Brad Pitt behind the wheel. Real F1 tracks. Real F1 drivers. And a no-alcohol movement is gaining speed. This is F1: The Movie, and it’s more than just a blockbuster—it’s a cultural shift.
If you’ve ever dreamed of being in the driver’s seat of a Formula 1® car, F1: The Movie might be the closest you’ll get—without risking a 300 km/h crash.
Directed by Joseph Kosinski (Top Gun: Maverick) and starring Brad Pitt and Damson Idris, the film roars onto screens with real F1 circuits, high-stakes drama and authenticity that F1 insiders themselves are applauding. But beyond the adrenaline and the pit wall tension, the film is also steering a new kind of conversation around modern masculinity, self-discipline, and the evolving culture of how we socialise.
What F1: The Movie Gets Right
The film goes full throttle on realism. Not only did Pitt rack up over 6,000 miles on real F1 circuits to prep for the role, but seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton served as a consultant to ensure the film captured the highs, lows and nuances of life on the grid. Even real-life F1 drivers, including Alpine’s Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto, gave the film their nod of approval.
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“The responsibility of a thousand people riding on your shoulders—it’s portrayed really well,” said Gasly. “This movie shows how F1 isn’t just about speed, it’s about strategy, data and teamwork. And F1: The Movie nails that balance.”
Colapinto echoed this, praising the film’s immersive racing cinematography. “You can’t feel the adrenaline watching a race on TV,” he said. “But this film captures it—the vibrations, the sound, the fear. It’s as close as fans can get to what we feel.”
What’s Pure Movie Magic (a.k.a. Fiction)
That said, a few dramatic liberties were taken. Pitt’s character, Sonny, makes a surprise return to the track on race day—something Colapinto calls “science fiction,” since strict F1 regulations would never allow a driver to race without qualifying or practicing. Another moment? A crash inspired by the 1966 film Grand Prix that’s much more intense than what you’d normally see today—especially in a sport that has drastically improved safety standards since the tragic 2014 death of Jules Bianchi.
And let’s not forget Sonny’s rogue debris-creating strategy on track—a move that would’ve earned him a penalty or even a race ban in real life. Still, the film uses these moments to build tension and give fans a sense of just how dangerous and unpredictable the sport really can be.
A South African Premiere That Hit All the Right Notes
Locally, F1: The Movie had an equally powerful debut. Hosted at the IMAX Mall of Africa, the South African premiere was a full-throttle experience powered by Heineken® 0.0. With a green carpet rolled out and celebrity F1 fan Anele Mdoda as host, the night drew big names like Khuli Chana, Bonko and Lesego Khoza, Zakes Bantwini and more.
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The message? You don’t need alcohol to enjoy high-octane moments. Heineken® 0.0’s presence wasn’t just a product placement—it was a lifestyle statement. As Warrick Wyngaard, Marketing Communication Manager for Heineken® South Africa, put it: “There are zero reasons needed to choose moderation. This film brings together emotion, adrenaline and culture—the same ingredients that make Heineken® 0.0 such a natural fit.”
Why It Matters to Men’s Health Readers
F1: The Movie isn’t just a thrill ride—it’s a reflection of modern masculinity. It’s about calculated risk, self-control, resilience and what it takes to perform under pressure. Whether you’re racing toward personal goals, striving for peak fitness, or redefining your lifestyle, the film hits home.
And in a culture that’s shifting toward wellness and mindful living, F1: The Movie and Heineken® 0.0 are waving the green flag for a new kind of man—one who knows when to push the limit and when to ease off the throttle.
Final Lap
Catch F1: The Movie in theatres now, and get a front-row seat to one of the most thrilling cinematic experiences of the year. Then, join the conversation about moderation, movement and momentum with #NowYouCan and #EnjoyHeinekenResponsibly.
