F1 Movie Review – A High-Octane Ride Worth Watching
As someone who casually follows motorsports, I went into the F1 movie with an open mind. While I’m not deeply immersed in F1 fandom, I’m familiar enough with the sport to recognize what’s realistic and what’s Hollywood dramatization. Like many sports-based films, this one takes liberties with the truth in favor of storytelling—and that’s not a bad thing if it’s done right.
Spoiler Warning: Full Movie Plot Summary Below
The film opens in sunny Florida, where we meet Sonny Hayes (played by Brad Pitt), a retired NASCAR driver who wins what may be his final race. Shortly after his victory, Sonny stumbles upon a flyer advertising a struggling Formula One team that’s desperate for a new driver. He reconnects with an old friend and former team principal, Kerry Condon’s character (name TBD), who convinces him this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to return to competitive racing—this time on an international stage.
Sonny reluctantly agrees and flies overseas to join the underdog F1 team known as APXGP. The team is teetering on the edge of collapse, with the board ready to shut them down unless they start winning. Enter Joshua Pearce (played by Damson Idris), a talented but arrogant young driver who sees Sonny as a washed-up liability. Their initial chemistry is tense, filled with ego clashes and mutual distrust. Sonny feels undermined by the younger driver, while Joshua worries Sonny’s presence will make him seem less credible.
Over the course of the film, the two are forced to work together. Through training, setbacks, near crashes, and emotional growth, they develop mutual respect and eventually a solid friendship. It’s a classic mentor-student story arc that highlights teamwork, humility, and redemption.
What I appreciated most was the film’s attention to detail when it came to the behind-the-scenes F1 team members. The engineers, pit crew, and strategists were well-written and added depth to the film. One standout character is the female lead engineer (played by Sarah Niles), who worked her way up through grit, brilliance, and dedication. However, I did take issue with a romantic subplot involving her and another character that felt completely unnecessary. The one-night stand added nothing to the story and diminished her otherwise powerful arc. This moment seemed like a forced inclusion and detracted from the film’s professionalism.
That aside, the movie excelled in other areas. The cinematography, particularly during the race scenes, was breathtaking—especially in IMAX. The racing sequences were immersive, fast-paced, and adrenaline-pumping. One of the best moments in the film was the commentary during the races, which added humor and excitement, grounding the viewer in the chaos of an F1 event while still being entertaining.
The music and score also elevated the action. Every track fit perfectly, enhancing key emotional beats without being overbearing. The production quality overall was top-tier and reflected the high-stakes world of Formula One.
Final Thoughts
Is the F1 movie 100% accurate? No. But it doesn’t have to be. It’s a story about redemption, resilience, and teamwork wrapped in a high-speed thrill ride. If you’re a die-hard F1 purist, you might find the creative liberties frustrating. But for casual fans or anyone who loves a good underdog sports movie, it’s a solid watch.
I would absolutely watch it again—and I recommend catching it in IMAX if you can. Whether you’re there for the drama, the action, or just some popcorn entertainment, the F1 movie delivers a smooth ride.
Rating: 8/10
Would I watch again? Yes.
Recommended for: F1 fans, sports drama lovers, fans of Brad Pitt or Damson Idris, and anyone who enjoys a comeback story.
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