Brad Pitt’s latest release F1 continues to capture attention both for its gripping story and high-octane performances. His portrayal of Sonny Hayes, a seasoned racer making a comeback after decades, has been met with widespread critical acclaim. But while the film ends with Hayes taking the win in a dramatic finale, director Joseph Kosinski has revealed that a different version of the story was also shot—one where Damson Idris’ character lifts the trophy instead.
In a recent interview with GQ, Kosinski shared that the alternate ending had indeed been considered seriously during production. He admitted that they went as far as staging a version of the finale where Idris’ character, the young and ambitious racer, stands victorious on the podium. “We actually did shoot an ending with Damson winning as well… Where he went up there and held [the trophy] up,” Kosinski said. However, he added some ambiguity about whether full camera coverage was done, suggesting it may have been a strategic decision to mislead or surprise onlookers. “Did we shoot it with the cameras? I feel like we just staged it to try to throw people off. That’s where the entertainment is. I mean, anyone can guess the end of a movie.”
Despite the existence of this alternate ending, the filmmakers ultimately chose to go with a more emotionally resonant conclusion—one where Sonny Hayes reclaims his legacy by winning the final race. This decision supports the film’s core themes of redemption, resilience, and second chances. It also gives Brad Pitt’s character a satisfying arc, showcasing the triumph of experience over youth in a high-stakes environment.
The storyline of F1 revolves around Hayes’ return to racing three decades after a traumatic accident forced him to retire. His comeback is met with skepticism and pressure, especially as he finds himself paired against a talented young driver played by Damson Idris. Their evolving dynamic—initially competitive, then gradually respectful—drives the emotional weight of the narrative. As the official synopsis puts it, “Sonny soon learns that the road to redemption is not something you can travel alone.”
The fact that the filmmakers were open to changing the ending underscores the flexibility in their storytelling approach and reflects a desire to keep the audience engaged right up to the final frame. Still, by choosing to let Sonny win, F1 delivers a payoff that aligns with its character-driven storytelling and honors the emotional journey of its lead.
F1 is currently running successfully in theaters, continuing to draw praise for its performances, direction, and realistic depiction of the racing world.
