Ever dreamed of conjuring up a whole Formula 1 team out of thin air in record time? That's the thrilling reality costume designer Julian Day tackled for 'F1 The Movie,' building the fictional APXGP squad from the ground up amid a whirlwind schedule. But here's where it gets controversial: blending Hollywood magic with the high-stakes world of real racing weekends – could this set a precedent for future films, or is it crossing into territory that blurs fiction and reality too much?
When Julian Day signed on for the film, he confronted an extraordinary hurdle: designing and equipping a complete F1 outfit for a team that didn't exist, all within mere months. Real teams, like Cadillac (which is set to debut on the grid next year at https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/tags/cadillac.1Iz3r4vQM0lggwO9SV6y9n), typically evolve their logos, uniforms, and branding over years from start to finish. For Day, though, the clock was ticking fast, demanding a credible and standout identity that could hold its own at actual Grand Prix events and on the big screen.
Yet, he nailed it spectacularly. APXGP slotted right into the F1 paddock during the 2023 and 2024 seasons, exuding a believable vibe and sleek style that felt authentic. With support from top-tier brands and suppliers, Day crafted team gear, racing suits, and fan merchandise that boasted an iconic flair, perfectly at home amid the buzz of race days.
Now that 'F1 The Movie' is available on Apple TV+ (check it out at https://tv.apple.com/id/movie/f1-the-movie/umc.cmc.3t6dvnnr87zwd4wmvpdx5came), it's the ideal moment to dive into Day's story and uncover how he pulled off this remarkable achievement.
Crafting genuine racing suits wasn't a straight path. Day collaborated with OMP, the Italian supplier that outfits Aston Martin (learn more at https://www.formula1.com/en/teams/aston-martin), brainstorming numerous suit designs in various hues. He presented these ideas to the film's leads, Brad Pitt and Damson Idris, plus director Joe Kosinski, for their input.
"During a fitting session with Brad, we were stuck on picking a team color," Day reminisced. "Then it hit me – I'd brought along this silvery white/grey option, and everyone agreed instantly: 'This is it.'"
The decision was deliberate. As Day explained, pure black might evoke a menacing, Darth Vader-like aura, while stark white could seem outdated. The silvery-white shade hit the sweet spot, enhancing the dark tones of the APXGP car and the bright garage environment. It also ensured the suits popped against the other teams on race day.
The gear for Pitt and Idris incorporated OMP's protective features, such as the ONE-S suit's fireproof materials, and everything adhered to FIA standards – that's the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile, the governing body that sets safety rules for motorsports, ensuring filming matched real-race precautions.
Day also uncovered the intricate challenges of high-level racing suit production, particularly with sponsors. Like genuine F1 squads, APXGP secured premium partnerships, where precision is crucial – even a millimeter off can mean big financial hits.
"If a logo is just two millimeters bigger on the suit, sponsors might reward you with an extra £100,000, but get it wrong, and you're in hot water," he shared. The crew meticulously collaborated with sponsors on placements, though some logos shifted as brands refreshed their look during filming. Keen observers might spot subtle changes between early and later shots!
And this is the part most people miss: the sheer complexity of sponsorship in motorsport, which can turn a simple design tweak into a high-wire balancing act.
Developing a standout team outfit
For the pit crew attire, Day found unexpected inspiration from Mercedes (explore their team at https://www.formula1.com/en/teams/mercedes). "They welcomed me to their base to show their setup, and their black-and-white uniforms were spot-on," he noted.
The all-black pit gear wasn't just about looks; it served a practical role in the movie by making the drivers shine against the background. This helps direct viewers' attention to the film's protagonists, a clever filmmaking trick.
Since 'F1 The Movie' aims to plunge audiences into F1's universe, the pit crew sported race-quality uniforms. Day highlighted the impressive advances in racing fabrics: "We ordered pit gear from OMP, giving them cutting-edge materials. Today's fabrics are paper-thin, like a regular shirt, yet fully flame-resistant."
Pursuing flawless detail
Authentic racing equipment demanded focus on every tiny aspect, from boots to Nomex underwear, gloves, and balaclavas – all meeting pro racing specs. But for the cameras, adjustments were key.
"We enlarged the helmet visors for better camera angles on the eyes, while keeping safety intact," Day detailed. "Racing helmets can pinch your cheeks uncomfortably, so we fixed that too!"
On-set assistants even adjusted balaclavas to keep the actors camera-ready. As Day put it: "It's all about the small stuff – those unnoticed elements that elevate the film."
When producer Lewis Hamilton (read about him at https://www.formula1.com/en/information/drivers-hall-of-fame-lewis-hamilton.6TbSwzJA2miTUwtnXUHkjk) saw the suit, his reaction was revealing. Day recalled Hamilton saying it felt lighter than his own, showcasing how modern fabrics are revolutionizing racing gear and how the movie stretched authenticity to new limits.
Building a fanbase for an imaginary team
A creative highlight was generating supporters for a nonexistent squad.
"We made heaps of merchandise and distributed it at races," Day described. "For post-race or qualifying chats, we'd outfit extras in APXGP hats and tees to mimic real fans."
Fan presence grew with the plot. "At the start, APXGP is a nobody team, so as they climb the ranks and win more, we ramped up the crowd numbers," Day added.
Unique access to live race events
Much of the shooting occurred during actual 2023 and 2024 Grand Prix weekends, thanks to FIA and Formula 1 backing. Day joined events in Hungary, Silverstone, and Monza, seeing the production weave into the F1 calendar firsthand.
In Las Vegas, night shoots happened around 3 a.m. during race time. Additional filming at Circuit Paul Ricard in France and Circuit of the Americas in Texas extended into 2024 to recover from the SAG-AFTRA strike delays. Yet, risks loomed...
"Our top worry at the British Grand Prix was the cars joining the formation lap – a breakdown could disrupt the real race," Day remembered. "The team did an amazing job preventing that."
This rare integration was a first for Day. "I doubt another movie will embed in a sport like this again," he said. "It was extraordinary how they slotted into the F1 timeline."
Tying it all together
Day's relentless precision delivered a cohesive visual journey unlike any other for F1 enthusiasts and movie buffs. "I hope viewers recognize the accuracy in depicting the sport," he shared.
"It's a huge domain: the racing squad, paddock, and crowds. I incorporated every little thing so nothing feels off. Ideally, all elements blend for the film's total aesthetic."
With 'F1 The Movie' hitting screens in June 2025 to rave reviews and box-office buzz, Day's creations not only forged a believable fake team but ignited a style shift in F1 culture. The Tommy Hilfiger APXGP line has become a hot item, with fans mixing casual wear and racing pieces to express themselves at races – and lots are rooting for APXGP.
Relive the excitement from your couch since the movie's on Apple TV+ – a great excuse to pull out your APXGP and Tommy Hilfiger goodies during the off-season!
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But here's where it gets controversial: Is it ethical for a film to insert fictional elements into live sporting events, potentially confusing fans or altering perceptions? And this is the twist that most people miss: Could this level of realism inspire real teams to rethink their branding, or is it just harmless fun? What do you think – does blending movies with sports enhance or dilute the authenticity of F1? Do you believe fictional teams like APXGP could ever inspire real-world changes in motorsport fashion? We'd love to hear your views – agree or disagree in the comments!
