Last updated on 8 June 2025.
One of the biggest summer movies of 2025 is F1 starring Brad Pitt, and to provide the same experience as the circuit, they shot the movie in the best way possible.
Is the F1 movie shot with IMAX Cameras?
F1 is one of the most popular sports in the world, filled with a ton of thrill. So, if someone is making a film about it, that should match the same level of energy. For that, you need the best technology in the world and that’s where IMAX comes in.
The F1 movie is 100% Filmed for IMAX. It is shot with Sony CineAlta Venice, which is an IMAX-certified digital camera.
The best part is that F1 is presented in the 1.90 expanded aspect ratio for the whole runtime on IMAX screens. This means no shifting of aspect ratio in between the footage and therefore, complete immersion.
Watch the official IMAX trailer in the expanded ratio here:
Cinematographer Claudio Miranda used a custom-designed Sony CineAlta Venice system, capable of capturing in 6K. Most of the scenes are shot practically on the track with cameras put inside the cockpit as well.
This 6K Sony camera was also a part of Top Gun Maverick, Black Panther Wakanda Forever, Mission Impossible Dead Reckoning and Final Reckoning.
F1 stars Brad Pitt as Sonny Hayes, a retired Formula One driver, who was asked to mentor a young prodigy Joshua Pearce, played by Damson Idris. With a reported budget of $300 Million, F1 will be something special.
However, just that no one is mistaken, this is not the same tech Christopher Nolan uses with IMAX. His flicks are shot on IMAX Film cameras, which are way superior. But these film cameras are very heavy and are not suitable for a movie like F1, where they should be attached to cars.
Why watch F1 in IMAX?
If you saw Top Gun Maverick in IMAX, then you know what’s in store. That had high-speed planes, this one has high-speed cars. An interesting fact is both are made by the same director: Joseph Kosinski.
Joseph Kosinski knows the power of IMAX for such high-thrilling features and with the knowledge he gained with Maverick, F1 will push the boundaries of cinema.
In an interview with Deadline, Kosinski explained why you need to watch F1 in a movie theatre:
“It’s shot for the big screen and will have an IMAX version, … you know, full-screen format, so you’ll get that expanded picture. We’ve always approached it as a theatrical film.”
The only difference is that Top Gun Maverick was partially shot in IMAX, while F1 is completely made for IMAX from start to finish.
What makes IMAX better than other options like Dolby is the video and sound quality. IMAX uses its proprietary Digital Media Remastering (DMR) technology to enhance the brightness and saturation, and they also elevate the sound for their big sound systems exclusively.
The IMAX screens are also usually bigger than most other normal screens, exclusive of the expanded ratio that covers your view from top to bottom.
Above you can see the difference in aspect ratios: Normal (2.39:1) vs IMAX (1.90:1) for F1.
There are also Fan-First Screenings
There are also Fan-First screenings for F1 on 23 June 2025 exclusively in IMAX format. Check that if those are happening in your city. The countries listed for this event are the USA, Canada, Brazil, Poland, Bulgaria, Germany, Spain and Mexico.
F1 will be coming out on 27 June 2025 and will get a decent 2-week theatrical run in IMAX cameras. Jurassic World Rebirth is coming one week after it, but that is not getting an IMAX release. However, the Superman movie will premiere on 11 July 2025 and will capture all the IMAX screens.
So make sure you get your tickets in IMAX, otherwise, you will miss the experience of a lifetime.
Takeaways
You should consider watching the F1 movie on IMAX if it is available in your city. I still remember how great Top Gun Maverick on this premium format. Now, with a sport like Formula One, let’s just see how crazy that will be.
And if you don’t know who I am? I am Ranish Chauhan a.k.a. Fulmino Fan, and I love Marvel & DC Superheroes and Sci-Fi movies. You can also check my YouTube channel for amazing videos in Hindi.