The recently released F1 movie, directed by Joseph Kosinski (Top Gun: Maverick), has roared onto the big screen, promising an adrenaline-fueled dive into the world of Formula 1 racing.
As a blend of high-speed action, drama, and star power, the film aims to capture both the thrill of the sport and the human stories behind it.
But does it cross the finish line as a champion, or does it spin out under its own ambition? Here’s my take.
The Plot: A Familiar Yet Gripping Lap
F1 follows Sonny Hayes (played by Brad Pitt), a veteran driver pulled out of retirement to mentor a promising young racer, Joshua Pearce (Damson Idris), on the fictional APXGP team.
Set against the backdrop of real Formula 1 circuits, the story weaves themes of redemption, rivalry, and the relentless pursuit of perfection.
The plot isn’t revolutionary—think Days of Thunder meets Ford v Ferrari—but it’s executed with enough heart and horsepower to keep you hooked.
The film leans heavily on the mentor-protégé dynamic, with Pitt’s grizzled charisma balancing Idris’s raw intensity.
Supporting performances from Kerry Condon as the team’s engineer and Javier Bardem as the fiery team principal add depth, though some characters feel like pit stops rather than fully fleshed-out players.
The Good: Pedal to the Metal
Kosinski’s direction is the film’s turbo boost. The racing sequences are breathtaking, filmed with IMAX cameras that put you in the driver’s seat.
From Monaco’s tight corners to Silverstone’s sweeping straights, every race feels visceral, with engine roars and tire screeches practically vibrating through the theater. The cinematography, paired with Hans Zimmer’s pulsating score, captures the sport’s intensity without overwhelming the senses.
The authenticity is another high point. Filmed with the cooperation of Formula 1, the movie features real tracks, teams (in a fictionalized context), and even cameos from drivers like Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen.
This grounding in reality makes the stakes feel higher, even if the story takes some creative liberties.
Pitt delivers a solid performance, bringing gravitas to a character who’s both haunted by past crashes and driven by unfinished business.
Idris holds his own, portraying Pearce’s hunger for glory with a mix of arrogance and vulnerability. Their chemistry keeps the quieter moments engaging, even when the script veers into cliché.
The Not-So-Good: A Few Bumps in the Road
While F1 excels in spectacle, the story occasionally stalls. The screenplay, co-written by Ehren Kruger, leans on predictable sports movie tropes—rivalries resolved too neatly, motivational speeches that feel recycled, and a romantic subplot that never quite shifts gears.
Some side characters, like a rival driver played by a underutilized Toby Kebbell, get lost in the exhaust fumes, leaving you wanting more depth.
The film also glosses over some of the sport’s complexities. Technical aspects like car setups or race strategies are simplified for mainstream appeal, which might disappoint hardcore F1 fans looking for deeper insight.
Additionally, at 2 hours and 17 minutes, the runtime feels slightly bloated, with a few pit-lane scenes that could’ve been trimmed for pace.
F1 Movie Trailer
The Verdict: A Podium Finish
F1 isn’t a perfect lap, but it’s a thrilling ride that captures the essence of Formula 1’s speed and stakes. It’s a love letter to the sport, blending heart-pounding action with just enough emotional weight to keep you invested.
Fans of Drive to Survive or motorsport in general will find plenty to cheer for, while casual viewers will enjoy the slick visuals and star-driven drama.
Rating: 8/10
If you’re looking for a cinematic joyride, F1 delivers. Just don’t expect it to reinvent the wheel. Grab some popcorn, buckle up, and enjoy the race.
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