One of the most compelling elements of F1: The Movie, the new film from director Joseph Kosinski (Top Gun: Maverick), is how it manages to appeal to both longtime fans of Formula 1 racing and to anyone who has never even heard of the sport - the latter of which perfectly describes my viewing partner, bless her heart.
It is a high-octane drama that blends the precision of racing with the emotional weight of redemption. Brad Pitt stars as Sonny Hayes, a former Formula 1 prodigy whose career was cut short in the '90s after a devastating crash. Three decades later, Sonny lives a quiet, nomadic life as a driver-for-hire, until fate steers him back onto the world’s fastest stage.
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His former teammate, Ruben Cervantes (Javier Bardem), now owns APXGP, a bottom-tier F1 team on the brink of collapse. Desperate to keep the team alive, Ruben persuades Sonny to return to the circuit—this time not as a legend, but as a mentor and teammate to rising star Joshua Pearce (Damson Idris, Outside the Wire), a brash and gifted rookie with everything to prove.
As Sonny battles time, doubt, and physical limits, he finds himself clashing with Joshua, whose hunger to win threatens to unravel their fragile alliance. Amid the roaring engines, globe-trotting race weekends, and fierce rivalries, Sonny must confront the ghosts of his past and the cost of chasing greatness.
The film also stars Kerry Condon as Kate, the technical director of the team, responsible for the design and set-up of the car, Tobias Menzies as Peter Banning, who serves on APXGP’s board of directors, and Kim Bodnia as Kaspar Smolinski, principal for their team that hasn’t won a single point this racing season. This adrenaline-fueled film is a powerful reminder that in Formula 1, speed - as in life – isn’t everything—the heart behind the wheel is what truly drives champions.
Another of F1: The Movie’s triumphs is its commitment to authenticity. Kosinski and producer Jerry Bruckheimer went to extraordinary lengths to deliver an immersive experience by filming at real Grand Prix events. Yes, you read that right—Pitt and Idris were trained to hit speeds near 200 mph and raced alongside actual F1 legends. Those roaring engines and high-speed close-ups aren’t CGI; they’re real, and you can feel it. Every hairpin turn, every pedal push, and every tire screech pulls you directly into the high-stakes chaos of the track.
Even if you’re not a racing fan, the film’s electrifying action and behind-the-scenes look at the glitzy-yet-grueling world of Formula 1 racing will have you hooked. It doesn’t just show you the sport; it makes you feel it. If available in your area, be sure to check it out in iMax format. You won’t be disappointed..
Though about 20 minutes too long, F1: The Movie hits all the right gears. It’s fast, it’s intense, and it even has heart. Besides pushing the pedal to the metal with his good looks, Brad Pitt delivers a fantastic performance, bringing grit and vulnerability to his Sonny Hayes, while Damson Idris perfectly balances rivalry and respect. The authentic footage is absolutely breathtaking, and the emotional depth will stick with you long after the credits roll.
Whether you’re a Formula 1 aficionado, an action junkie, a Brad Pitt fan, or someone who loves a good underdog story, F1: The Movie is an absolute blast. Strap in for a cinematic ride that’s every bit as emotional as it is adrenaline-pumping fun.
MPAA Rating: PG-13.
Runtime: 155 mins
Director: Joseph Kosinski
Writer: Ehren Kruger
Cast: Brad Pitt; Damson Idris; Javier Bardem
Genre: Action | Drama
Tagline: From the Director of Top Gun: Maverick
Memorable Movie Quote: "He's flying."
Distributor: Warner Bros. and apple Films
Official Site: https://www.f1themovie.com/
Release Date: June 27, 2025
DVD/Blu-ray Release Date:
Synopsis: A Formula One driver comes out of retirement to mentor and team up with a younger driver..
