Behind the Wheels: How Pitt and Idris Prepared for the APXGP Cars
In a rare behind-the-scenes glimpse, Apple shared how Brad Pitt and Damson Idris prepared to drive the high-performance APXGP cars featured in the upcoming F1 movie. The on-screen driving sequences required more than acting; the actors underwent a disciplined physical and technical regimen to convincingly portray elite racers on the track.
Training for Precision: Physical Conditioning and Reflexes
The film’s driving demands demanded exceptional stamina, core strength, and lightning-fast reflexes. Pitt and Idris followed a tailored training program designed to simulate the endurance and focus of professional drivers. Training focused on maintaining a steady heart rate, developing neck and upper-body strength to withstand the g-forces during sharp cornering, and building lower-body stability for precise pedal control. The goal was simple: make every steering input and throttle response feel controlled, deliberate, and safe under intense on-screen pressure.
Fitness, Diet, and Recuperation
To support the demanding scenes, the actors adopted a performance-oriented routine. Coaches emphasized hydration, sleep quality, and nutrient timing to sustain long shoot days. Small adjustments to energy intake were made to ensure consistent performance through back-to-back take sequences, while ensuring the actors remained comfortable performing stunts without compromising safety.
Technical Mastery: Handling APXGP Cars
APXGP cars are engineered to push the boundaries of on-road dynamics, and translating that into credible cinema requires meticulous practice. Pitt and Idris engaged in a structured driving program that included:
- Simulated drive sessions to learn the car’s exact throttle response, braking points, and steering feedback without initial risk.
- On-track rehearsals with professional stunt drivers, gradually increasing speed and complexity while focusing on line accuracy and car control.
- Wet- and dry-surface drills to understand grip variance and braking behavior under different conditions.
- Communication drills with the driver-coach team to ensure clear, consistent on-camera instruction and cues.
While the on-screen action appears seamless, these preparations help ensure that every turn looks authentic while maintaining rigorous safety standards on set.
Safety First: Protocols and On-Set Collaboration
Safety protocols are the backbone of any ambitious driving sequence. The actors trained with safety harnesses, head-and-neck stabilization devices, and professional stunt coordination. Down-time between takes was used for debriefs, allowing Pitt, Idris, and the stunt team to adjust technique, discuss feedback, and prep for the next sequence. The collaboration between actors, stunt coordinators, and special effects teams was essential to translating real driving physics into cinematic intensity without compromising anyone’s safety.
From Practice to Performance: Bringing Sonny Hayes to Life
Brad Pitt plays Sonny Hayes, a nomadic driver navigating a volatile F1 world, while Damson Idris contributes to the vehicle dynamics and on-screen chemistry that elevate the racing sequences. The pairing required both stars to bring physical credibility and nuanced emotion to the wheel—capturing the grit, focus, and risk that fans expect from an authentic motorsport drama. Apple’s behind-the-scenes look highlights that the truth of cinema often lies in the hours of careful preparation that happen long before the cameras roll.
What Viewers Can Expect
Audiences can anticipate driving scenes that feel immersive and grounded, thanks to the actors’ meticulous prep, the support of seasoned driving coaches, and state-of-the-art APXGP engineering. The film aims to strike a balance between adrenaline-fueled spectacle and character-driven storytelling, delivering both technical authenticity and emotional depth on the track.
