In F1 movie, director Joseph Kosinski, best known for Top Gun: Maverick, takes the blistering speed and spectacle of Formula 1 and channels it into a film that鈥檚 equal parts thrilling sports drama and human story of resilience. Anchored by a charismatic Brad Pitt, the movie offers a fascinating, if sometimes exaggerated, dive into the high-stakes world of motorsport.
Pitt plays Sonny Hayes, once Formula 1鈥檚 brightest star in the 1990s, whose career derailed after a devastating crash. Decades later, Sonny is pulled back into the paddock when the owner of APXGP, a struggling team, convinces him to race again and mentor the team鈥檚 fiery rookie, Joshua Pearce (Damson Idris). What follows is a tale of redemption, risk, and the stubborn pursuit of proving oneself on and off the track.
The film鈥檚 authenticity is one of its standout strengths. Kosinski shoots at actual Formula 1 Grands Prix, seamlessly weaving real-life race footage with dramatised sequences. Cameos from current F1 stars, including Max Verstappen, Lando Norris, Fernando Alonso, Lewis Hamilton, Carlos Sainz, and Charles Leclerc add a thrilling dose of realism. Seeing familiar faces like F1 journalist Will Buxton conducting interviews makes the film feel almost like a behind-the-scenes documentary at times.
Technically, the film tries to balance spectacle with insider detail. While the on-track sequences are exhilarating, some liberties are undeniably taken. Overtakes appear a bit too easy, dramatic pitstops feel staged (reminiscent of Ferrari鈥檚 sometimes chaotic real-life strategy mishaps), and a major plot twist where Sonny deliberately crashes to trigger a safety car, thus helping his teammate pit, would be grounds for a lifetime ban in the real sport. Yet these flourishes serve the film鈥檚 larger narrative purpose: showcasing Sonny not merely as a fallen star chasing his glory days, but as a selfless team player willing to sacrifice for the greater good.
Brad Pitt is nothing short of magnetic. At 61, he carries himself with the swagger, focus, and quiet vulnerability of a real F1 driver. In racing gear, Pitt genuinely looks the part; his wiry frame and steely expressions mirror the intense professionalism seen in drivers like Max Verstappen or Fernando Alonso. There鈥檚 even a sharp edge to Sonny鈥檚 personality, reminiscent of Verstappen鈥檚 no-nonsense media persona or the grizzled determination of Alonso, the grid鈥檚 current elder statesman.
Yet Pitt also reveals Sonny鈥檚 inner fractures. The trauma from his earlier crash haunts him, surfacing in moments of panic and introspection. Whether it鈥檚 arguing for soft tyres during a heated pitstop despite knowing they鈥檒l degrade quickly or grappling with the guilt of urging Joshua into risky moves, Pitt鈥檚 performance feels deeply authentic. It鈥檚 one of his most physically and emotionally committed roles in recent years.
Kerry Condon is a quiet powerhouse as Kate, the team鈥檚 technical director and the film鈥檚 other compelling arc. A woman navigating the harshly male-dominated world of F1 engineering, Kate faces condescension from colleagues, ex-bosses, and even her ex-husband. Her bond with Sonny is one of the film鈥檚 highlights. Two middle-aged professionals fighting to prove that time hasn鈥檛 stolen their talent or relevance. Their scenes feel intimate and true, capturing the tenderness and unspoken solidarity between two people scarred by past failures but unwilling to give up. Condon鈥檚 presence is significant because no woman has ever held the role of F1 technical director in real life, making her character a quietly radical inclusion.
Javier Bardem brings both humour and exasperation as APXGP鈥檚 embattled team owner, delivering scenes that are quirky yet emotionally grounded. Meanwhile, Damson Idris is perfectly cast as Joshua, the brash young driver intoxicated by fame and fast living. Joshua鈥檚 transformation from arrogant rookie to a team player after a horrific crash at Monza provides one of the film鈥檚 most affecting arcs.
The Monza sequence is a turning point. In a nail-biting race, Sonny pushes Joshua to overtake Verstappen on slick tyres. The gamble ends in disaster as Joshua crashes violently, his hands burned, echoing Sonny鈥檚 own tragic past.
Hans Zimmer鈥檚 pulse-pounding score adds to the adrenaline, swelling during high-speed chases and easing into tenderness during more intimate moments. A track by Blackpink鈥檚 Ros茅, unexpectedly woven into the soundtrack, gives a perfect insight into Sonny and Kate鈥檚 dynamic.
Kosinski鈥檚 direction is sleek and kinetic, even if some scenes veer into over-the-top territory. Wheel-to-wheel battles occasionally feel too clean, and pit stops play out with theatrical flourish rather than gritty realism. Yet the film鈥檚 heart is in the right place. It鈥檚 a love letter to the sport鈥檚 drama, danger and relentless pursuit of excellence. Whether it鈥檚 as good as Top Gun: Maverick is up for debate but as one of the first truly immersive feature films centred on Formula 1, it鈥檚 an earnest, exhilarating ride.
Verdict: F1 races ahead as a thrilling ode to speed, sacrifice and second chances, powered by Brad Pitt鈥檚 stellar performance and Kosinski鈥檚 immersive vision. For F1 fans and newcomers alike, it鈥檚 a cinematic podium finish.