As Brad Pitt’s highly anticipated racing film, F1, approaches its release date on June 25, 2025, it’s time to introduce the cast and characters from this Apple Studios production. Along with various actual Formula One drivers adding realism to background roles, Pitt leads a talented fictional ensemble that includes Oscar winner Javier Bardem, Kerry Condon, Damson Idris, Tobias Menzies, Sarah Niles, among others.
The film tells a compelling story of redemption, featuring Pitt as Sonny Hayes, a former F1 champion whose racing career was abruptly halted by a serious car accident. Recruited by an old friend to mentor an ambitious young driver, Hayes finds a way to experience his past glories once again. With only three months remaining until Warner Bros. flags off F1, now is the perfect time to familiarize yourself with the thrilling cast of characters in this upcoming racing drama.
Brad Pitt as Sonny Hayes
Brad Pitt (Fight Club, Moneyball) stars as Sonny Hayes, a fictional character who was a successful F1 driver in the 1990s. Following a life-threatening crash, Hayes’s career in racing comes to an end. He channels his competitive nature into lower-stakes races and eventually gets a chance for redemption when a former friend enlists him to mentor a talented racer named Joshua Pearce.
Pitt’s character trains Pearce for the fictional Apex Grand Prix (APXGP) racing team. Director Joseph Kosinski revealed that Pitt will perform his own driving in the film, enhancing its authenticity, stating, “We’ve got Brad and Damson actually driving the cars, which is pretty spectacular in itself, but to do that in front of a live audience at the speeds they’re doing it and figuring out a way to capture it…The logistics of it are unlike anything I’ve done before.”
Damson Idris as Joshua “Noah” Pearce
Snowfall actor Damson Idris portrays Joshua “Noah” Pearce, a hopeful champion guided by Sonny Hayes. Pearce represents the APXGP racing team, a venture owned by Hayes’s longtime friend. Idris secured the role after a rigorous audition process, with his real-life driving skills playing a crucial role.
Javier Bardem as Ruben Cervantes
Academy Award winner Javier Bardem (No Country For Old Men) takes on the role of Ruben Cervantes. Cervantes, a close friend of Sonny’s, is the owner of the APXGP team and persuades Sonny to return from retirement to mentor Pearce. This film marks the first collaboration between Bardem and Pitt, both celebrated actors in their own right.
Kerry Condon as Kate
Kerry Condon appears as Kate, a Technical Director overseeing the design and development of Pearce’s advanced Formula One race car. Promotional images suggest she may also emerge as Sonny’s romantic interest. Condon has built a diverse career and is recognized for her work with Martin McDonagh, as well as roles in notable TV series such as The Walking Dead and Better Call Saul.
Sarah Niles as Bernadette
Ted Lasso star Sarah Niles plays Joshua’s mother, Bernadette. Although her character’s full impact remains to be seen, it’s likely she’ll provide emotional support to her son during challenging moments on the track. Since 2020, Niles has been involved in various projects, solidifying her reputation within both film and television.
Additionally, F1 will showcase real-life Formula One teams, enhancing the film’s authenticity. Several other characters and cast members have been identified, including Simone Ashley and Shea Whigham, contributing to the rich ensemble.
F1 will be released in theaters on June 25, 2025.
