Courtesy of Warner Bros.
One of the most anticipated films of the summer, F1 is an adrenaline-charged celebration of the passion behind Formula One. Through a fictional story that mirrors the realities of the sport, the film captures both the devotion it inspires and the sacrifices required to win at the highest level of racing.
Although the main characters are fictional, they feel authentic in how they reflect the pressures, rivalries, and psychological toll faced by real Formula One teams. The story is told through two seemingly different yet internally similar protagonists: Sonny Hayes, played by the iconic Brad Pitt, and Joshua Pearce, portrayed by Damson Idris.
Courtesy of Apple TV+
Brad Pitt delivers a compelling performance as Sonny Hayes, an old-school Formula One driver with a sharp edge. Three decades earlier, he was on the verge of becoming world champion before a horrific crash nearly cost him his life. That accident sent him into a spiral of frustration and poor decisions, damaging both his career and reputation. Though he continued winning in other racing categories, he never secured a Formula One title—the ultimate dream and the lingering nightmare that continues to haunt him.
The character is not based on a real driver, yet he evokes shades of past Brad Pitt roles, particularly Cliff Booth from Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, directed by Quentin Tarantino. Sonny’s challenge is twofold: reclaim his courage behind the wheel while also “passing the torch” to his young teammate, Joshua, who is equally determined to prove himself as one of the sport’s best. Their shared pride and relentless hunger for victory ignite constant tension that threatens both their partnership and the team’s future.
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Joshua Pearce represents the ambitious new generation—a fierce competitor obsessed with making history. Like Sonny, he is driven and proud, but in his own way. When Sonny joins the team, Joshua views him as a threat to his position as the lead driver. He resists Sonny’s guidance, while Sonny himself resents the idea of racing as part of a team.
The film portrays this rivalry with gripping realism. Beneath their surface-level conflicts lies a shared love for the sport and a desire to leave a legacy. The evolution of their relationship forms the emotional core of the film and fuels its most thrilling race sequences—particularly the climactic Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The “passing of the torch” moment during that final race stands out as the film’s most powerful scene, excelling in direction, editing, and cinematography.
Courtesy of Apple TV+
The character Ruben Cervantes, played by Academy Award winner Javier Bardem, is equally significant. A longtime friend of Sonny and the owner of a struggling Formula One team, Ruben recruits Sonny to save the team from collapse after repeated failures. His character represents the administrative and corporate side of Formula One—the political maneuvering, financial pressures, internal conflicts, and even espionage that occur behind the scenes.
This film is not just about drivers and cars; it captures Formula One in its entirety—on the track and beyond it. From drivers and team owners to mechanics and even the families of racers, the film paints a comprehensive portrait of the sport.
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Technically, the cinematography and editing during race sequences are spectacular. The crashes, sharp turns, and high-speed duels make you feel as though you are inside the cockpit. That immersive sensation is clearly the filmmakers’ intention: to honor the sport and present it with the respect it deserves.
Outside the race scenes, however, the film shows some weaknesses in writing, pacing, and musical choices—especially considering that director Joseph Kosinski previously helmed Top Gun: Maverick. Certain elements also feel familiar, including the classic Hollywood trope of a charismatic hero who wins everyone over effortlessly and overcomes impossible odds without sufficient narrative justification. At times, the film leans into a predictable formula.
Courtesy of Apple TV+
Ultimately, the film will strongly appeal to motorsport enthusiasts and summer moviegoers seeking high-octane thrills. In short, it is an entertaining Hollywood spectacle that dives deep into the world of Formula One, though not without flaws that occasionally disrupt its narrative flow. My rating for the film is:
7.5/10
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