F1 (2025) – Film Review: A High-Octane Triumph on and off the Track

Director: Joseph Kosinski (Top Gun: Maverick)

Writer: Ehren Kruger (Top Gun: Maverick, Transformers: Rise of the Beasts)

Cast: Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, Kerry Condon, Javier Bardem, Tobias Menzies

Production Studio: Apple Original Films, Plan B Entertainment, Jerry Bruckheimer Films, in association with Formula 1

Genre: Sports Drama / Action

Runtime: 2h 17m

Rating: ★★★★☆ (8/10) A thrilling, emotional ride worth taking on the big screen.

F1: The Movie is a high-octane sports drama that blends the blistering adrenaline of Formula 1 racing with a deeply human story. Brad Pitt stars as Sonny Hayes, a retired F1 driver making an unlikely return to the track, mentoring rookie sensation Joshua Pearce (Damson Idris) for the fictional APXGP team. With real F1 teams, drivers, and circuits integrated into the film, Joseph Kosinski delivers not just a racing spectacle, but a character-driven narrative about second chances, mentorship, and the relentless pursuit of speed.

Visceral Racing Sequences: Shot with innovative camera rigs designed to withstand the intensity of F1 speeds, the racing scenes are immersive, putting the audience directly in the cockpit. Brad Pitt’s Performance: At 61, Pitt brings gravitas and vulnerability to Sonny Hayes, balancing the bravado of a racer with the humility of a man chasing redemption. Damson Idris Breakthrough: Idris shines as the hot-headed but gifted rookie, giving the film its emotional arc. Authentic F1 Atmosphere: Cameos from Lewis Hamilton, Max Verstappen, Charles Leclerc, and other real-world drivers lend the movie rare authenticity. Kosinski’s Direction: Building on his mastery from Top Gun: Maverick, Kosinski marries cutting-edge action cinematography with heartfelt storytelling.

While F1 occasionally leans into sports-drama clichés (mentor vs. rookie tension, corporate politics), the execution is so polished it rarely feels formulaic. The film’s standout achievement is its technical realism — the partnership with Formula 1 ensures fans get a front-row seat to the sport’s speed, sound, and spectacle. The emotional beats between Pitt and Idris elevate what could have been a simple race film into a story about legacy, courage, and the human spirit behind the machine.

F1: The Movie crosses the finish line with style — a crowd-pleasing sports drama that’s as much about heart as horsepower. Whether you’re a die-hard F1 fan or just love underdog stories, this film delivers.