F1, the Movie Review: Lots of Action, Emotion...and More Action!

Released in June 2025, F1 is a blockbuster directed by Joseph Kosinski (known for Top Gun: Maverick) and stars Brad Pitt as veteran driver Sonny Hayes. The movie was filmed across several real stages of the 2023 Formula 1 calendar, with scenes captured directly in the paddocks, garages, and circuits using IMAX cameras installed on real cars. The goal was bold: to blend fiction with the authentic backdrop of the world’s fastest sport.

For fans of the sport, there's a special bonus. Max Verstappen, Charles Leclerc, Lewis Hamilton (who also serves as a producer), and other drivers from the 2023 season make appearances that help create an immersive and electrifying atmosphere. Team principals, engineers, stewards, and even journalists from the paddock also feature on screen, further blurring the boundary between cinema and sports reality.

In F1, a veteran Formula 1 driver comes out of retirement to mentor his young teammate. Produced by seven-time Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton, the film follows legendary driver Sonny Hayes (Brad Pitt), who is persuaded to return to racing to support Joshua Pearce (Damson Idris), the rookie talent of the fictional ApexGP team.

Determined to take risks, Sonny devises a strategy to make the team victorious. For this, he needs the support of the technical crew and influential figures in the sport, showing that races are about more than just the twists and turns of the circuits.

The film features real Formula 1 drivers and was shot during the British Grand Prix.

Check out the official trailer below:

Positive Points

Time praises the synergy between Joseph Kosinski’s direction and Brad Pitt’s acting, stating that the film “balances emotional depth with thrilling race sequences shot at real F1 events.” They call it a work “perfectly tailored to Brad Pitt.”

According to Pitchfork/The Pitch, the director skillfully uses his dynamic visual style to create an accessible experience, even for non-racing fans: “F1 alternates between spectacular IMAX action and intimate character moments,” despite relying on familiar tropes.

Time Out gave it four stars, describing the film as a “full-throttle triumph” and an “audiovisual spectacle” with engaging chemistry between Pitt and Idris. The pacing was also praised, even though it leans on clichés.

Filmfare highlights the authenticity provided by Lewis Hamilton’s involvement as producer and the energy of its characters: “Claudio Miranda’s cinematography is magical” and “Sonny Hayes’ chaotic strategies create palpable tension.”

Negative Points

The Times (UK) labeled it “the cheesiest and most ridiculous sports movie to date,” criticizing it as “a long-form F1 advertisement with shallow narrative depth,” filled with stereotypes and weak dialogue.

The Independent called F1 a hollow version of Top Gun: Maverick, with an arrogant protagonist and a predictable script that fails to capture the complexity of the real sport.

The Khaleej Times remarked that the movie is “fast and cinematic, but the script feels clunky, laden with excessive logos, and overly predictable.”

South China Morning Post mentioned the film’s “formulaic drama” and noted that, while visually stunning, it overuses sports genre clichés.

Autocar India criticized the movie for its “predictable script and underdeveloped characters,” especially given Formula 1’s close partnership in its production.

F1 is an action-packed racing movie that leans heavily on spectacle rather than striving to capture the realism of Formula 1. It’s not based on real events, nor does it delve into the technical intricacies of competition. Honestly, it’s hard to believe a driver Brad Pitt’s age, however charismatic, could realistically compete against the physically prime young stars of the genre.

The intent here is different: to craft an engaging cinematic experience, showcasing electrifying races and a charismatic protagonist whose on-screen presence keeps audiences hooked.

Despite a carefully constructed setting, including cameos from stars such as Max Verstappen, Charles Leclerc, and Lewis Hamilton himself, F1 revolves entirely around Sonny Hayes. Brad Pitt remains captivating even after decades in Hollywood. His performance brings emotional depth to a character navigating between his legacy and the thrill of racing again.

The movie certainly indulges in clichés: the seasoned veteran driver mentoring the eager rookie, the improbable return, and the motivational speeches. But these are not unique flaws of F1. Most action movies depend on such formulas, and what separates a good one from the rest is how effectively it uses these elements. Here, the clichés seem to work. While the script doesn’t break new ground, it delivers polished scenes, relatable characters, and compelling pacing.

One of the movie’s most successful elements is the mounting tension in its climactic races. Viewers will find themselves asking: will Sonny survive? Is this the end? While it’s clear we’re watching a fictional narrative, the film effectively draws genuine emotional engagement from its audience.

At the end of the story, Sonny decides to leave Formula 1 once more, even after overcoming his fears and rediscovering his love for the sport. He bids farewell and walks away, leaving us questioning: why?

The next scene shows him joining a desert race featuring massive cars, with a wide smile and sharp negotiation skills.

He looks happy, content. But if he was chasing the “unmatched sensation” of racing, the one felt during those last moments on track… why did he leave Formula 1?

Perhaps the film urges us to reflect on embracing new challenges and savoring life’s moments. Switching to different types of races might be what drives Sonny to keep going. At one point, he openly states that he no longer seeks recognition or glory, and that his passion for racing comes from the simple joy of it.

Maybe he grew tired of being tied to a single organization, racing daily with the same team and people. Perhaps he has grown accustomed to solitude and finds freedom in exploring new experiences—or perhaps, in a way, he chases a sense of connection to his late brother.

It’s possible he realized that Formula 1 doesn’t define his identity. Now free from his past fears, he’s ready to move forward with uninhibited freedom.

F1 offers a visually stunning and adrenaline-filled cinematic journey, making it a great option for fans and casual viewers alike.

While it might fall short for those looking for deep emotional storytelling or uncompromising accuracy in depicting the world of Formula 1, it perfectly delivers on action and excitement.

Well, that’s it from me. I hope you enjoyed F1 as much as I did!