Hollywood has long flirted with motorsport, but with F1 The Movie, the highly anticipated film from director Joseph Kosinski (Top Gun: Maverick) and starring Brad Pitt and Damson Idris, the genre receives a sleek and pulse-pounding update that aims to capture the brutal beauty of Formula One racing. With the full support of Formula 1 and a production team that includes seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, F1 isn’t just another racing movie—it’s a love letter to the pinnacle of motorsport.

F1 The Movie is a Comeback Story on the World Stage

F1 The Movie centers on veteran driver Sonny Hayes (Brad Pitt), a once-revered racer pulled out of retirement to mentor rising star Joshua Pearce (Damson Idris). Together, they compete for APXGP, a fictional eleventh team in the Formula One grid, fighting not only the competition on track but also the political and personal pressures that define elite motorsport. The story weaves a balance of technical detail, emotional stakes, and competitive spirit, all set against the thunderous backdrop of real Grand Prix weekends, with scenes filmed live during the 2023 and 2024 F1 seasons.

Pitt brings rugged gravitas to Hayes—a man shaped by loss, ambition, and an undying love for speed—while Idris gives a breakthrough performance as Pearce, a young, hungry talent with both vulnerability and fire. Supporting roles from real-life drivers, teams, and circuits lend authenticity to the production, and the film manages to respect the sport’s traditions while crafting its own fictional narrative.

Where F1 The Movie Stalls

Despite its many strengths, F1 The Movie isn’t without its shortcomings. There are areas where the film could have pulled ahead more confidently.

Character Depth Beyond the Duo: While Pitt and Idris anchor the film well, secondary characters—team principals, engineers, rivals—often feel underwritten. A richer ensemble could have added more texture to the paddock politics and behind-the-scenes drama.

Gloss Over Grit: Though the racing sequences are visually stunning, the film occasionally leans too heavily into stylized cinematography, sometimes at the expense of raw realism. A grittier, documentary-style approach—similar to what Rush or Senna offered—could have added even more emotional heft.

Simplification of Technical Nuance: In aiming for mainstream appeal, F1 The Movie occasionally sacrifices technical accuracy or depth, missing opportunities to educate curious viewers about what truly sets Formula One apart. A few deeper dives into engineering, race strategy, or driver telemetry would have been welcome.

Where F1 Takes the Podium

F1 The Movie gets more right than wrong—and in doing so, delivers a cinematic win for both casual viewers and die-hard racing fans.

Real Racing Footage, Real Circuits: Thanks to unprecedented access from F1 and Liberty Media, the film was shot during live race weekends with modified F2 cars dressed as APXGP machines. The result? Authentic speed and sound that immerse you in the cockpit.

A Compelling Lead Pairing: Pitt and Idris have genuine chemistry. Their mentor-protégé dynamic avoids cliché and delivers believable tension and mutual respect. Pitt portrays the grizzled icon with charisma, while Idris’s Pearce is a layered, modern athlete fighting internal and external battles.

Stunning Visuals and Sound Design: Kosinski’s signature cinematic style—first-person POVs, visceral on-track sequences, and a pounding, immersive soundscape—makes the viewer feel every gear shift, corner entry, and near-miss.

Respect for the Sport’s Culture: From the inclusion of actual F1 paddocks and circuits to cameos from real-world drivers and personnel, the film oozes authenticity. Hamilton’s involvement as a producer ensures that the sport’s soul remains intact.

The Verdict: P1 or DNF?

F1 may not reinvent the racing movie wheel, but it grips the track with enough torque to keep your adrenaline surging long after the credits roll. With high production value, strong performances, and unprecedented access to the world of Formula One, it stands as a polished, passionate ode to a sport that lives at 200 mph.

Even with a few narrative bumps, F1 crosses the finish line as a must-watch for motorsport fans and moviegoers alike. Catch it in theaters, feel the roar of the engines, and decide for yourself whether this is the greatest racing film of its generation—or just a damn good ride.