Director Joseph Kosinski’s take on the highest single-seat international car racing series in the world could be argued as the most high-tech, realistic, and exciting movie ever to be shown.
In F1 The Movie, the main character, Sonny Hayes–played by the world-renowned Brad Pitt–has been out of Formula 1 for 30 years after a devastating crash detoured the young prodigy’s career. After going around the world taking part in all sorts of race types, an old friend approaches him with an offer he can’t refuse. Ruben Cervantes (Javier Bardem), Sonny’s former teammate, who currently owns APXGP. Ruben asks him to be their second driver. Ruben explains that unless APXGP wins one of the nine remaining Grand Prix of the season, his investors will sell the team.
Sonny agrees, and on his first day on the job, he meets British hotshot rookie Joshua Pearce (Damson Idris). Joshua feels that APX not getting a win will derail his career. Sonny’s return to the sport is hard due to the struggles with the car. Sonny makes a deal with technical director Kate McKenna (Kerry Condon) to change the car to better suit Sonny’s way of driving. Sonny’s return to F1 is shocking to all who follow the sport, and his rise to the top is an exciting watch.
The 2025 movie was heavily influenced by the real sporting event, which is F1. This was made on the premise that it would be the most authentic and realistic sports movie ever. The movie shot many scenes during actual race weekends, and used items and references to the real F1 World Championship. The movie also had real people who take part in the sport– drivers, race engineers– in the movie. The movie definitely lived up to its claim. Unlike many sports movies that rely on unrealistic comebacks, F1 grounds its story in how the sport actually works, making the story feel more believable.
The movie F1 is portrayed as a gritty and authentic movie, focusing on the immense mental pressure and technical precision, as well as the constant danger of the sport. The film emphasizes real racing elements such as strategy, team communication, and the split-second decision-making that can make or break your finishing position.
F1 The Movie is a great example of an authentic sports movie, and the realism of the movie makes it a joy to watch for the biggest of fans and people who don’t even know what F1 is. I recommend this movie to all who want to learn about F1, or who want to see a great sports film.
