Review: ‘F1’ is Sure to Please Both Film & Racing Fans Alike

Written by Isabella Baute Arboleda

The new movie F1 brings authentic racing to the big screen like never before. Starring Brad Pitt and featuring the assistance of real F1 drivers, along with genuine tracks and specially modified cars, this film comes with high expectations. Directed by Joseph Kosinski (Top Gun: Maverick) and produced by Lewis Hamilton, a seven-time F1 world champion, their goal was to create a genuine experience that combines real racing with authentic emotion.

The story follows Sonny Hayes (Brad Pitt), a former Formula 1 driver who retired in the 1990s after a serious crash on the track. When people see Sonny, they think of someone who lost his shot at success. Over the years, he has participated in various races—including Daytona and rallies—and even worked as a New York taxi driver. After three failed marriages and struggling with a gambling addiction, Sonny finds himself living a life far removed from who he once was.

However, after three decades, his old friend Ruben (Javier Bardem), who owns a struggling F1 team called APXGP, persuades him to make a comeback. Sonny faces numerous challenges, including confronting his past, adapting to a new team, and navigating a new era of racing. He teams up with Joshua Pearce (Damson Idris), a young and ambitious driver. Together, they must overcome their differences and collaborate to ensure the survival of their team, which must win at least one race before the end of the season to avoid being sold.

Throughout the movie, audiences will experience the adrenaline rush of racing, the thrill of competition, and the excitement that surrounds Formula 1. The film explains the inner workings of the sport in a way that is accessible even to those who are not fans of F1, detailing how every second counts toward victory, the timing of tire changes, and how to strategically use the rules to win. It emphasizes that achieving success is not just about the car, but also about having a strong team with a strategic driver. Sonny brings his extensive experience to the team, and despite his age, he works to form a partnership with the younger Joshua. Although they initially clash, they share a common goal: to win.

In terms of the races, this movie is unlike any other, featuring actual F1 racing footage that provides an authentic racing experience. Viewers are immersed in the atmosphere of a packed stadium, capturing the energy of Formula 1. The filmmakers had just 10 to 15 minutes for each shot during real races, and used enhanced versions of iPhone cameras that fit into broadcasting pods, allowing them to capture high-quality images. They also used real F2 cars specifically prepared for the movie and had Brad Pitt and Damson Idris drive them. As Kosinski stated, “We actually bought six F2 race cars and collaborated with Mercedes AMG, the Formula 1 team, and their engineers to create real race cars that could carry our camera equipment, recorders, and transmitters for making this film.” 

This is one of the best film projects connected to a real sport in recent memory. The sport has gained a lot of fans over the years, and F1 could bring even more. It mixes the action of the sport with the drama of Hollywood by offering something that both fans of the sport and fans of the movies can enjoy.

F1 is currently playing in theaters.