18.06.2025
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F1 movie with Brad Pitt faces criticism over female character portrayal

F1 movie with Brad Pitt faces criticism over female character portrayal

The new F1 film co-produced by Lewis Hamilton — expected to bring authenticity to the project — has drawn sharp criticism regarding its portrayal of female characters.

The story centers on Brad Pitt‘s character Sonny Hayes — a former F1 driver returning to racing after three decades. He joins the APX GP team owned by his friend played by Javier Bardem, partnering with rookie driver Damson Idris.

The team’s technical director Kate, played by Kerry Condon, is portrayed as the first woman to hold a senior technical position in F1 — yet her character is undermined by showing incompetence in designing a competitive car.

The film also features other problematic stereotypes — from clumsy female pit crew to female characters appearing only to admire male drivers. Even the nightclub scene meant to feature actress Simone Ashley was completely cut from the final version.

“Plenty of men will be dragging their girlfriends to the cinema,” producer Jerry Bruckheimer said at last week’s press conference — a comment that further emphasizes the film’s problematic approach to female viewers.