INSIDE GQ’S ELECTRIFYING F1 EDITORIAL: BRAD PITT, LEWIS HAMILTON, DAMSON IDRIS & THE STYLISH FUSION OF CINEMA AND SPEED

In a striking convergence of fashion, film, and Formula 1, GQ has unveiled one of its most exhilarating editorials to date, featuring three exceptional industry leaders in their respective fields; Brad Pitt, Lewis Hamilton, and Damson Idris. The editorial, which accompanies the mounting buzz around the upcoming F1-themed blockbuster titled F1, is more than just a stylish photo spread–it is a deep dive into the film’s pulse, the personalities behind it, and the visceral thrill of motorsport captured through the lens of Hollywood’s elite. With Pitt at the center as Sonny Hayes–a fictional retired F1 driver making a dramatic comeback–the editorial explores not only his role but also the larger narrative ambition of the movie, which is co-produced by seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton himself.

The editorial masterfully captures the essence of the F1 film project, which has been in production for over a year and is set to release in June 2025. Directed by Joseph Kosinski and produced by Jerry Bruckheimer, F1 aims to do for motorsport what Top Gun did for aerial combat, making it cinematic, visceral, and emotionally resonant. Lewis Hamilton, who serves as producer and creative consultant, is not just a background figure in the editorial but a focal point. Styled in Dior, Hamilton exudes both the steely cool of a racing legend and the forward-thinking charisma of a cultural icon. His involvement in shaping the realism of the film is highlighted through both interviews and behind-the-scenes moments, reinforcing that F1 is not merely a Hollywood fantasy but a production steeped in authenticity and the lived experience of the grid.

Damson Idris, who plays rookie driver Joshua Pearce and Pitt’s on-screen protégé, is another central figure in the GQ spread. Donning the bespoke black and white race suits of the fictional APXGP team, Idris carries the mantle of a new generation of racers–stylish, fearless, and determined to carve a legacy. The editorial offers glimpses into Idris’ transformation for the role, from simulator training to shadowing real-world Formula 1 drivers. His dynamic with Pitt’s character promises to be the film’s emotional core, weaving themes of mentorship, legacy, and redemption into the high-octane world of professional racing.

The star power in the editorial doesn’t stop there. GQ also brings into the spotlight other members of the F1 ensemble, including Academy Award-winner Javier Bardem as Ruben Cervantes (the owner of APXGP and Hayes’ former teammate) whose presence adds dramatic heft to the storyline. Kerry Condon portrays Kate, the team’s technical director, and Tobias Menzies takes on the role of Banning, a crucial figure in the sport’s bureaucracy. Bridgerton’s Simone Ashley also joins the cast, further enriching the project’s depth and appeal. Together, this cast paints a picture of a fictional universe that is vibrant, diverse, and grounded in reality.

One of the most captivating aspects of the GQ editorial is its commitment to showcasing the film’s authentic approach to racing. Unlike many sports films that rely heavily on green screens and CGI, F1 has embedded itself into the real-worldp Formula 1 ecosystem. The editorial reveals that all ten F1 teams and their drivers from the 2023 season, including Hamilton, Max Verstappen, Charles Leclerc, and Lando Norris–make appearances in the movie. Filming took place on actual race weekends, with Pitt and Idris piloting modified Formula 2 cars during live events, capturing the heart-pounding chaos and beauty of the sport as it unfolds. This level of realism sets F1 apart, and GQ’s editorial captures this blurring of fiction and reality with compelling energy.

Of course, GQ wouldn’t be GQ without a bold sartorial statement, and this editorial is no exception. Brad Pitt steals the show in one of the feature’s most talked-about images, rocking $4,500 thigh-high black leather boots by Saint Laurent, paired with a Rick Owens T-shirt and Isabel Marant pants. It’s a striking look that effortlessly merges the ruggedness of motorsport with high fashion elegance. Hamilton continues his reign as a style icon, donning custom Dior designed by Kim Jones, reinforcing his dual legacy on both the racetrack and the runway. Damson Idris’ APXGP suit is as much a costume as it is a cultural artifact, bridging the look of classic racewear with a future-forward aesthetic. Together, these fashion choices encapsulate the editorial’s theme: the meeting point of speed, story, and style.

GQ’s F1 editorial does more than tease an upcoming film–it builds a universe, one that seamlessly fuses the adrenaline of racing with the allure of Hollywood. With a cast as prestigious as its production pedigree, and with real-world racing stakes elevating the narrative tension, F1 is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated sports films in recent history. The editorial reminds us that in this rare alignment of cinema, sport, and culture, there are no pit stops, only full throttle ahead.