‘F1’ Review – An Adrenaline-Fueled Blockbuster Smash

Synopsis:

Dubbed “the greatest that never was,” Sonny Hayes (Brad Pitt) was FORMULA 1’s most promising phenom of the 1990s until an accident on the track nearly ended his career. Thirty years later, he’s a nomadic racer-for-hire when he’s approached by his former teammate Ruben Cervantes (Javier Bardem), owner of a struggling FORMULA 1 team that is on the verge of collapse. Ruben convinces Sonny to come back to FORMULA 1 for one last shot at saving the team and being the best in the world. He’ll drive alongside Joshua Pearce (Damson Idris), the team’s hotshot rookie intent on setting his own pace. But as the engines roar, Sonny’s past catches up with him and he finds that in FORMULA 1, your teammate is your fiercest competition—and the road to redemption is not something you can travel alone.

Whether you like it or not, you have to embrace change. While not all change is good, if you’re willing to accept that it’s going to happen, your inevitable pushback is received with more of an open mind. Common ground, compromise, and objective truth are the only way forward without constant turbulence. The first and hardest step for everyone is admitting when you’re wrong. No one likes it, but in order for any situation to improve, it must be done, or dysfunction will continue to reign. Once this initial act is executed properly, we can trek on. It’s easier said than done, but it’s possible.

“I’m offering you an open seat in Formula 1.”

Clear out the paddock, hop in the cockpit, and start your engines; it’s time to win a race. Directed by Joseph Kosinski and featuring a screenplay by Ehren Kruger, F1 is a tire-spinning, adrenaline-fueled blockbuster smash. This fully immersive experience is the quintessential tale of thunder meeting lightning, old against young, veteran versus rookie, that soars when done right. Not only is the film executed exceptionally well, but the high-octane thrill ride is an instant classic. The Formula 1 feature is anchored by strong performances that command attention, cinematography that places you in the driver’s seat, and an invigorating Hans Zimmer score. Whether you’re a fan of the sport or came for the actors, this is a captivating, electrifying, all-consuming event.

Living somewhere in between the realms of Days of Thunder, Top Gun: Maverick, and Gran Turismo, F1 asserts itself as the leader of the pack. From its character-driven storytelling and mindful direction, it elevates the action-adventure sports genre by delivering more than flash and fireworks. It may have the razzle-dazzle that brings you back for a second time, but it also tells a timeless story in a new and exciting fashion. This is a story of comebacks and setbacks, determination and drive, and above all else, never giving up on your dreams. It’s about collaboration and getting out of your own way in order to reach the top of the mountain. The full-throttle tale reinforces the sentiment that we can all learn from one another once we let go of our pride. As it highlights the interpersonal relationships, we also get an intimate look at how Formula 1 operates. From the pit crew and driver training to the technical side of car design, it displays it all in a palatable manner, whether you’ve watched every race or have never heard of the sport.

“I need this.”

F1 has something for everyone. It has the dramatic rivalry keeping things interesting, exhilarating edge-of-your-seat action, familiar names and faces from the world of Formula 1, a few chuckles, and even a little romance. The aesthetic is crisp and sleek, the sound is immaculate, the performances are fantastic, and it’s a must-see in IMAX. Not to mention, it also has a booming soundtrack. The film is fun, emotional, and something you won’t soon forget. Its rewatchability is high.

Pace & Pop

Perfectly balancing race track action and character development, the pacing of this film is masterfully done. There’s not a moment that doesn’t have your full attention. While the drama on the track will have you on the edge of your seat, off the track, the story invests in its characters in a way that’s interesting and exploratory. What popped for me was the dynamic camerawork. From the first-person perspective hitting corners at high speeds, to the sweeping drone-like shots, with the addition of great sound design, you feel fully immersed.

Characters & Chemistry

Starring: Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, Kerry Condon, Tobias Menzies, Kim Bodnia, and Javier Bardem

This is without a doubt one of Brad Pitt’s best performances. He exudes a confidence and ease that jump off the screen, reminding you why he’s one of the best. Playing alongside Damson Idris couldn’t have gone any better. Not only are these two powerhouse performances, but it feels like a passing of the torch in some capacity. It’s like an older Kobe playing against a young LeBron. Their chemistry and on-screen rivalry are worth the price of admission alone. Both characters are stubborn and better than they think they are, and they think very highly of themselves. However, it’s what happens when they work together that makes the film special.

F1® The Movie releases in theaters on June 27, 2025. Stay safe and don’t drive too fast.

Rated: PG-13 Runtime: 2h 36m Director: JOSEPH KOSINSKI Screenplay: EHREN KRUGER Story: JOSEPH KOSINSKI & EHREN KRUGER Producers: JERRY BRUCKHEIMER, JOSEPH KOSINSKI, LEWIS HAMILTON, BRAD PITT, DEDE GARDNER, JEREMY KLEINER, CHAD OMAN Executive Producers: DANIEL LUPI, TOBY HEFFERMAN, TOTO WOLFF, STEFANO DOMENICALI, IAN HOLMES, TIM BAMPTON Director of Photography: CLAUIDIO MIRANDA, ASC Production Design: MARK TILDESLEY, BEN MUNRO Editor: STEPHEN MIRRIONE, ACE Costume Design: JULIAN DAY Score: HANS ZIMMER Visual Effects Supervisor: RYAN TUDHOPE Casting: LUCH BEVAN, EMILY BROCKMANN