F1 Movie Review: In F1 movie, director Joseph Kosinski, best known for Top Gun: Maverick, takes the blistering speed and spectacle of Formula 1 and channels it into a film that’s equal parts thrilling sports drama and human story of resilience. Anchored by a charismatic Brad Pitt, the movie offers a fascinating, if sometimes exaggerated, dive into the high-stakes world of motorsport.
Pitt plays Sonny Hayes, once Formula 1’s brightest star in the 1990s, whose career derailed after a devastating crash. Decades later, Sonny is pulled back into the paddock when the owner of APXGP, a struggling team, convinces him to race again and mentor the team’s fiery rookie, Joshua Pearce (Damson Idris). What follows is a tale of redemption, risk, and the stubborn pursuit of proving oneself on and off the track.
The film’s authenticity is one of its standout strengths. Kosinski shoots at actual Formula 1 Grands Prix, seamlessly weaving real-life race footage with dramatised sequences. Cameos from current F1 stars, including Max Verstappen, Lando Norris, Fernando Alonso, Lewis Hamilton, Carlos Sainz, and Charles Leclerc add a thrilling dose of realism. Seeing familiar faces like F1 journalist Will Buxton conducting interviews makes the film feel almost like a behind-the-scenes documentary at times.
Technically, the film tries to balance spectacle with insider detail. While the on-track sequences are exhilarating, some liberties are undeniably taken. Overtakes appear a bit too easy, dramatic pitstops feel staged (reminiscent of Ferrari’s sometimes chaotic real-life strategy mishaps), and a major plot twist where Sonny deliberately crashes to trigger a safety car, thus helping his teammate pit, would be grounds for a lifetime ban in the real sport. Yet these flourishes serve the film’s larger narrative purpose: showcasing Sonny not merely as a fallen star chasing his glory days, but as a selfless team player willing to sacrifice for the greater good.
Brad Pitt is nothing short of magnetic. At 61, he carries himself with the swagger, focus, and quiet vulnerability of a real F1 driver. In racing gear, Pitt genuinely looks the part; his wiry frame and steely expressions mirror the intense professionalism seen in drivers like Max Verstappen or Fernando Alonso. There’s even a sharp edge to Sonny’s personality, reminiscent of Verstappen’s no-nonsense media persona or the grizzled determination of Alonso, the grid’s current elder statesman.
Yet Pitt also reveals Sonny’s inner fractures. The trauma from his earlier crash haunts him, surfacing in moments of panic and introspection. Whether it’s arguing for soft tyres during a heated pitstop despite knowing they’ll degrade quickly or grappling with the guilt of urging Joshua into risky moves, Pitt’s performance feels deeply authentic. It’s one of his most physically and emotionally committed roles in recent years.
Kerry Condon is a quiet powerhouse as Kate, the team’s technical director and the film’s other compelling arc. A woman navigating the harshly male-dominated world of F1 engineering, Kate faces condescension from colleagues, ex-bosses, and even her ex-husband. Her bond with Sonny is one of the film’s highlights. Two middle-aged professionals fighting to prove that time hasn’t stolen their talent or relevance. Their scenes feel intimate and true, capturing the tenderness and unspoken solidarity between two people scarred by past failures but unwilling to give up. Condon’s presence is significant because no woman has ever held the role of F1 technical director in real life, making her character a quietly radical inclusion.
Javier Bardem brings both humour and exasperation as APXGP’s embattled team owner, delivering scenes that are quirky yet emotionally grounded. Meanwhile, Damson Idris is perfectly cast as Joshua, the brash young driver intoxicated by fame and fast living. Joshua’s transformation from arrogant rookie to a team player after a horrific crash at Monza provides one of the film’s most affecting arcs.
The Monza sequence is a turning point. In a nail-biting race, Sonny pushes Joshua to overtake Verstappen on slick tyres. The gamble ends in disaster as Joshua crashes violently, his hands burned, echoing Sonny’s own tragic past.
Hans Zimmer’s pulse-pounding score adds to the adrenaline, swelling during high-speed chases and easing into tenderness during more intimate moments. A track by Blackpink’s Rosé, unexpectedly woven into the soundtrack, gives a perfect insight into Sonny and Kate’s dynamic.
Kosinski’s direction is sleek and kinetic, even if some scenes veer into over-the-top territory. Wheel-to-wheel battles occasionally feel too clean, and pit stops play out with theatrical flourish rather than gritty realism. Yet the film’s heart is in the right place. It’s a love letter to the sport’s drama, danger and relentless pursuit of excellence. Whether it’s as good as Top Gun: Maverick is up for debate but as one of the first truly immersive feature films centred on Formula 1, it’s an earnest, exhilarating ride.
Verdict: F1 races ahead as a thrilling ode to speed, sacrifice and second chances, powered by Brad Pitt’s stellar performance and Kosinski’s immersive vision. For F1 fans and newcomers alike, it’s a cinematic podium finish.
