How to Unlock Brad Pitt in F1 25: Play as Sonny Hayes in the Ultimate Racing Crossover
The F1 25 video game has taken the gaming and motorsport world by storm, not only for its updated gameplay mechanics and visuals but for its unexpected cinematic twist: the addition of Brad Pitt as a playable character. Yes, the Oscar-winning actor appears in-game as “Sonny Hayes,” the fictional racing legend he portrays in the upcoming Formula 1 film set to hit theaters in June 2025.
This is more than a celebrity cameo—it’s a groundbreaking fusion of Hollywood storytelling and interactive racing simulation. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about Brad Pitt’s character in F1 25, who Sonny Hayes is, and most importantly—how to unlock and race as him.
Who Is Sonny Hayes in F1 25?
To understand why this character is such a big deal, you have to look beyond the game itself. Sonny Hayes is the central character in the Formula 1 movie F1, produced by Jerry Bruckheimer and co-produced by seven-time F1 world champion Lewis Hamilton. The movie is directed by Joseph Kosinski, best known for Top Gun: Maverick, and aims to present one of the most authentic racing dramas ever put to screen.
In the film, Sonny Hayes is a seasoned F1 driver pulled out of retirement to mentor a promising rookie, Joshua Pearce (played by Damson Idris). Together, they represent the fictional APXGP team, a struggling outfit looking for a comeback. Hayes is gritty, experienced, and driven—a blend of old-school skill and modern intensity.
His story, though fictional, mirrors many real-world legends of the sport. And now, thanks to EA Sports and Codemasters, you can step into his shoes on the virtual track.
Why Brad Pitt in F1 25 Matters
This isn’t just about name-dropping a Hollywood star. The inclusion of Brad Pitt as Sonny Hayes marks a rare convergence between blockbuster cinema and AAA gaming. This level of media crossover blurs the lines between narrative and simulation, offering fans a deeper, more immersive experience. It also shows Formula 1’s commitment to broadening its audience through pop culture.
Whether you’re a hardcore gamer, an F1 enthusiast, or a cinephile, there’s something uniquely thrilling about playing as a character portrayed by Brad Pitt—complete with his voice acting, mannerisms, and even exclusive cutscenes tied to the film.
How to Unlock Brad Pitt’s Character in F1 25
Let’s break down the different methods you can use to unlock Sonny Hayes in F1 25. EA Sports has built in multiple paths to accommodate both casual players and completionists.
1. Complete the Full “Braking Point” Story Mode
“Braking Point” is F1 25’s flagship narrative campaign. This mode returns after a brief hiatus, and it’s more cinematic than ever. You’ll step into the lives of fictional drivers, tackle dramatic rivalries, and navigate team politics. Hidden within this journey is your path to unlocking Sonny Hayes.
Here’s how it works:
- Complete the main storyline (approximately 6-8 hours of gameplay).
- Choose specific decision branches that reference APXGP or align with Hayes’ legacy.
- Upon successful completion, you’ll unlock Sonny Hayes as a playable driver, along with his custom suit, helmet, and the APXGP team car.
This method rewards players who want the full backstory and experience. It also acts as an indirect tie-in to the upcoming movie.
2. Dominate APXGP Limited-Time Challenges
Throughout the game’s launch months, EA Sports is rolling out limited-time events under the banner of “APXGP Challenges.” These are special races that feature cars, liveries, and conditions drawn directly from the film.
To unlock Hayes via this route:
- Access the “Live Events” section from the game’s main menu.
- Participate in all APXGP-branded races.
- Accumulate enough XP or Challenge Points (CP) to unlock cinematic bonuses.
- Once your CP hits a certain milestone, the Sonny Hayes character becomes available.
This approach is perfect for players who enjoy time trials and leaderboards. You’ll also unlock unique cosmetics like the APXGP pit crew attire and car liveries.
3. Purchase the F1 25 Movie Edition or Deluxe Pack
If you want instant access without grinding through game modes, purchasing the “F1 25 Movie Edition” or the Digital Deluxe version is your best bet. This edition includes:
- Instant unlock of Sonny Hayes and Joshua Pearce
- The APXGP garage and car liveries
- Voice lines and cinematics pulled straight from the film
- Exclusive intro cutscene narrated by Brad Pitt
For fans of both F1 and cinema, this premium bundle offers maximum immersion. Prices vary by region, but many players find the added value worth the investment.
What Makes Racing as Sonny Hayes Unique?
So, what happens once you finally unlock Sonny Hayes?
Racing as Hayes offers more than just a skin swap. Here’s what sets him apart:
A Distinct Driving Profile
Unlike real-world drivers like Lewis Hamilton or Max Verstappen, Hayes has a fictional but highly detailed racing profile. He’s optimized for:
- High-risk overtaking
- Superior tire management
- Tactical braking in wet weather
Custom Vehicle – The APXGP Machine
The APXGP car is designed as a hybrid of multiple real-world F1 vehicles but features:
- A bold black-and-gold livery
- Enhanced aerodynamics in the game
- Custom engine sound effects inspired by the movie’s audio design
Cinematic Animations and Audio
Hayes has unique podium animations, victory celebrations, and even in-race audio commentary, making every lap feel like a scene from a movie. The voice acting by Brad Pitt enhances the realism, with quips and motivational shouts triggered during intense race moments.
Tips to Master Racing as Sonny Hayes
If you’re planning to take Hayes to the top of the leaderboard, here are some performance tips:
1. Master Brake Control
Hayes’ signature style is aggressive yet controlled braking. In tight corners like Monaco’s hairpin or Silverstone’s Abbey turn, learn to use early braking for tactical overtakes.
2. Conserve Tires
His setup favors tire longevity. Avoid oversteering and use medium compounds to extend your stints.
3. Race in Dynamic Weather
Hayes’ profile gives slight bonuses in wet conditions. If you enjoy racing in unpredictable weather, use his build for advantage in rain-affected circuits.
Why This Collaboration Matters for the Future of Gaming
The inclusion of a fictional movie character—played by a real-life Hollywood icon—in a simulation racing game is groundbreaking. It points toward a future where games and films don’t just promote each other—they share characters, assets, and lore.
Other studios are likely watching closely. Could we see Tom Cruise’s Top Gun character in a future flight sim? Or Keanu Reeves’ John Wick in a tactical shooter? With the success of Brad Pitt’s integration in F1 25, the possibilities are limitless.
What the Community Thinks
The F1 gaming community has largely embraced the addition. Reddit threads, YouTube playthroughs, and Twitch streams have celebrated the depth and polish of Hayes’ character. Some fans speculate that APXGP could become a permanent fictional team in future F1 games or even serve as the foundation for a spinoff series.
Meanwhile, Formula 1 purists have praised the respectful execution—nothing about Hayes feels gimmicky. In fact, many appreciate how it brings a new audience to the sport.
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth Unlocking Brad Pitt in F1 25?
Absolutely. Whether you’re a die-hard F1 fan or just love the idea of racing as Brad Pitt, unlocking Sonny Hayes adds another layer to the already deep F1 25 experience.
You get:
- A Hollywood-quality story integration
- A beautifully designed fictional team
- New challenges and gameplay modes
- A unique way to celebrate the sport’s cinematic future
Brad Pitt’s Sonny Hayes isn’t just a novelty—he’s a love letter to F1’s enduring appeal and a glimpse into how storytelling will shape the future of sports gaming.