Horner Dismisses Red Bull ‘Villain’ Fears in Pitt’s F1 Movie

Christian Horner downplays concerns over Red Bull’s portrayal in Brad Pitt’s upcoming F1 film, insisting there was never any real paranoia about it.

Christian Horner downplayed the idea that Red Bull feared being portrayed as the “villains” in Brad Pitt’s upcoming F1 film, set for release this year.

FOM has just unveiled the first teaser (see below).

The film is produced by seven-time Oscar winner Jerry Bruckheimer, directed by Top Gun: Maverick‘s Joseph Kosinski, with Lewis Hamilton as a producer.

Last year, Bruckheimer revealed that Red Bull initially feared being cast as the “villains” in the film, which follows a retired driver, Sonny Hayes—played by Pitt—who comes out of retirement to help Joshua Pearce, played by Damson Idris, for the fictional APX team.

“I don’t think there was any paranoia about it. Yes, I said that… but in reality, we simply wanted to express early on the perception actors might have based on the storyline that could have been presented. But that wasn’t the case.”

When asked if he had to act for the film, Horner denied it and added that “Formula 1 is already rich enough in that sense without needing me.”

The Red Bull team principal also praised the impact the film could have on F1 as a whole, believing the production team had captured “some incredible footage.”

“The film is going to be really interesting, bringing F1 to the big screen, and Jerry Bruckheimer and his team have captured some incredible content.”

“They have integrated their filming into F1, so imagine the benefit for all our partners, for the F1 brand, to be front and center in cinemas and theaters around the world.”

“This is another major step for Formula 1, and I’m sure they will do the sport justice in the way they present it.”