F1 Movie Review : A visceral, revved-up ride that keeps the adrenaline flowing

Story: A devastating crash forces virtuoso Formula One driver, Sonny Hayes (Brad Pitt), out of action from the big league. With a gambling habit, working as a taxi driver in New York, and competing in underground races, he is offered a comeback by a Formula One team owner and friend, Ruben Cervantes (Javier Bardem). Sonny has a shot at redemption while mentoring a rebel rookie prodigy, Joshua Pearce (Damson Idris), for the Apex Grand Prix team (APXGP).

Review: Sports films consistently hit it out of the park, delivering thrill, action, and compelling narratives fueled by determination, grit, and underdog spirit. Pairing a has-been (or never-was) sporting figure clashing with new-blood rebellion is a sure-fire formula for an entertaining and engaging watch. Fresh off the success of Top Gun: Maverick, director Joseph Kosinski brings together all these elements in a high-octane tale that hinges on incredible realism and breathtaking race-track action.

Ruben’s team is at the fag end in the F1 competition, and risks being sold off if they don't secure at least one win this season. Sonny has the experience, but is reluctant to return after 30 years, with personal demons of a gambling habit and failed marriages. He races not to win but for the sheer joy of it. He is meant to tame the raw and rebellious Joshua, but finds himself pitted against the younger driver. Their clash and the journey of beating the odds drive the rest of the story. At its core, the plot is formulaic, leaning heavily on the tried-and-tested underdog trope.

The stand-out feature here is the realism on the racing track. Filmed on actual F1 circuits during race weekends, the movie throws viewers straight into the cockpit and the stands with adrenaline-filled sequences that will leave you gasping. However, it occasionally leans too heavily on technicalities. Unless one is well-versed in the finer points of racing—like starting formations or aerodynamic fittings—some moments may feel a bit overwhelming or hard to follow.

Much of the thrill also comes from the underdog team relying on ingenuity and sheer will to survive, as they take on giants like Ferrari, Mercedes, and Red Bull. The behind-the-scenes chaos—the media circus, forced camaraderie with rival racers, and the corporate politics—adds a compelling layer that many viewers may not be familiar with.

Kosinski’s excellent direction and Claudio Miranda’s cinematography make every racing scene here visceral and immersive, especially because the filmmakers have abstained from using digital effects. Hans Zimmer’s music ensures the thrill crescendos in every scene.

Brad Pitt nails the role of a driver with laid-back arrogance, shining in every scene—whether he’s strutting in with retro swagger or brushing off the media with monosyllabic replies. Don’t miss the finale, where it’s just him in the cockpit, the world around him fading into silence—what he calls ‘flying.’ Damson Idris is equally compelling as the new-age driver, skillfully balancing raw talent with the modern demands of social media and public presence. Kerry Condon as Kate McKenna stands her ground as the APXGP technical director who’s trying to prove her mettle in the male bastion. Javier Bardem, as the flamboyant and desperate team owner, injects the narrative with charm.

Even if you know what the outcome will be, you will be on the edge of your seat with bated breath and heart racing. The experience can be best enjoyed on the big screen.