Brad Pitt reveals ex-driver who inspired Sonny Hayes' backstory

Hollywood star Brad Pitt has revealed that former F1 driver Martin Donnelly's horrific 1990 crash at Jerez was the direct inspiration for his character, Sonny Hayes, in the new F1 movie. Pitt, who plays the comeback driver, stated Donnelly "was so gracious" in allowing the production to use his footage. The actor praised the F1 community's unprecedented cooperation, noting filming occurred during actual Grand Prix weekends in 2023 and 2024, with teams like Mercedes, Williams, and McLaren providing access. Pitt, who got to drive an F1 car, described the immersive experience as "extraordinary" and the "time of my life," highlighting Lewis Hamilton's significant role in opening doors for the project.