Buckle up. F1 The Movie is poised to dominate the summer blockbuster track with the same adrenaline, charisma, and pulse-pounding action that defines Formula One itself. Directed by Joseph Kosinski (Top Gun: Maverick, Twisters), this sleek, stylish, and turbo-charged old-fashioned summer romp, is the very definition of a crowd-pleaser.
From the moment the opening scene drops you into the cockpit of a racing car at the 24 Hours of Daytona, with surround-sound fury and blistering speed, it’s clear F1 isn’t interested in a gentle introduction.
At its core, the film is driven by Brad Pitt’s performance as Sonny Hayes, a weathered, ageing racer called back to the F1 circuit for one last shot at glory with the fictional team APXGP. Pitt, effortlessly charismatic, brings gravitas and grit to the role, channelling equal parts Steve McQueen and Rocky Balboa. He’s not just chasing victory here — he’s chasing meaning, legacy and his very own redemptive arc.
He’s paired, both as a teammate and a rival, with South London-born rising star Damson Idris, who shines as Joshua Pearce, a cocky but talented rookie. Their dynamic crackles with tension, camaraderie, and that classic “old guard vs. new blood” friction. Idris more than holds his own opposite Pitt, delivering a performance that is both electric and emotionally grounded.
But make no mistake: while the characters carry emotional weight, F1 is unabashedly a “leave your brain at the door” kind of ride. Yes, there’s cheesy dialogue, melodramatic confrontations, and a few plot turns that defy logic — but none of it truly matters when the film is so shamelessly entertaining. Kosinski knows exactly what kind of movie this is and leans in with style and swagger.
The racing sequences are nothing short of astonishing. Kosinski, collaborating with real F1 teams, drivers, and circuits, crafts set pieces that are breathtakingly immersive. The line between practical stunts and digital wizardry is blurred, and frankly, who cares? Every lap, pit stop, and hairpin turn feels viscerally real. Enhanced by blistering sound design and stunning cinematography, F1 more than delivers on all fronts. Add to that Hans Zimmer’s masterful score, and you have one hell of a hit on your hands.
What elevates F1 beyond just being a popcorn hit, is its genuine respect for the sport. Cameos from real-world legends like Max Verstappen, Lewis Hamilton, and Charles Leclerc give the film an authentic flavour that fans will devour. The attention to detail — team dynamics, technical jargon, the politics of racing — adds depth without ever slowing the pace.
Kerry Condon shines as Kate McKenna, APXGP technical director and Hayes’ love interest, while Tobias Menzies makes for a brilliant comedy villain. Elsewhere Javier Bardem delivers a strong performances as Ruben Cervantes, the team’s owner and former F1 driver who is Sonny’s friend and former teammate. And yes, some of the emotional stuff is a bit on the cheesy side, but again, when the ride is this thrilling, predictability becomes part of the fun.
Clocking in at a hefty 2 hours and 35 minutes, F1 The Movie might sound like a marathon, but the pacing rarely falters. Thanks to its relentless energy, slick editing, and some great turns from all involved, the film flies by without ever feeling bloated or overstretched.
F1 The Movie knows exactly what it is: a high-octane spectacle with just enough heart, humour, and heroism to keep it from spinning out. I loved every single second of this big, dumb and sometimes, truly ridiculous movie.
