Directed by Joseph Kosinski
The story follows Sonny Hayes, an aging American race-car driver who once competed in Formula One in the 1990s but was forced into early retirement due to a devastating crash. Years later, he's a wandering racer who lives out of his van and races in different competitions to keep himself going.
F1 is a visually spectacular and emotionally satisfying film that strikes a good balance between high-octane excitement and personal storytelling. With strong performances by Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, and Kerry Condon, the film explores themes of redemption, rivalry, and teamwork with sincerity. While it may not be flawless, especially in terms of technical accuracy and some uneven pacing, it’s still a powerful and entertaining watch. Racing fan or not, this is a ride
worth taking.
F1 (also known as F1 the Movie) is a 2025 American sports drama that combines high-speed racing with emotional storytelling. Directed by Joseph Kosinski and written by Ehren Kruger, this film brings together thrilling action and heartfelt moments. Starring Brad Pitt as a former racing legend making a surprising return to Formula One, the film also features rising star Damson Idris, alongside Kerry Condon, Javier Bardem, and Tobias Menzies. Real-life F1 driver Lewis Hamilton co-produced the film, and the FIA (Formula One's governing body) was involved in its making, adding a layer of authenticity to the entire project. The film premiered on June 16, 2025, in New York City and was released theatrically in the United States on June 27. It has received largely positive reviews for its exciting visuals and emotionally grounded story.
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The story follows Sonny Hayes, an aging American race-car driver who once competed in Formula One in the 1990s but was forced into early retirement due to a devastating crash. Years later, he's a wandering racer who lives out of his van and races in different competitions to keep himself going. After a win at the 24 Hours of Daytona, Sonny is approached by Ruben Cervantes, his former teammate and now owner of the struggling APXGP Formula One team. Cervantes offers Sonny a chance to race again in F1—not for
glory, but to save the team from collapse.
Sonny agrees and joins the team, where he meets a group of passionate but desperate individuals. Among them is Joshua Pearce, a young, skilled, and somewhat arrogant rookie who sees Sonny as a threat to his spotlight. The two drivers initially clash, but through intense competition and shared struggles, they begin to learn from each other. As the races progress, APXGP goes from being a bottom-tier team to a genuine contender, with Sonny and Pearce pushing each other to improve both on and off the track.
Just as the team begins to find its rhythm, internal politics and external challenges threaten to bring them down. Technical
director Kate McKenna faces allegations of illegal upgrades, Pearce suffers a serious crash, and Sonny’s health begins to deteriorate. Yet through all of this, the bond among the team strengthens. In a dramatic final race, Sonny makes a selfless move that helps Pearce and the team succeed. He retires for good, but not without having made an unforgettable impact. The story ends on a hopeful note, with new beginnings for both Sonny and the APXGP team. Brad Pitt plays Sonny Hayes, a washed-up but still talented former Formula One driver looking for redemption. His portrayal is filled with quiet intensity and emotional depth. Damson Idris shines as Joshua Pearce, the confident rookie who learns important
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life lessons from Sonny. Kerry Condon plays Kate McKenna, the technical director of APXGP, who becomes a key figure in both the team's success and Sonny’s personal life. Javier Bardem adds weight to the film as Ruben Cervantes, Sonny’s old friend and team owner. Tobias Menzies plays the cunning board member Peter Banning, and Kim Bodnia takes on the role of the team principal, Kaspar Smolinski. The supporting cast, including Shea Whigham, Sarah Niles, and Samson Kayo, all bring energy and authenticity to their roles.
One of the greatest strengths of F1 is its ability to blend action with emotion. The race scenes are visually stunning, with groundbreaking cinematography that puts the audience directly inside the cockpit. Every twist, turn, and crash is captured with a sense of realism and urgency that is rarely seen in racing films. Director Joseph Kosinski, known for Top Gun: Maverick, once again proves that he knows how to create spectacle without losing the emotional core.
Brad Pitt gives one of his most grounded performances in recent years. His portrayal of Sonny Hayes feels real and relatable, a man past his prime who still has something left to prove. Damson Idris matches him in energy and charisma, and their chemistry drives the film’s emotional heart. Kerry Condon’s role as Kate adds depth and strength to the narrative, and her performance stands out in scenes of both technical leadership and personal connection.
The storytelling is not just about racing—it’s about growth, redemption, legacy, and teamwork. The film offers more than just adrenaline; it gives audiences characters to care about. The visual effects, especially during the races, are remarkable and enhance the film's appeal for both fans of Formula One and casual viewers. Even if you don’t know much about the sport, the movie pulls you in with its energy and heart. While F1 delivers on many fronts, it isn’t without its flaws. For dedicated Formula One fans, some moments in the film may feel unrealistic or exaggerated. Certain race strategies and outcomes stretch the limits of what would actually happen in the real sport. These inconsistencies might be noticeable to those with deep knowledge of F1.
Additionally, some plot points feel familiar or predictable, especially for those who’ve seen similar sports dramas or racing movies like Gran Turismo. The film also tries to juggle a lot of characters and side plots, which sometimes results in less screen time for potentially interesting subplots. The chemistry between some characters, while good, occasionally lacks the emotional punch needed to elevate a few key scenes.
Despite these minor drawbacks, the film succeeds more often than it stumbles.
