Ever wondered what it`s like to appear briefly in a major Hollywood film about your passion? When news broke about the F1 movie, featuring Brad Pitt at the Austin GP, I was thrilled. Naturally, I tried to get a word with him, but no exclusive that day.
Soon, the reality set in. The paddock started changing, with large trucks arriving and an extra garage appearing in the pit lane. Something significant was happening.
What impressed me was the seamless way they blended filming into a live F1 race weekend. From the outside, you might not even realize a movie was being shot; they were that careful to avoid disruption. Yet, they were right there with us, observing everything. Their dedication to capturing the sport accurately, while still aiming for a blockbuster, was truly remarkable.
Then came the offer. Would I be in the film? An immediate yes. Even a background appearance while the stars delivered lines was enough for me.
But then I learned I`d have an actual line… and it was *to* Brad Pitt. “Just be yourself,” they said. No pressure at all, right? Imagine standing before Brad, the full crew, extras, and cast, and being told that!
Guarding the Script
The scene was planned for the drivers` interview area at Silverstone. Since I wasn`t working that weekend, I was available. The contract arrival brought nerves, along with an NDA preventing me from discussing it until release. It was as daunting as expected.
The script was just a few pages with my line. I guarded it closely. Despite my silence, by the British Grand Prix, people were starting to guess.
Thursday was rehearsal. First, the film`s base at the circuit. I was shown to my trailer – yes, a trailer! Not Brad Pitt`s size, but complete with sofa, mirror, TV, fridge, and even a loo. All for one line. Still unbelievable.
Wardrobe was next. I`d discussed this with the head beforehand; he`d even checked my Instagram for typical race weekend outfits. They wanted me to look like me, so I wore a black jumpsuit familiar from my appearances. Again, the commitment to authenticity, even in a huge production, stood out.
Then hair and make-up – a luxury I don`t get at the track. The team in the truck were incredibly welcoming, instantly putting me at ease.
From there, a crew member escorted me to their green room setup near the fictional APXGP garage. As we headed to the interview pen, I overheard them say into their mic, “travelling with Rachel.” That phrase became a running joke over the next few days!
Rachel with colleagues in between takes as they film her scene in the F1 pen
At the pen, I met Simon Kunz, playing a journalist. I recognized him instantly from classic films. We stood in the cordoned-off area amidst real TV crews.
Director Joseph Kosinski arrived and asked about the real interview pen setup – mic placement, interview flow. He genuinely wanted accuracy and listened intently. Then Brad came down, stood opposite me, and we walked through the scene setup with Joe and the first assistant director.
While waiting for cameras, I found myself making awkward small talk with Brad – just like waiting for mics with F1 drivers. I asked about his driving practice and what surprised him. He mentioned the braking – how aggressive and late you can brake yet still make the turn. He hadn`t crashed but had spun a few times!
Rachel interviews Brad Pitt in the F1 pen for a scene in the movie
Liz Kingsman, playing his press officer, was nearby. She asked if she looked the part. I noted how press officers often record interviews on their phones – a small detail, but again, they *cared*. That level of detail was memorable.
Joe asked me to deliver the line. I did. Brad responded (no spoilers!). Happy with the shape, we finished rehearsal, scheduled the shoot for Saturday after qualifying.
When Hollywood Meets F1
Saturday arrived: base, trailer, hair/make-up, mic`d up, green room. Got into position as qualifying started. As drivers were eliminated in Q1, they came to the pen. We filmed our scene repeatedly, with different drivers passing in the background, capturing Brad`s perspective. Between takes, Brad would return to his room until the next group of drivers arrived. It was a smooth operation. We finished the Saturday shoot once they had the necessary shots.
Sunday meant being back for the race. The goal was to get a specific driver in the shot, meaning we had to be ready from the start, as retirements are unpredictable. I watched part of the race in the fictional team garage with cast and crew.
Mid-race, we saw the film`s trailer for the first time. Seeing their work on screen created a magical, unforgettable energy in the room.
Later, I watched the rest of the race with Simon Kunz and Jenson Button in the Williams motorhome. For Simon, watching with Jenson was a highlight; for me, it was a typical race weekend feeling completely surreal.
These two distinct worlds – Hollywood and F1 – converged beautifully. The mutual respect was striking. F1 drivers were in awe of the actors, and the actors were fascinated by the drivers. A lovely reminder that everyone, regardless of fame or talent, looks up to someone.
Rachel with colleagues in between takes as they film her scene in the F1 pen
Back to the set for the reverse angle shot. Less nervous this time, we knew the drill. Timing was key, and the required driver nailed their appearance. Then Damson Idris arrived. Joe asked me to stand opposite him to give him a focal point for his line. I simply cued him by asking for a race summary, and he delivered perfectly, take after take.
Scenes finished, selfies with the crew taken – my part was done.
My Take on the Film
Fast forward 11 months to the London premiere. Warner Bros invited me to walk the red carpet (actually grey). Honestly? That was the scariest part! More nervous about photos than delivering lines to Brad and Damson.
At the film`s backdrop, Brad arrived, saw Natalie Pinkham and me, and came over to chat, asking what we thought. The team genuinely wanted input from F1 insiders. We had already seen media screenings and could honestly say we loved it. Comparing it to Top Gun, but on four wheels. Tom Cruise`s cheers at the end suggested he agreed.
For years, I explained F1 to those who didn`t grasp it. Now? It`s on the big screen, a must-watch for F1 fans and newcomers alike!
Huge thanks to Warner Bros and everyone involved. I`m still pinching myself.
Gilbert Pendleton