F1

F1: The Movie

Released June 27, 2025

Directed by Joseph Kosinski

Written by Ehren Kruger

* No Spoilers *




Joseph Kosinski is a master at presenting adrenaline filled action with authenticity and cathartic emotional weight. He is a genius at using visuals, editing, sound, and music to create an orchestra of emotion. Putting actors in real cars and capturing the high speed action with insane angles while threading the needle between other cars is as exhilarating as it sounds. This dedication to authenticity is so apparent throughout and goes a long way in keeping the audience absolutely engrossed in both the action and the story. These are some of the most edge of your seat, nail biting, and intense racing scenes I’ve ever seen. 

The plot is simplistic and straightforward but it’s a true underdog story and it’s done well. The team, rather than competing for a championship, are fighting for survival and ultimately for glory. The way it shares that glory with the team is triumphant, uplifting, and surprisingly earnest. Going beyond the masterfully presented and white knuckle race sequences this is a top class sports drama exploring motivation, chasing the ‘why’, and even further the themes of loyalty, teamwork, and elevating others, especially the unsung heroes. I’ve never seen a movie give shine to its minor characters with such love and care. Not just supporting cast but the pit, crew, mechanics, etc. all feel like they are critical members of the team, each getting their moments of glory. 

Thats also carried over in the characters dynamics. The way they interact and their relationships fit into a beautiful web, where despite being the hot shot drivers, they are having brief but meaningful arcs with the most minor of characters. Unlike most sports films, the rivalry between teammates Hayes and Pearce is the central focus, rather than another villainous competing team. The two, played by Brad Pitt and Damson Idris, butt heads and their relationship develops over time. Though the young rookie vs the old has-been is a common trope, F1 does it so well. It may be familiar but the way it culminates in a cathartic and meaningful conclusion is wholesome, endearing, and infectiously positive. 

Pitt is more nuanced and understated than usual, and I prefer it to the more boisterous portrayals of his youth. Damson Idris, is a great foil, with a thin veil of bravado hiding his characters insecurity and drive to succeed. Kerry Condon is phenomenal as the teams engineer, it was a bit of a shame that the romance plot felt a bit shoehorned, but her character was no less endearing as a result. Javier Bardem is incredible as the team owner, and thankfully my suspicions about his character turned out to be false. The real magic of their performances was the chemistry they had with each other, and with the minor characters.

I could see audiences taking issue with how unashamedly positive it is, especially with Hayes’ character. He is almost too perfect, too good, too right. Constantly having his recklessness validated with results. He isn’t given enough development, but it still works for what the movie is going for. It’s not an edgy, dark character study, but an uplifting story about selflessness and supporting each other. Cynical audience members may find that overt sweetness a bit too strong for their palate but I found it refreshing. Harkening back to an older era where we could just get lost in a story, where films were an escape from how selfish and cruel humans can be. This worked really well for the hopeless optimist in me. 

Anyone who loves racing, cars, and Formula 1 will have a great time with this, but you don’t need any knowledge of those to appreciate it. Distilling the drama and thrills into an audio visual experience that will have you feeling every ounce of emotion, excitement, and positivity regardless of your connection with the subject matter. It’s a triumphant thrill ride with intense adrenaline filled action, and putting actors in real cars creates an authenticity that goes a long way in selling the story. 

8.5/10 - While not as masterful as Top Gun: Maverick, this is a brilliant sports film that I couldn’t help but get swept up into. Joseph Kosinski does it again! You must see this in IMAX. 

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