F1

Sonny Hayes walked away from Formula 1 when he was still at the top, but the sport doesn't let go that easily. When a struggling team offers him a chance to return as driver and mentor, he agrees, partly to rescue the outfit and partly to prove he still belongs on the grid. The film follows the pressure of rebuilding a competitive squad midseason, the friction between a veteran's instincts and a rookie's hunger, and the toll that life at the limit takes on relationships and pride. On- and off-track scenes alternate between high-speed racing and tense garage-room politics, with personal stakes rising as the season unfolds.

Directed by Joseph Kosinski and created by Ehren Kruger, F1 hit theaters in 2025 with a cast led by Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, Javier Bardem, Kerry Condon, and Tobias Menzies, all contributing to a high-profile production.

The movie opened wide and relied on star power plus immersive race filmmaking to draw audiences. Its release benefited from extensive marketing and curiosity about how practical effects and real track work would translate to the big screen, helping it reach a broad theatrical audience.

F1 sparked conversations about how to shoot motorsport realistically, with many viewers praising the decision to use practical footage and on-track camera rigs. Clips of overtakes and pit sequences circulated online, and racing fans debated how closely the film captured paddock life and team strategy, fueling interest beyond typical action audiences.

Critical and audience response leaned positive, reflected in a 7.79/10 average from 3039 votes. Reviewers singled out performances by Pitt and Idris and highlighted themes of legacy, mentorship, and the personal cost of competition. Technical elements like cinematography and sound design were often noted for making the racing feel immediate and tactile.