Brad Pitt’s Sonny Hayes in F1: The Movie may be fictional, but aspects of his story are based on historical Formula 1 events. The new movie is a detailed look into the fast-paced world of F1 racing. F1: The Movie includes immersive racing sequences, showcasing the forces and danger that racers face, along with the challenges that the pit crew experiences while keeping the cars from falling apart.
It also highlights the complex business landscape of F1 as racers and owners need to deal with sponsors, press, and social media. For example, Damson Idris’ character struggles to deal with the outside noise as a rookie, while Javier Bardem’s Ruben desperately tries to prevent his team from getting sold.
While the high-budget film tries to be as authentic as possible, many details have to be exaggerated to make the movie more intriguing. Hayes’ story likely wouldn’t happen in modern F1 as most teams wouldn’t take a sH๏τ at an older driver who hasn’t raced in F1 in years. Pitt’s character isn’t real, but there is a part of his story that is based on another driver.
Sonny Hayes Is Not The Name Of A Real-Life Formula 1 Driver
F1: The Movie Made Up Its Main Character
Hayes is a veteran racer who returns to F1 to join an underdog team owned by his friend, Ruben. Hayes was a racing prodigy whose career took an unfortunate dive after he was involved in a disastrous crash that left him severely injured in the 1990s. He returned to racing afterward, continuing to chase the glory and feeling of freedom he craved while racing.
Although Pitt’s performance is convincing, there isn’t, nor has there ever been, an F1 driver with the same name. Hayes’ story is unrealistic as well, considering he quickly regains his F1 driving skills after 30 years, despite it having significant differences from other forms of racing. However, his injury is similar to the story of another F1 driver, who never got Hayes’ sH๏τ at redemption.
Sonny Hayes Appears To Be Inspired By British Racer Martin Donnelly
Hayes’ Injury Is Similar To Donnelly’s
Martin Donnelly was a rising star in Formula 1 racing before an injury derailed his career. Donnelly rose in the ranks of Formula racing, beginning his career in Formula 3 in 1983. The British racer made his F1 debut in 1989, but only stayed in the league for one year before his injury occurred.
On September 28, 1990, Donnelly’s Lotus 102 suffered a suspension failure while driving 106 MPH during a practice session before the Spanish Grand Prix in Jerez, Spain. According to History, the driver was thrown from the vehicle, and his injuries were so severe that he was initially pronounced ᴅᴇᴀᴅ. Fortunately, he survived the crash, but he is still physically affected by the incident.
Images from his crash are similar to the footage of Hayes’ injuries in F1: The Movie. The disturbing sH๏τ of Hayes lying on the track is almost the same as images of Donnelly after he was ejected from the vehicle. The film didn’t fully explain Hayes’ injuries, but they were life-threatening and left significant damage that should have prevented him from racing again.
How Sonny Hayes Is Different From Martin Donnelly
Sonny Gets A Second Chance At F1 Racing
One main difference between Donnelly and Hayes is that Donnelly is British while Hayes is American. However, they also have different paths in their racing careers. Hayes seemingly went directly to F1 while Donnelly had to work his way up through Formula 3 before he earned his chance in the top league.
Hayes also continued to race and won a few contests before returning to F1, while Donnelly fully retired, except for an appearance in the 2015 British Touring Car Championship. Donnelly, unfortunately, never got a second chance like Hayes did, though it was wise not to race again. Most people don’t get another sH๏τ like Pitt’s character, but that’s why F1: The Movie is a movie.
