F1 Movie Review: Let’s be honest right out of the gate! This isn’t the most realistic portrayal of Formula 1. But then again, it’s not trying to be. F1: The Movie is Hollywood doing what Hollywood does best; polishing up reality with a glossy finish, throwing in a few slow-motion shots, and making sure Brad Pitt looks effortlessly cool in every frame.
And honestly? It works.
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Brad Pitt as Sonny Hayes: A Veteran With Miles (and Mileage)
The story begins not in Monaco or Monza, but at the Daytona 24 Hours. It’s here we’re introduced to Sonny Hayes, played with familiar charm by Brad Pitt. He’s a long in the tooth racer with a storied past; one that includes track time against legends like Senna and Prost (yes, really). Even the film knows that’s a bit of a stretch, and it leans into it. There are age jokes peppered throughout, subtle and otherwise, that acknowledge Pitt’s well-earned wrinkles without undermining the character’s credibility.
After proving he’s still got it behind the wheel, Sonny gets a second shot at glory, courtesy of an old teammate Ruben (Javier Bardem), the owner of a struggling F1 team called Apex. The team is on the verge of collapse, low on funds, low on results, and low on morale. What follows is part underdog story, part redemption arc, with a side of familiar racing movie tension thrown in for good measure.
It’s Fast, It’s Flashy, and Yes… It’s Fun
From a technical standpoint, F1: The Movie is a joyride. Director Joseph Kosinski (Top Gun: Maverick) brings a tangible sense of speed that few racing films have pulled off quite so convincingly. The trackside camera work; reportedly using a blend of iPhone sensor tech and custom Sony 6K rigs, lets you feel the chaos of cornering at 200mph.
You might find yourself gripping the armrest during some of the more intense set pieces. I caught myself leaning forward during the Silverstone scenes, trying to spot myself in the crowd (no luck, I think I was somewhere in the Red Bull hospitality).
The on-track sequences, lifted directly from the 2023 F1 season, are easily one of the film’s biggest strengths. They feel real, weighty, and dramatic without veering into Michael Bay territory.
Story Beats You’ve Seen Before, But They Still Land
If there’s a weak spot, it’s the character dynamics. The tension between Pitt’s grizzled veteran and Damson Idris’ young, hotshot teammate might feel overly familiar. It’s a trope, sure! But the execution is solid. Their chemistry works. The friction feels earned, and the performances are sharp enough to keep it engaging.
Beyond the leads, the supporting cast helps sell the world. The film includes real F1 drivers and figures without making it feel like a gimmick. If anything, these cameos add depth. They’re smartly placed nods to the longtime fans without alienating newcomers.
Balancing Hardcore Fans and Newcomers
Here’s where the film does something rather clever: it never gets too bogged down in the technical weeds. Yes, it glosses over parts of the F1 weekend (qualifying is barely mentioned), and if you’re the type who tracks Super Licence points like a hawk, you’ll need to suspend your disbelief quite a bit.
But that’s sort of the point.
This is an F1 movie for everyone. Just like Drive to Survive opened the paddock gates to new audiences, F1: The Movie wants to bring Formula 1 to the big screen in a way that feels cinematic, accessible, and most of all, fun. It succeeds.
F1 Movie Review – The Verdict
Is it perfect? No. But perfection was never the goal.
It’s loud, polished, and occasionally absurd, but also thrilling, well-acted, and, at times, surprisingly sincere. If you walk into the theatre with your “F1 brain” switched on, you’ll notice a dozen things that don’t quite line up. But if you’re willing to let that go just a little, you’ll be treated to a wildly entertaining two-hour ride.
Final Score:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
4 out of 5 stars
(Okay, if we’re being picky: 3 stars with the F1 logic filter on. But we’ll let it slide.)
This F1 Movie Review boils down to this: turn off your inner steward, grab some popcorn, and enjoy watching a fictional 11th team throw it all on the line.
F1 Movie Review Image courtesy of F1
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Get 10% off all official F1 Merch at TheRaceWorks.com using code ‘EF1‘ at checkout.