F1: The Movie Review — A Thrilling Visual Spectacle That Hits the Gas on Emotion but Skids on Clichés and Accuracy

F1: The Movie races onto the screen as a visually breathtaking, adrenaline-fueled spectacle that captures the raw intensity and glamour of Formula 1 like never before.

Brad Pitt commands the film with a magnetic performance as Sonny Hayes, a once-promising driver haunted by a career-ending crash, now coaxed out of retirement to lead a struggling team back to glory. The chemistry between Pitt and Damson Idris, who plays the brash rookie Joshua Pearce, adds emotional depth to the high-octane drama, exploring themes of redemption, rivalry, and mentorship.

Director Joseph Kosinski, fresh off Top Gun: Maverick, delivers immersive race sequences shot on real F1 circuits, blending authentic Grand Prix footage with cinematic flair. The film’s sound design and Hans Zimmer’s pulsating score amplify the thrill, making viewers feel like they’re in the cockpit. Cameos from real F1 stars and insiders lend a documentary-like realism that motorsport fans will appreciate.

However, the movie’s major miss lies in its reliance on familiar sports movie clichés—the “broken hero” comeback and underdog team tropes feel predictable and at times overly polished. Some racing details are simplified or dramatised to the point of stretching credibility, such as staged pit stops and a controversial crash plot twist that real F1 would never tolerate. The story occasionally sacrifices nuance for spectacle, and the dialogue can slip into Hollywood archetypes rather than fully fleshed characters.

Still, F1 excels as a thrilling cinematic ride—a love letter to speed, sacrifice, and second chances. Brad Pitt’s authentic portrayal and Kosinski’s kinetic direction keep the film firmly in pole position for both F1 enthusiasts and newcomers craving a pulse-pounding sports drama with heart. It may not revolutionise the genre, but it certainly earns a podium finish for style and emotional punch.