F1 The Movie (2025)

Release Date: June 27, 2025
Director: Joseph Kosinski
Starring: Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, Kerry Condon, Javier Bardem
Runtime: 149 minutes
Genre: Sports / Drama

OK—admission time. I’m not the biggest Formula 1 fan and don’t fully understand all the rules, but when I saw Brad Pitt starring alongside Damson Idris, with Lewis Hamilton as a producer? Yeah, I had to check this out. And honestly... I wasn’t disappointed.

Where do I even start?

This thing clocks in at 2 and a half hours—which I only realized once I got to the cinema. But it actually flew by, which says a lot. The movie keeps a fast pace, even for someone like me who doesn’t live and breathe F1.

Plot Recap: Old Legends, New Blood, and the Need for Speed

Set in the high-stakes world of Formula 1, F1 follows the fictional APXGP team—a struggling underdog outfit trying to claw its way back into the competition. Brad Pitt plays Sonny Hayes, a retired F1 driver called back to mentor rookie sensation Joshua Pearce (played by Damson Idris). The team is managed by a no-nonsense crew chief (Kerry Condon) and funded by a high-risk investor played by Javier Bardem.

Hayes steps in not to chase glory, but to help a younger generation avoid the mistakes he made. As he trains Joshua, the two form a mentor-protégé bond that carries the emotional weight of the film. You get a real sense of legacy, redemption, and what it means to risk everything for the sheer love of racing.

Of course, it wouldn’t be an F1 film without dramatic rivalries, high-speed crashes, and last-lap showdowns. And while the plot does hit some familiar sports-movie beats, it balances the adrenaline with emotional depth—especially in its final act, which swaps glory-hunting for a more personal payoff.

Cast & Characters: Brad Brings Grit, Damson Rises, and Real Racers Add Authenticity

Brad Pitt is aging—no denying that—but he delivers a solid performance. Not his career best, but he feels like a veteran driver. You can tell he did his homework. He moves, talks, and reacts like someone who’s lived in the pit lane. He’s not just playing a racer—he looks like one.

Damson Idris as Joshua Pearce? Here’s the thing: I’m a fan of his work, especially his American roles, but hearing his natural British accent here threw me a bit. It’s probably just personal bias—I’m used to his sharper U.S. delivery—but it weirdly made some of his dialogue feel overly polished. Still, he does well as the rising star caught between pressure and purpose.

Kerry Condon (from The Banshees of Inisherin) is great as the team principal, offering a grounded, steely performance that holds the drama together. And Bardem adds his usual unpredictable charm in a role that feels more playful than expected.

🟡 Real-life F1 drivers like Lewis Hamilton, Max Verstappen, and others make appearances, adding an authentic layer that most sports dramas miss. The film was shot during actual Grand Prix weekends, and it shows. From the roar of the engines to the camera angles inside the cars—this movie lives and breathes racing.

Public Feedback: Mostly Positive, with a Few Speed Bumps

So far, F1 has been well received. Critics have praised the cinematography (especially the in-car shots) and the way it blends Hollywood storytelling with real-world motorsport.

Fans of the sport love how legit it feels. From pit stops to race strategy, the film doesn’t dumb things down—but it doesn’t overcomplicate either. You can enjoy it even if you don’t know your DRS from your ERS.

That said, there has been chatter online. Some longtime F1 fans think the story is too formulaic (pun intended), and a few felt Brad Pitt’s return-from-retirement arc was a bit far-fetched. But for every complaint, there are twice as many praising the energy, the emotion, and the respect shown to the sport.

Controversy: Simone’s Removal and the Hamilton Factor

One behind-the-scenes issue that caught traction online was the removal of British actress Simone Ashley, who was reportedly cut from the final edit. Originally cast as a team assistant with a subplot tied to Damson’s character, her role was trimmed during reshoots.

Some speculated it was to tighten the runtime, while others pointed to chemistry issues or studio interference. Whatever the reason, her fans weren’t happy—and she’s since posted cryptic messages on Instagram suggesting it wasn’t entirely her choice.

Another minor controversy? The film’s glamorization of F1 risk-taking. Some critics questioned whether it downplays the dangers of the sport, especially in light of recent track incidents. Still, the movie doesn’t shy away from the toll—physically and mentally—that racing demands.

And then there's Lewis Hamilton. As one of the producers, he had a hands-on role in shaping how racing culture is portrayed. From wardrobe to lingo to technical realism, you can feel his fingerprint on every part of the film. He’s not just a name on the credits—he was deeply involved, helping to keep the film true to the sport while still making it accessible to casual viewers.

Final Verdict: A Stylish, Heartfelt Lap That Crosses the Finish Line

Overall, F1 (2025) is a fast, emotionally charged ride that gets more right than wrong. It’s not just a racing movie—it’s about purpose, pressure, and passion. Even if you don’t know the sport inside-out (like me), you’ll get it. The characters make you care, the races keep you glued, and the ending... well, I won’t spoil it, but it hits.

Brad Pitt brings grit and heart, even if this won’t make his career highlight reel. Damson Idris proves again why he’s on the rise—even if his natural accent took me out of it now and then. And the Lewis Hamilton influence is clear throughout. This film respects the world it’s entering, and that makes all the difference.

Would I rewatch it? Honestly, yeah. Not tomorrow—but definitely with someone who hasn’t seen it yet. It has just enough heart, polish, and edge to be worth a second lap.

If you love Formula 1? This is a must-watch.
If you’re just here for the Hollywood spectacle? Still worth the ticket.

Either way, F1 is proof that with the right engine behind it—even the most niche sport can fuel a big-screen crowd-pleaser.

Final Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (8/10)

Slick cinematography, grounded performances, and real F1 authenticity—just enough to make this one fly.

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