F1 Review

In F1, director Joseph Kosinski once again proves he’s one of the most immersive visual storytellers working in blockbuster cinema today. After launching Top Gun: Maverick into stratospheric box office success, Kosinski brings his signature fusion of technical precision and emotional storytelling to the high-speed world of Formula One racing. The result is a film that delivers white-knuckle thrills, grounded performances, and a deep respect for the culture and craft of motorsport.

At the heart of F1 is Brad Pitt as Sonny Hayes, a former racing prodigy whose career was cut short by a devastating crash. Now living off the grid in a beat-up van and jumping from one motorsport circuit to the next, Sonny is a man addicted to the rush but haunted by the past. When his former team boss and friend Ruben (Javier Bardem, effortlessly charming) ropes him into returning to the world of Formula One — this time for the struggling APXGP team — Sonny finds himself unexpectedly in the spotlight again. Not just as a driver, but as a mentor to the young, brash rookie Joshua Pearce, played by the magnetic Damson Idris.

From its very first frame, F1 sets itself apart through its total commitment to authenticity. Filmed during real Formula One Grand Prix weekends and featuring extensive input from seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton (who also serves as a producer), the film’s racing sequences are nothing short of extraordinary. Custom-developed, lightweight IMAX cameras are mounted directly on the cars, placing viewers inches above the asphalt, right inside the cockpit. The roar of the engines, the blur of the world outside, and the split-second decision-making of the drivers all combine into a viscerally immersive experience.

Unlike many sports films that rely heavily on CGI or stylised camera tricks, F1 insists on putting real actors in real cars. Both Pitt and Idris reportedly trained extensively and are shown handling genuine on-track driving in modified Formula 2 vehicles. It’s this dedication to realism that allows the film to blur the line between fiction and documentary-style authenticity, especially when familiar F1 faces — drivers, pit crew, media figures — make seamless cameos.

Yet F1 isn’t just about the speed. Kosinski smartly builds the narrative around themes of legacy, second chances, and the loneliness of being great at something in a world that keeps moving without you. Sonny’s reluctant return to racing echoes classic sports comeback arcs, but Pitt brings a lived-in vulnerability to the role that keeps it from feeling clichéd. His chemistry with Idris, who portrays Joshua as both a cocky showman and a deeply insecure young man, forms the emotional core of the film.

Kerry Condon also shines as Kate, APXGP’s sharp-tongued technical director, who tries to keep both drivers focused and the constantly breaking car in one piece. Her scenes with Pitt are especially effective, balancing dry wit with quiet compassion. Bardem, meanwhile, injects levity and humanity into every scene he’s in, a reminder of how much a little charisma can do in an ensemble this serious.

The film’s biggest flaw is that outside of the racetrack, some story beats feel formulaic. You’ve likely seen elements of this arc before: the broken veteran, the arrogant rookie, the underdog team, and the inevitable moment of reckoning. But what elevates F1 is the execution. Every interaction feels grounded, every race has narrative weight, and every setback feels earned. Even when the script leans on familiar tropes, the performances and direction ensure they land with emotional truth.

There’s also a clear reverence for Formula One baked into every frame, not just as a sport, but as a culture. The film doesn’t talk down to its audience, nor does it over-explain the rules. For die-hard fans, the attention to detail will feel like a love letter. For newcomers like me, the stakes are always clear thanks to strong character work and tight editing.

If there’s any criticism to level at F1, it’s that some casual viewers may find the racing repetitive by the third act, or feel slightly distanced by the sport-specific terminology and context. But even if the technical elements occasionally go over your head, the emotion behind every lap keeps things firmly on track.

Ultimately, F1 is a high-speed triumph — a technically jaw-dropping, emotionally satisfying sports drama that manages to honour the spectacle of racing without sacrificing its human core. With stunning visuals, genuine thrills, and standout performances across the board, this is more than just a racing movie — it’s a celebration of resilience, redemption, and the pursuit of greatness, no matter how many times the world counts you out.

Joseph Kosinski has delivered another powerhouse piece of action cinema, bolstered by Brad Pitt’s gravitas, Damson Idris’ breakout performance, and a film-making team clearly in love with the world they’ve captured. Whether you’re a die-hard Formula One fan or simply love a well-told underdog story, F1 is the kind of big-screen spectacle worth strapping in for.