The APX GP Look: Unpacking The High-Octane Fashion Of The F1 Movie (What Brad Pitt And Damson Idris Wear)

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The highly anticipated Formula 1 movie, directed by Joseph Kosinski and starring Brad Pitt, is not just a high-speed drama; it's a deep dive into the sport's intersection with high fashion and authentic racing gear. As of this update in December 2025, the buzz around the fictional APX GP team’s wardrobe has created a new standard for on-screen motorsport authenticity, moving far beyond typical movie costumes to create a fully realized F1 identity.

The film’s wardrobe, masterminded by an industry veteran, is split between meticulously engineered, race-ready gear and a sleek, sophisticated off-track style that defines the characters of a veteran racer on a comeback and a rising young star. From the striking APX GP livery on the racing suits to the designer casual wear in the paddock, here is a detailed breakdown of what the stars of the F1 movie wear.

Meet the Drivers: Sonny Hayes and Joshua Pearce

The film centers on the fictional APX GP team, with its two main drivers embodying different eras and styles of Formula 1 racing. Their on-screen personas are heavily influenced by the clothes they wear, both in and out of the cockpit.

  • Brad Pitt as Sonny Hayes: A seasoned, older F1 driver who comes out of retirement to mentor a young talent. His look balances classic racing grit with a timeless, cool aesthetic.
  • Damson Idris as Joshua Pearce: The young, rising star of the APX GP team. His wardrobe is modern, bold, and reflects the current generation of F1 drivers who are also fashion icons.
  • The Team: APX GP (Apex Grand Prix) is the fictional 11th team on the F1 grid, designed to look and feel like a genuine, high-budget racing operation.
  • Director: Joseph Kosinski (known for Top Gun: Maverick).
  • Producer: Jerry Bruckheimer and seven-time F1 champion Lewis Hamilton.
  • Costume Designer: Julian Day (known for Bohemian Rhapsody and Rocketman).

The APX GP Racing Uniform: Authenticity on the Grid

The most crucial element of the film's wardrobe is the official APX GP racing suit, which had to be fully authentic to pass muster with both the F1 community and the film's technical advisors. Costume Designer Julian Day faced the challenge of creating a fictional team that could convincingly stand alongside real teams like Mercedes, Ferrari, and Red Bull.

The Race Suit Design: White, Black, and Bold Branding

The APX GP race suits worn by Brad Pitt and Damson Idris are instantly recognizable. The core design features a striking combination of white and black, with contrasting color panels that give the uniform a modern, professional, and race-ready aesthetic. The suits are not mere costumes; they are authentic-looking replicas that mirror the gear worn by real F1 drivers.

  • Color Scheme: Predominantly white with black accents and contrasting panels, giving a clean, high-tech look.
  • Sponsor Logos: The suits are covered in bold sponsor branding and striking APX GP logos, mimicking the visual complexity of genuine F1 attire.
  • Construction: The material used for the fan replicas is often a high-grade, glossy nylon Cordura fabric with a cotton-towel lining, suggesting the on-screen versions are designed for maximum visual impact and believability under race conditions.
  • The Pit Crew: To maintain the high level of immersion, the APX GP pit crew also wears race-ready uniforms, ensuring that every detail in the pit lane is authentic to the world of Formula 1.

The creation of the APX GP look was a holistic process, with Julian Day and his team developing the entire visual identity—from the car livery and team apparel to the drivers' personal style—from the ground up. This commitment to detail is what sets the film's aesthetic apart.

Off-Track Style: From Paddock to Podium Fashion

An F1 driver's life is not just about the racetrack; the paddock is a runway where high-end fashion and sportswear collide. The casual and formal outfits worn by Sonny Hayes and Joshua Pearce reflect their personalities, their status, and the multi-million dollar world they inhabit. The wardrobe seamlessly transitions from the high-octane environment of the garage to the glamour of the hospitality suites.

Sonny Hayes (Brad Pitt): The Veteran’s Timeless Cool

Brad Pitt's character, Sonny Hayes, embodies a relaxed yet sophisticated style, fitting for a driver who has seen it all. His outfits are often classic pieces updated with a modern, sporty edge.

  • The Bomber Jacket: A key piece in his off-track wardrobe is a classic bomber jacket, a staple of motorsport casual wear.
  • The Striped Shirt: Pitt has been seen in a multi-color striped short-sleeve shirt, blending classic and modern styles for a relaxed paddock look.
  • Off-White Shirt: A soft, stylish off-white shirt is another staple, perfect for everyday wear while maintaining a celebrity-inspired, clean aesthetic.
  • The Jumpsuit: Beyond the official race suit, a white racer jumpsuit is featured, serving as a sophisticated sports outfit that is also comfortable and stylish for casual track-side life.

Joshua Pearce (Damson Idris): The Rising Star’s Modern Edge

Damson Idris's character, Joshua Pearce, represents the younger, more fashion-forward generation of F1 stars. His style is sleek, contemporary, and often features pieces from major fashion collaborations.

  • Tommy Hilfiger Collaboration: A significant part of the APX GP off-track look comes from a collaboration with Tommy Hilfiger, a brand with a long history in F1. Idris mentioned that the pieces worn by his character, Joshua Pearce, are sleek and easy to move in, reflecting his own personal style and the demands of track life.
  • Orange Quilted Bomber: One notable piece is an orange quilted bomber jacket, which adds a pop of color and a modern, athletic feel to his look, fitting for a rising star.
  • Designer Eyewear: His off-track identity is also defined by his choice of eyewear, with a focus on sophisticated sunglasses that complete the high-fashion, celebrity-driver persona.

The Impact of Costume Design on Topical Authority

The intentional and deep collaboration between the film’s production team and the real world of F1 and its associated fashion partners has elevated the movie’s topical authority. By creating the APX GP Collection with Tommy Hilfiger, the film blurred the lines between fictional movie merchandise and real-world F1 apparel.

Julian Day's approach was to use costume design as a foundation for building the characters, ensuring that every piece of clothing—from the high-tech racing gear to the casual jackets—contributed to the authenticity of the narrative. This meticulous attention to detail means the film is not just telling a story about F1; it is visually integrating itself into the F1 ecosystem, making the fictional APX GP team feel incredibly real. The wardrobe choices are a powerful tool for visual storytelling, instantly communicating Sonny Hayes’s veteran status and Joshua Pearce’s youthful confidence to the audience.

f1 movie what they wear
f1 movie what they wear

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