F1: The Movie has started revving its engine, ready to race into cinemas this week. With director Joseph Kosinski (Top Gun: Maverick) and legendary producer Jerry Bruckheimer (Pirates of the Caribbean franchise) behind the wheel, F1 fans are hoping this film will cross the finish line in first place – encapsulating all the drama and spectacle they come to expect from Formula 1, while paying respect to the sport they love.
I’ll be the first to admit that I know almost nothing about Formula 1. I could list about 5 drivers and couldn’t tell you much more than that. But after seeing F1: The Movie, I can now see what all the fuss is about. F1: The Movie is a pulse-pounding thrill ride that cements itself as one of the most electrifying entries in the recent wave of car-centric cinema. It has the unmistakable DNA of Top Gun: Maverick – which makes sense, given that much of the same creative crew is behind it. That signature blend of slick visuals, sharp editing, and heart-racing action carries over perfectly to the world of Formula 1.
The film stars Brad Pitt (Once Upon A Time In Hollywood) as Sonny Hayes, a former F1 driver brought out of retirement to mentor a struggling team. Pitt is effortlessly cool in the role, oozing movie-star charisma that anchors the film. Hayes is paired with the hotshot new driver Joshua Pearce (Damson Idris), which sparks a whole lot of friction when their egos clash. Their fire-and-ice chemistry brings tension and emotional weight to every shared scene, adding a layer of drama that gives the film real momentum even off the track.
But make no mistake – F1: The Movie is all about the racing. The races are breathtakingly executed, filmed with such intensity and realism that you feel like you’re in the cockpit. The editing is nothing short of phenomenal. I found myself fully believing the fictional APX GP team was genuinely competing alongside real F1 teams on circuits around the globe.
Even I appreciated the inclusion of real-life F1 drivers and coaches in cameo roles – it added authenticity without feeling gimmicky. And the global tour of F1 tracks was a delight. From Monaco to Silverstone to Suzuka, I got to see tracks from around the world and learn more about the hurdles each track offers the drivers.
Adding to the immersive experience is Hans Zimmer’s techno-infused score, which pulses beneath the action like an engine ready to explode. Combined with a smattering of 80’s rock classics, the soundtrack elevated the energy and gave the movie a nostalgic edge that fans of Top Gun: Maverick will love.
At over two and a half hours, it’s a long film – but thanks to razor-sharp pacing and well-structured race sequences, I barely noticed the runtime. It’s the perfect summer blockbuster: loud, fast, and made to be experienced on the biggest screen possible with the volume cranked all the way up.
If there’s one pit stop along the way, it’s the off-track drama. While competently acted, it often feels like filler between the jaw-dropping races. The emotional stakes don’t hit quite as hard when the characters aren’t behind the wheel.
Still, F1: The Movie delivers where it counts – with heart-pounding action, star power, and enough fuel-injected adrenaline to satisfy both casual viewers and seasoned racing fans. It’s a must-see for anyone seeking a cinematic thrill ride that doesn’t let up.
Rating 9/10
