F1 Movie Shocker! Director Reveals Who ALMOST Won the Final Race Over Brad Pitt!

The high-octane world of Formula 1 has roared onto the big screen with Joseph Kosinski's much-anticipated film, 'F1: The Movie,' starring Brad Pitt as veteran driver Sonny Hayes. While the film's theatrical release has seen Pitt's character ultimately clinch a triumphant win in the final race, director Joseph Kosinski has now revealed intriguing details about an alternative ending that would have seen a different character standing on the top step of the podium.

 

"F1: The Movie" follows the redemption arc of Sonny Hayes (Brad Pitt), a former F1 prodigy who returns to the sport after a 30-year absence to join the underdog APXGP team. He partners with the talented but often arrogant rookie, Joshua Pearce (played by Damson Idris), and together they navigate the cutthroat world of Formula 1.

 

 

The Original Plan: A Victory for the Young Gun

 

In the final thrilling moments of the film, the narrative builds towards what appears to be a selfless act by Sonny Hayes, where he clears a path for his younger teammate, Joshua Pearce, to secure the victory and potentially the championship. However, a last-minute collision involving Joshua and real-life F1 star Lewis Hamilton (who also serves as a producer on the film) opens the door for Sonny to snatch a dramatic win, culminating his long-chased dream.

 

But according to director Joseph Kosinski, speaking in recent interviews, a different outcome was not only considered but even staged during production. "We actually did shoot an ending with Damson winning as well. Where he went up there, and held [the trophy] up," Kosinski revealed, hinting at the extent to which this alternative was explored.

 

 

The Narrative Choice: Why Sonny Hayes Won

 

Kosinski explained that while a victory for Joshua Pearce would have made narrative sense in terms of the veteran clearing the path for the future, the team ultimately decided that Sonny's victory provided a more fitting culmination of his character's story. Sonny Hayes' journey in the film is largely one of redemption, overcoming past injuries and personal struggles to reclaim his place in the elite world of Formula 1. His win in the final race offers a cathartic and definitive conclusion to his arc.

 

The director noted that Joshua Pearce, being at the beginning of his career, still has "a million races" to win, making Sonny's hard-fought victory a more poignant and earned triumph. Even if it felt somewhat predictable for a sports drama, Kosinski believes it provided the necessary emotional payoff for Sonny's long and winding road back to glory.

 

 

The Implications of an Alternate Ending

 

Had Joshua Pearce won the final race, the film's payoff would have shifted, focusing more on the mentorship and sacrifice of Sonny, rather than his personal victory. It would have highlighted the passing of the torch and the rise of a new generation. However, the chosen ending firmly cemented Sonny Hayes' redemption and provided a satisfying, if conventional, sports movie climax.

 

"F1: The Movie," with its blend of high-speed action, behind-the-scenes access to real F1 events (including actual Grands Prix footage), and compelling character arcs, aims to immerse audiences in the world of Formula 1 like never before. The discussion around its alternate ending only adds another layer of intrigue to this highly anticipated sports drama.

 

"F1: The Movie" is now in theaters, inviting audiences to experience the thrilling world of Formula 1.