Inside APXGP’s Swift Creation: F1 Movie Team with Designer Julian Day

Julian Day, a renowned costume designer, faced a unique challenge while creating uniforms for APXGP, a fictional Formula 1 team featured in the upcoming movie, F1 The Movie. With a timeline of only a few months, Day was tasked with designing a complete team kit that would stand out during the 2023 and 2024 Grand Prix seasons.

Designing a Formula 1 Team

Unlike actual F1 teams, which often undergo years of branding and uniform development, Day had to rapidly conceptualize an authentic look for APXGP. He worked closely with OMP, an Italian racewear manufacturer affiliated with Aston Martin, to create multiple racing suit designs. The chosen design featured a distinctive silver-white color, which struck a balance between aesthetic appeal and visibility against the dark hues of the APXGP car.

The Collaborators

Feedback from key figures in the film, including stars Brad Pitt and Damson Idris and director Joe Kosinski, played a crucial role in finalizing the team’s appearance. Day recalls a pivotal moment during a fitting with Pitt, where a silvery grey suit emerged as a favorite option among the team.

Racing Suit Authenticity

To ensure realism, all racing suits were crafted with OMP’s advanced fireproofing technology, including the FIA-approved ONE-S suit. Day navigated the complexities of sponsorship placements, understanding that even minor logo adjustments could have significant financial implications for the film’s production.

• Precision in logo sizes is crucial for sponsorship deals.
• Changes in sponsor branding were made during filming.

Creating Distinctive Team Gear

Day drew inspiration for the pit crew uniforms from the Mercedes team’s color scheme. The all-black attire not only provided a sleek look but also ensured the drivers were visually prominent during race scenes. Day utilized the latest thin but fireproof fabrics from OMP to enhance the visual and functional quality of the uniforms.

Meticulous Attention to Detail

Creating realistic racing gear required careful attention to every detail. Day’s team ensured that all equipment, from helmets to racing boots, met professional standards. Modifications were necessary for camera visibility and actor comfort. Day emphasized the importance of these small details in achieving a convincing portrayal of F1 racing.

Innovative Fan Engagement

To build a fanbase for the non-existent APXGP, the costume department created merchandise that mimicked the look of genuine team apparel. Day explained that they distributed caps and t-shirts at races, gradually adding fans as the fictional team’s story progressed.

Filming Challenges and Achievements

Filming for F1 The Movie was unique, often conducted during live Grand Prix weekends in 2023 and 2024, with support from FIA and Formula 1. Key locations included races in Hungary, Silverstone, and Monza. Day highlighted the unprecedented access granted to the production, describing it as a rare accomplishment in filmmaking. This collaboration allowed for authentic integration into the racing schedule.

The Impact of F1 The Movie

Launched in June 2025, F1 The Movie received both critical acclaim and commercial success. Day’s work has significantly influenced current F1 fan culture. The Tommy Hilfiger APXGP capsule collection has gained popularity among fans, blending streetwear with racing aesthetics, enhancing their identities during Grand Prix weekends.

Overall, Julian Day’s efforts in crafting the APXGP team kit have not only created a stylish representation for the film but have also inspired a shift in racing fashion. As F1 The Movie streams on Apple TV+, fans are excited to showcase their APXGP merchandise, celebrating the intersection of sport and style.