Get ready for an incredible journey behind the scenes of 'F1 The Movie'! The creation of a fictional Formula 1 team, APXGP, is a story of meticulous craftsmanship and innovation.
Costume designer Julian Day faced an extraordinary challenge: crafting an entire F1 team's identity in a matter of months. While most teams spend years developing their brand, Day had to create something authentic and unique for APXGP to shine on the big screen and at Grand Prix events.
But here's where it gets controversial... Could a fictional team ever truly match the real deal? Day's answer is a resounding yes! APXGP seamlessly integrated into the F1 paddock, leaving viewers impressed with its realistic and stylish presence during the 2023 and 2024 seasons.
With the help of leading brands, Day crafted team kits, race suits, and merchandise that looked right at home on race weekends. But how did he achieve this feat?
Creating Authentic Race Suits:
The process of finding APXGP's signature look was anything but simple. Day collaborated with OMP, the Italian racewear supplier, to design multiple suit concepts in various colors. These concepts were presented to the movie's stars, Brad Pitt and Damson Idris, and director Joe Kosinski for feedback.
Day recalls a pivotal moment: "One day, during a fitting with Brad, we struggled to agree on a team color. Then, I remembered bringing in a silvery white/grey suit, and everyone loved it!"
The choice of silver-white was strategic, avoiding a "Darth Vader" look while also steering clear of a vintage feel. It complemented the dark car and white garage, ensuring APXGP stood out on the grid.
The suits, featuring OMP's fireproofing technology, including the ONE-S suit, met FIA safety standards, ensuring the same level of protection as real F1 competitions.
The Complications of Race Suits:
Day discovered the intricate world of race suit creation, especially when it came to team sponsors. APXGP, like real F1 teams, had high-end sponsorships, and precision was key. "A sponsor's logo just two millimeters larger could mean an extra £100,000!"
The team worked closely with sponsors to place graphics on the suits, but some logos changed during filming as brands updated their branding. Keep an eye out for these subtle differences!
A Distinctive Team Kit:
For the pit crew uniforms, Day drew inspiration from Mercedes. "They were incredibly helpful, and their black and white uniforms were perfect for our vision."
The all-black pit crew kit served a dual purpose: aesthetics and functionality. It made the drivers stand out, ensuring the audience's focus remained on the stars. Day also noted the evolution of racing fabrics, which are now thin and fireproof, almost like shirt material.
Meticulous Attention to Detail:
Creating authentic racing gear required attention to the smallest details. Day ensured professional standards for racing gear, from boots to Nomex underwear, gloves, and balaclavas. However, some modifications were made for filming.
"We had to ensure the helmet visors were large enough for the camera to capture the actors' eyes, but it also had to be safe. We also had to address the issue of tight helmets squeezing cheeks!"
The team had standbys on set to adjust the actors' balaclavas, ensuring they looked their best. As Day puts it, "It's all in the details that viewers might not notice."
Even producer Lewis Hamilton was impressed with the racing suit's lightness, a testament to the latest fabric technology.
Creating a Fanbase for a Fictional Team:
One of the most innovative aspects of the costume department's work was creating fans for APXGP. They produced merchandise and handed it out at races, dressing people in APXGP caps and t-shirts to create the illusion of a dedicated fan base.
As the story progressed and APXGP started winning races, the team added more fans to reflect their growing success.
Unprecedented Filming Access:
A significant amount of filming took place during live Grand Prix weekends in 2023 and 2024, with the support of the FIA and Formula 1. Day attended races in Hungary, Silverstone, and Monza, witnessing the seamless integration of the production into the F1 schedule.
In Las Vegas, driving sequences were captured in the early hours, around 3:00 a.m. local time. Filming also took place at Circuit Paul Ricard in France and Circuit of The Americas in Texas. However, there were potential complications, especially during the British Grand Prix, where the team feared a breakdown during the formation lap.
The Impact of APXGP:
Day's attention to detail aimed to create a visual experience that would immerse viewers in the world of F1. "I want people to see how truthfully I represented the sport's look."
With the release of 'F1 The Movie' in June 2025, Day's work not only created a convincing fictional team but also sparked a fashion evolution among F1 fans. The Tommy Hilfiger APXGP capsule collection became highly sought-after, with fans blending streetwear and racing gear to showcase their identity at Grand Prix weekends.
Now, with 'F1 The Movie' streaming on Apple+, we can relive the magic from our sofas! It's the perfect time to break out our APXGP and Tommy Hilfiger merchandise during the off-season!
And this is the part most people miss... The impact of APXGP extends beyond the movie. It has inspired a new fashion trend among F1 fans, blending style and racing gear. So, will you be repping APXGP at the next Grand Prix?
Don't miss your chance to experience the magic of F1! BOOK NOW for the season-opener in Melbourne.
