What happens when Brad Pitt, Javier Bardem, Joseph Kosinski, Jerry Bruckheimer, Hans Zimmer, and Lewis Hamilton come together for a project? The answer is F1: The Movie—a thrilling sports drama that brings Formula 1 racing to life on the big screen.
I recently watched F1 in theatres (in 2D), and I must say—it was one of the most refreshing movies I’ve seen in a long time. While most of today’s Hollywood and Bollywood releases feel repetitive, this film stands out with its gripping storytelling, immersive racing sequences, and breathtaking music.
A Fictional Story with Real Racing Flavor
One of the biggest misconceptions about F1 is that it’s based on a true story. Let me clarify—it isn’t. The film blends fiction with the real world of Formula 1. Actual F1 race footage, real circuits, and even cameos from professional drivers—including Lewis Hamilton—add authenticity.
At its heart, the story follows Sonny Hayes (Brad Pitt), a once-great driver whose career was cut short after a tragic accident. Three decades later, he makes an unlikely return to the sport, pushing himself and his team, ApexGP, to prove they still belong in the high-speed world of Formula 1.
Supporting him is Joshua Pearce (played brilliantly by a younger actor), his rookie teammate. Together, they balance experience and youthful ambition, while facing internal struggles, rivalries, and the brutal demands of the sport.
Strong Characters and Performances
-
Brad Pitt brings remarkable depth to Sonny Hayes, portraying an aging racer with resilience and passion. At 61, Pitt’s charisma and dedication to the role are undeniable.
Brad Pitt and Joshua Pierce standing together, gearing up for the Formula 1 race -
Javier Bardem shines as the ApexGP team director, caught between ambition and financial struggles.
-
Kerry Condon plays a groundbreaking female technical director, showcasing the challenges and triumphs of women in F1’s male-dominated world.
-
Tobias Menzies adds weight as a shrewd antagonist, while other supporting actors round out the film with authenticity.
The cast balances drama, humor, and intensity, making every subplot engaging.
Direction, Music & Cinematography
Directed by Joseph Kosinski (Top Gun: Maverick), the film excels in pacing and execution. Despite its two-and-a-half-hour runtime, F1 never drags—the races, emotional beats, and character arcs flow seamlessly.
The cinematography is another highlight. Using advanced camera technology (with Apple heavily involved in production), the racing shots make you feel like you’re right there in the cockpit. Every tire change, pit stop, and flag call immerses you deeper into the sport.
And then there’s Hans Zimmer. The legendary composer delivers a soundtrack that elevates every scene. His music doesn’t just accompany the film—it fuels it. At times, it gives you goosebumps; at others, it delivers an adrenaline rush that mirrors the thrill of racing itself.
Beyond Racing: Lessons & Themes
While F1 is primarily about the sport, it also delivers powerful life lessons. One line that stood out to me was Brad Pitt’s:
“Hope is not a strategy.”
This captures the essence of the film—you don’t win races or achieve greatness by hoping; you do it with preparation, teamwork, and relentless effort.
Interestingly, the movie also teaches viewers about the technical side of Formula 1. Even if, like me, you walked in knowing little about the sport, you’ll leave with an appreciation of how F1 is truly a team game—engineers, strategists, and drivers all working in unison.
Final Verdict
F1: The Movie is not just for motorsport fans—it’s for anyone who loves powerful storytelling, stellar music, and cinematic brilliance. While it may not break box office records, it will surely go down as one of the best films of 2025.
⭐ Rating: 10/10
-
Music: Outstanding
-
Direction: Flawless
-
Cinematography: Immersive
-
Storytelling: Simple yet impactful
If you can, watch it in theatres for the full experience—Hans Zimmer’s score deserves to be heard on the big screen. But even if you catch it later on Apple TV with a good sound system, you’ll still be swept into the adrenaline of Formula 1.
This isn’t just a movie—it’s a rush.