Formula One pro Lewis Hamilton was left impressed by Brad Pitt's natural driving talent on the set of the new movie F1, according to director Joseph Kosinski.

In an exclusive chat with PEOPLE, Kosinski revealed that Hamilton, who co-produced and appears in the sports drama, praised Pitt for his hands-on approach to his stunts. "I had Lewis Hamilton drive with Brad right at the beginning to kind of see his level of skill," says Kosinski. "And Lewis was really impressed that Brad kind of had that talent right out of the gate."

Pitt, 61, and co-star Damson Idris, 33, trained for four months to get up to speed for their roles in the film. "They both trained for four months – really intense training to get up to the level they needed to shoot this movie," explains Kosinski.

The film, which revs into theaters on Friday, June 27, follows retired racer Sonny Hayes (Pitt) who returns to Formula One in a fictional team, alongside rookie teammate Joshua Pierce (Idris).

Kosinski praises Pitt and Idris as "natural athletes," crediting Pitt's "years of riding motorcycles" for giving him "a feel for the car" in F1. "We had the best drivers in the world around him, training him. He had been on the simulator. So we did everything the right way," Kosinski adds.

But it was Pitt's willingness to get behind the wheel that impressed Kosinski the most. "We had to tear him out of the car once filming wrapped," the director jokes. "He just loved it. [Brad and Damson] both had the best time."

Check out the exclusive photos from the film below:

Read more about F1 and pick up the latest issue of PEOPLE, on newsstands Friday.

• Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom Call It Quits After 9 Years Together
• Tight End University: The Ultimate NFL Event Founded by Travis Kelce and Friends