F1 Movie Review: Brad Pitt blockbuster finds winning formula

Title: F1
Release date: June 26, 2025
Duration: 2 hours 35 minutes
Director: Joseph Kosinski
Starring: Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, Kerry Condon, Javier Bardem, Tobias Menzies
Genre: Drama, Action/Adventure
Rating: PG13 (Coarse Language)
Score: ✓✓✓✓

From the team that brought you the billion-dollar blockbuster Top Gun: Maverick comes another pulsating epic, this time trading fighter jets for the fastest cars on Earth.

F1 centres on Sonny Hayes (Brad Pitt), a legendary driver from the 1990s dubbed "the greatest that never was" after a horrific crash derailed his career. 30 years later, he's coaxed out of retirement by his old friend and team owner Ruben Cervantes (Javier Bardem) to join the struggling APXGP team.

His mission: mentor the team's cocky but talented rookie Joshua Pearce (Damson Idris), and help the last-placed team score a single win to avoid collapse. But on the track, where your teammate is your biggest rival, old ghosts and new tensions threaten to send them both spiraling out of control.

HITS

Production Value

The film is a technical knockout, boasting a production value that is second to none. The visual effects are stunningly immersive, putting you directly in the cockpit for a visceral on-track experience.

This is enhanced by meticulous set and costume design, all tied together by a powerful Hans Zimmer score and a slick contemporary soundtrack, creating a feast for the senses that makes every moment feel epic.

Acting

While the story is simple, the performances elevate it. Pitt oozes his signature charm as the grizzled veteran Sonny, while Idris is the perfect foil as the fiery rookie Joshua.

Their "old dog vs. young buck" chemistry is classic but incredibly watchable. The film's secret weapon, however, is Kerry Condon as the team's technical director, who provides a much-needed dose of heart, grounding the high-octane melodrama with a performance that is both strong and nuanced.

Direction

Director Joseph Kosinski proves he is a master of the modern blockbuster. His vision of translating the winning formula of Top Gun: Maverick to the racetrack is a resounding success.

Through masterful cinematography, frenetic yet coherent editing, and immersive sound design, he crafts a pure shot of cinematic euphoria. Kosinski expertly brings all the elements together, prioritising the visceral feeling of speed to create a cohesive and utterly thrilling ride.

Audience Appeal

This film is pure, crowd-pleasing entertainment designed for the widest possible audience. Its value as a thrilling slice of escapism is undeniable, and it's expertly crafted to be accessible to everyone, not just die-hard F1 fans.

By focusing on universal themes of rivalry and redemption within a high-stakes, action-packed framework, the film is poised to connect with viewers looking for a spectacular big-screen experience.

MISSES

Storyline

The film's biggest weakness is its story, which runs on fumes. The plot is a formulaic underdog sports drama that has been seen countless times, hitting every predictable beat without any narrative surprises.

At an indulgent 155-minute runtime, the pacing can drag between the repetitive race sequences. Ultimately, the film prioritises spectacle over substance, leaving the characters underdeveloped and the narrative lacking any real emotional depth.

IS IT WORTH A WATCH?

F1 is a technical marvel and a triumph of spectacle film making. It successfully captures the heart-pounding, euphoric feeling of its sport, delivering an experience that will have you on the edge of your seat. It is a stunning achievement in visceral cinema, even if it is built on a formulaic and predictable story chassis that offers little in the way of emotional depth or originality.

Go for the incredible ride and the stunning craftsmanship on display, but temper your expectations of the story. There is no emotional epiphany to be had, but you will get one hell of a show.