An exciting new chapter in the world of motorsport has unfolded with the release of the film F1: The Movie, which hit cinema screens globally on June 25. This film has generated considerable buzz not only for its thrilling portrayal of a fictional Formula 1 team, APXGP, but also for featuring talented individuals from the racing community.

Among them is Luciano Bacheta, a skilled racing driver and stunt driver hailing from Brentwood, Essex. Bacheta's role in the film is particularly noteworthy as he plays the non-speaking part of Luca Cortez, the reserve driver for the fictional team. In a recent interview with BBC Essex, he shared his astonishing experience of working alongside Hollywood superstar Brad Pitt, who stars in the film. Bacheta said, "That was wild, I was sat next to Brad... and I was thinking, 'What on earth is going on in my life right now?'" This surreal moment reflects the kind of unexpected twists that life can take.

Prior to his acting role, Bacheta had established himself as a formidable competitor in the FIA Formula Two Championship from 2011 to 2012. His rich background in racing and stunt driving paved the way for his involvement in F1: The Movie. Interestingly, he had previously appeared in Mission Impossible 5, showcasing his versatility and talent in the world of stunt driving.

Initially, Bacheta was approached to serve as a stunt driver, but his role quickly expanded. He explained, "It was really weird because I did not think I was going to end up in the film at all." What began as a simple stunt driving gig transformed into a comprehensive involvement that included choreography, designing action sequences, and even coaching cast members on the intricacies of racing.

His close collaboration with Brad Pitt allowed him to share valuable insights about the sport, and as filming progressed, Bacheta found himself mentoring Pitt on the art of becoming a racing driver. "By the end of shooting the film, Pitt was actually racing with him," Bacheta revealed. His admiration for the actor is evident as he said, "He's great, I've worked so closely with him. At the beginning, I was super struck as I always am. By the end of it, it was just like a pleasure to work with him - it was like we're mates." This camaraderie highlights not only Bacheta’s skill but also his ability to connect with high-profile personalities within the film industry.

As audiences flock to cinemas to watch F1: The Movie, the excitement surrounding Bacheta’s role and his unique experiences serves as a reminder of the deep connections between sports and film, as well as the extraordinary stories that arise when these worlds collide.