the nuance, accuracy, and emotional weight that real racing carries.
But this time is different. Here’s why:
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F1 the sport is involved at every level. From FIA coordination to team livery approval, there’s nothing random or “off-brand” here.
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Lewis Hamilton’s involvement ensures credibility. The man literally lives this life. He won’t let anything look fake.
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The cars are built by Mercedes-AMG F1 for the film. And the APXGP pit crew? Real team members mixed with stunt doubles.
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They filmed at real Grands Prix—not studio sets. That means your favourite corners and camera angles might show up, unfiltered.
So… What’s Next?
We’re already planning something exciting for the Singapore F1 community. Let’s just say if you’ve attended our Drive to Survive premiere, Gran Turismo screening, or Velocity Pop-Ups... you’ll know how we roll.
Whether it's a private screening, a rig rental + ticket combo, or our daily giveaways (yes, we're giving away pairs of tickets to the official screening in partnership with Golden Village)—this is a movie we’ll celebrate the way it deserves.
Editor’s note: Daily winners will be announced at 8PM via IG. Check our pinned post for details.
Final Thoughts: A Personal Note
I’ve always believed that Formula 1 is more than a sport. It’s a community. It’s about chasing milliseconds, battling limits, and coming back stronger after every setback. This movie, to me, represents a global recognition of what we’ve always known:
Formula 1 is cinematic. It’s art. It’s family.
And if this film brings even one new fan into the sport—or inspires one kid in Singapore to chase that sim racing dream—we’ve already won.
We can’t wait to see you at the screening.
We can’t wait to talk about it after.
We can’t wait to scream “LIGHTS OUT AND AWAY WE GO” in unison when the title card drops.
See you there.
– Keith
Director, 99 Bends Trackside Singapore
"Fuelled by passion, not just petrol."