F1 (2025) Movie Review: A High-Octane Spectacle That Delivers Thrills but Skids on Story
F1 (marketed as F1: The Movie), a 2025 American sports drama directed by Joseph Kosinski (Top Gun: Maverick), is a turbo-charged cinematic ride that immerses audiences in the high-stakes world of Formula One racing. Starring Brad Pitt as a grizzled ex-driver making an improbable comeback, alongside Damson Idris, Javier Bardem, and Kerry Condon, the film boasts a $200–300 million budget, real F1 race footage, and the involvement of legend Lewis Hamilton as a producer. Released on June 27, 2025, this 156-minute blockbuster delivers breathtaking racing sequences but struggles with a predictable, cliché-laden narrative that fails to match its visual grandeur. This review dives into its strengths, flaws, and audience reception, drawing on critical insights and social media buzz.Plot and PremiseF1 centers on Sonny Hayes (Brad Pitt), a once-promising F1 driver whose career was derailed by a near-fatal crash in the 1990s while attempting to overtake Ayrton Senna. Now in his early 60s, Sonny is a washed-up racer living a nomadic life, competing in lower-tier events like the Daytona 24 Hours. His fortunes change when former teammate Ruben Cervantes (Javier Bardem), owner of the struggling fictional APXGP team, recruits him to salvage the team’s season and mentor its cocky rookie, Joshua Pearce (Damson Idris). As Sonny navigates team dynamics, a budding romance with technical director Kate (Kerry Condon), and his own demons, the film follows a classic underdog arc across iconic F1 circuits like Silverstone, Monza, and Abu Dhabi. The central question—can Sonny and Joshua save APXGP?—drives a narrative steeped in mentorship, redemption, and rivalry.Themes and NarrativeThe film taps into familiar sports movie themes: the aging veteran’s last shot at glory, the brash newcomer learning humility, and the power of teamwork. Sonny’s journey mirrors Pitt’s own Hollywood persona, reflecting on aging in an industry chasing youth, a meta-narrative that adds intrigue but isn’t fully explored. The F1 setting, with its corporate sheen and high-stakes drama, offers a backdrop for exploring risk, sacrifice, and resilience. However, the screenplay by Ehren Kruger leans heavily on clichés—think Rocky meets Days of Thunder—with predictable beats like crashes, rivalries, and a forced romance subplot. Critics note its lack of emotional depth, with The New Yorker calling its trajectory “predictable” despite thrilling moments. The film’s F1 authenticity, backed by Hamilton and real race footage, is a double-edged sword: it dazzles visually but feels like a glossy promotional ad, with product placement overshadowing character development.PerformancesBrad Pitt’s Sonny Hayes is the film’s engine, his laidback charisma and weathered charm carrying scenes both on and off the track. Critics praise his “vintage cool” and ability to elevate a thinly written role, though some, like The Race, find his performance less charismatic than past roles. Damson Idris holds his own as Joshua, bringing intensity to their mentor-protégé dynamic, with IGN noting their “genuinely fun” chemistry. Javier Bardem’s Ruben adds gravitas, while Kerry Condon’s Kate is a standout, making the most of a one-dimensional role. However, the script sidelines supporting characters, and female representation is a sore point—Kate’s technical expertise is undermined, and a female pit crew member is initially portrayed as incompetent, drawing criticism for outdated stereotypes.Technical CraftF1’s technical achievements are its strongest suit. Kosinski, collaborating with cinematographer Claudio Miranda, delivers jaw-dropping racing sequences using modified Formula 2 cars and real 2023–2024 F1 footage. The IMAX cinematography, with wide-angle lenses and cockpit perspectives, immerses viewers in the G-force intensity, earning raves for its “visceral assault on the senses”. Hans Zimmer’s bombastic score, paired with a star-studded soundtrack featuring Ed Sheeran and Doja Cat, amplifies the adrenaline. However, editing falters in the second half, with chaotic race scenes and excessive exposition disrupting the pace. Visual effects, handled by Framestore, seamlessly integrate APXGP’s fictional cars, though occasional scaling issues jar purists.Strengths and FlawsThe film’s racing sequences are a triumph, capturing F1’s speed and danger with unparalleled realism. Its accessibility to non-F1 fans, explaining strategies without jargon, broadens its appeal. Pitt’s charisma and Kosinski’s direction elevate familiar material, making it a crowd-pleaser. Yet, the formulaic plot and lack of emotional stakes disappoint. Motor Sport Magazine critiques its “zero-to-hero” clichés and unrealistic elements, like exaggerated crashes and questionable pit-stop timings. The romance subplot feels tacked on, and the film’s 2.5-hour runtime drags, with Jalopnik noting it “kinda sucks” despite its spectacle.Final VerdictF1 is a thrilling, visually stunning blockbuster that puts audiences in the driver’s seat but stalls on narrative innovation. Pitt’s star power and Kosinski’s kinetic direction make it a must-see in theaters, especially IMAX, but its predictable plot and shallow characters keep it from joining the pantheon of great racing films like Ford v Ferrari or Senna. It’s a fun, flashy ride for casual viewers and F1 newcomers, but purists may find it more Hollywood than racetrack. Strap in for the spectacle, but don’t expect a deep dive under the hood.Rating: 3.5/5