High-octane racing, adrenaline-pumping drama, and a whole lot of heart—that’s the best way to describe this film.
Before we go any further, yes, you’ll see your favourite F1 drivers and teams on screen. It’s not just about the characters; it’s about the sport. Is this the greatest racing, or even sports movie of all time? You’ll have to read this review and find out.
I can’t say I’ve always been a Formula One fan; I liked the cars and racers but I never really watched it. Recently the sport started to catch my attention, and this film has deepened that interest. This however isn’t really about the sport, but about the movie. Brad Pitt and Damson Idris play racers with contrasting views who must learn to make those differences work.
F1: The Movie isn’t just a film—it’s an experience. Every time the story takes you to the track, you feel like you’re the one racing through the track at 300 km/h and taking those sharp corners. The camera puts you in the driver’s seat, and you can’t help but mentally slam the pedal to the metal.
Visually, it rivals the best shots I’ve ever seen in a racing film, reminding me how transportive cinema can be. The movie has some of the best cinematography I’ve ever seen. That paired with Hans Zimmer’s score works like magic.
The movie was shot on location at various real life Grand Prix. Joseph Kosinski and Ehren Kruger co-wrote the screenplay, with Kosinski directing, they are the duo behind Top Gun: Maverick. If you loved that film, you’ll almost certainly love this one.
When I watch a film, I care about two things—how the story makes me feel, and how the visuals and sound pull me in. This one captured my attention on both fronts. It’s action-packed and a little wholesome at times. The movie feels like an event: fresh, yet larger than life.
Admittedly, the plot is predictable, but that isn’t a flaw. From the opening, you can guess the ending; what matters is the exhilarating middle stretch that gets you there. I know that most sports movies often hinge on an unexpected twist, but here you get exactly what you want, delivered by stellar performances from Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, Kerry Condon, and Javier Bardem.
I won’t pretend I grasped every technical detail or physics terms, but it all sounded convincing. The portrayal of the teams, the drama and drivers feel spot-on, underlining that F1 success isn’t a one- or two-person effort; dozens work together to give the driver a shot at the podium.
This movie didn’t just make me appreciate F1; it reminded me why cinema matters. It’s more than a story on a screen; it was an experience that lifted me out of my movie theatre seat and placed me in a bullet on wheels. I could see myself waving goodbye to Lewis Hamilton.
I think it’s same to say that this is one of my favourite movies of the year. And not just that, I think it’s definitely the best racing movie. If this review can’t get you to go watch F1, then I hope the 4 and half stars I give it will get you into a cinema seat. I can already see myself rewatching it.
F1: The Movie follows Sonny Hayes (Brad Pitt), a former Formula One star coaxed out of retirement to mentor a talented rookie, Joshua Pearce (Damson Idris), as they strive to save a struggling team. Blending real Grand Prix footage with themes of redemption, friendship, and high-speed drama, the film immerses viewers in the world of F1, offering an emotional and visually stunning ride.
