So, how does it feel to land a small role in a major Hollywood movie about the sport you`re passionate about?
Hearing about F1 the Movie sparked immediate excitement. The idea of Brad Pitt appearing at the Austin Grand Prix was thrilling. Naturally, I tried to get an interview, but didn`t get the scoop that time.
Soon, however, the reality of the production became apparent. The paddock transformed, with large trucks arriving and an eleventh garage materializing at the end of the pit lane. It was clear something significant was underway.
I was particularly impressed by the film crew`s ability to seamlessly integrate filming into a live F1 weekend. They were so careful not to disrupt the normal flow that from the outside, you might barely notice a movie was being shot.
Yet, they were deeply embedded with us, absorbing every detail. Their dedication to authenticity, even while aiming for a blockbuster production, was truly remarkable.
Then came that phone call. Would I be interested in appearing in the film? Yes, obviously! Even if it was just walking in the background while the main actors spoke their lines, I was absolutely in.
Then I discovered I would have a line. An actual line… and I`d be delivering it to Brad Pitt! The instruction was simply `just be yourself`. No pressure at all, right? Picture standing before Brad, surrounded by the entire crew, extras, and cast, and being told, `just act naturally`. Simple!
I guarded the script like gold
The specific scene was filmed in the drivers` interview pen at Silverstone. Conveniently, I wasn`t working for Sky that weekend, which allowed me to participate.
As soon as the contract arrived in my email, the nerves hit. It included an NDA, meaning I couldn`t discuss my involvement with anyone until the film`s release. I`d never encountered an NDA before – and it was exactly as intimidating as you might expect!
Next, the script arrived: a few A5 pages containing my line and the surrounding scene. I protected it like treasure. Even though I hadn`t told anyone directly, by the time the British Grand Prix weekend came around, people were starting to guess.
We rehearsed on Thursday, starting at the film`s base within the circuit. They showed me to my trailer – yes, I got a trailer! Granted, it wasn`t quite Brad Pitt`s setup, but it had a sofa, dressing table, TV, fridge, and even a toilet. All for one line! It felt completely surreal.
Wardrobe was next. I`d previously discussed outfits with the head of wardrobe, who had even looked through my Instagram to understand my typical race weekend attire. They wanted me to look like myself, so I wore a black jumpsuit I`d worn on Sky previously. Once again, their dedication to authenticity was striking, especially for such a huge Hollywood production.
Following that was hair and make-up – a luxury I don`t typically have at the track with Sky. This was a novel experience, and the team in the make-up truck were incredibly friendly and welcoming, instantly putting me at ease.
From there, I met a crew member outside their green room – a small, quiet area set up behind one of the APXGP trucks (the fictional team in the film) in the paddock. As we walked towards the pen, I heard the crew member announce over their mic, `travelling with Rachel`. This phrase became something of a running joke over the next three days!
Sky Sports` Craig Slater spoke to Brad Pitt among many others during the premiere of F1 the Movie
At the pen, I met Simon Kunz, who plays a journalist in the film and also had lines in my scene. I recognized him instantly from Four Weddings and a Funeral, The Parent Trap, GoldenEye, and many others. We stood in the section of the pen cordoned off for filming, amidst the usual hustle of real F1 TV crews and cameras.
Then Joseph Kosinski, the director (yes, that Joe Kosinski), arrived. He inquired about the functioning of the actual interview pen – where microphones are placed, how interviews are conducted. He was clearly committed to accuracy and paid close attention to every detail.
Brad then joined us, stood opposite me, and we walked through the scene. Alongside Joe was Toby Hefferman, the first assistant director, and we rehearsed the setup together.
While we waited for the camera crew to finalize angles and placement, I found myself making small talk with Brad – the same kind of slightly awkward, in-between conversation you have with drivers while waiting for microphones to be set up.
I asked him about his driving progress and what had surprised him most. He spoke about the braking – how incredibly hard and late you can brake while still making the corner. I asked if he`d crashed during his training, and he replied `no`, but admitted to spinning a few times!
Next to him was Liz Kingsman, portraying his press officer. She asked if she looked convincing, and I mentioned how press officers often hold up their phones to record interviews – a minor detail, but again, they valued such accuracy. This level of detail truly left an impression on me.
Then Joe asked me to deliver my line. I did, and Brad responded (I won`t reveal the line – no spoilers!). Once everyone was satisfied with the rehearsal, we finished and agreed to return on Saturday, after qualifying, to film the actual scene.
Hollywood and F1 Collide Beautifully
Saturday arrived, and I was back at the base, in my trailer, and getting hair and make-up done. Just before qualifying began, I was mic`d up and escorted back to the green room. Once qualifying started, we took our positions.
As drivers were eliminated in Q1, they entered the pen, and we filmed our scene. This time, cameras were placed behind us, focusing on Brad. We shot the scene repeatedly, with different drivers passing through in the background each time.
Between takes, Brad returned to his room until the next group of drivers arrived. It was a very efficient process, and once we had the necessary shots, we concluded for the day, planning to resume on Sunday.
F1 the Movie producer Jerry Bruckheimer has high praise for our very own Crofty and Martin Brundle
On Sunday, I was back in the paddock for race day. The objective this time was to capture a specific driver in the shot – but since any driver could retire at any moment, we had to be ready from the start of the race. I watched the race from the APXGP garage with some of the cast and crew.
Midway through the race, we got to see the film`s trailer for the very first time. It was a magical moment – the energy among the team as they saw their efforts appear on screen was truly unforgettable.
Later, I watched the rest of the race with Simon Kunz and Jenson Button in the Williams motorhome. For Simon, watching a Grand Prix alongside Jenson was a `pinch-me` moment. For me, it was a typical race weekend – yet simultaneously completely surreal.
These two distinct worlds – Hollywood and F1 – were converging in the most fantastic way. It was fascinating to observe the mutual respect. The F1 drivers were starstruck by the actors, while the actors were in awe of the drivers. It was a lovely reminder that no matter how famous, wealthy, or talented someone may be, everyone has their idols. Everyone looks up to someone.
Then it was back to the set to film the reverse angle of our scene. There were fewer nerves this time, as we knew the process. Timing was crucial, and the specific driver we needed for the background nailed their timing perfectly.
Then Damson Idris arrived. Joe asked me to stand opposite him so he would have someone to interact with while delivering his line. He needed a cue, so I simply asked him to summarize his race, and he delivered his line perfectly, take after take, until Joe was satisfied.
With the scenes completed and selfies taken with the crew, just like that, my role was finished.
So, What`s the Film Like?
Fast forward eleven months to the European premiere in London. Warner Bros invited me to attend and walk the red carpet (which, interestingly, was grey). Honestly? That was the most nerve-wracking part. I was more anxious having my picture taken than I was delivering lines to Brad and Damson!
At the F1 the Movie photo wall, Brad arrived, spotted Natalie Pinkham and me, and came over to chat – he even asked what we thought of the film. Everyone involved seemed keen to know. They genuinely wanted those of us who live and breathe F1 daily to be pleased with their portrayal of the sport.
We had both already seen the film at media screenings and could honestly tell him we loved it. After taking the obligatory selfie and finishing the last few photos and interviews, we headed inside.
Just before the lights dimmed, Ed Sheeran walked past to find his seat. Then there was a slight stir: Tom Cruise was looking for his spot. It turned out he was seated just a few rows behind us.
Then came the main event – Joseph Kosinski, Jerry Bruckheimer, Lewis Hamilton, Kerry Condon, Damson Idris, and Brad Pitt came onto the stage to introduce the film.
We all watched the film together, and honestly? It was even better on the second viewing. I had been apprehensive about how F1 would be depicted, but it is brilliant. Imagine Top Gun on four wheels. Judging by Tom Cruise`s cheers at the end, he clearly agreed.
For years, I often had to explain this sport to people who didn`t quite understand its appeal. Now? It has successfully reached the big screen, and it`s a must-see for both dedicated F1 fans and newcomers alike!
Huge thanks to Warner Bros and everyone involved in making the film. I`m still pinching myself over the whole experience…
Marcus Prine