F1: THE MOVIE
Genre: Action, Sports
Directed by: Joseph Kosinski
Starring: Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, Javier Bardem, Kerry Condon
Release Date: June 27, 2025
Platform: Theatrical
Rating: 3.5/5
By Karl Simpson Jr.
“It’s a fast, fierce ride more than worth taking.”
F1: THE MOVIE isn’t perfect—but it doesn’t need to be. It delivers a high-octane, emotionally charged ride that taps into the spectacle of racing and the quiet desperation that sometimes fuels it. Directed by Joseph Kosinski and co-starring Brad Pitt and Damson Idris, the film knows when to rev its engines and when to downshift. Yes, there are a few bumps along the way—some sluggish pacing, an undercooked subplot—but when it clicks, it really clicks. For fans of racing and character-driven sports dramas, this one might be exactly what you’re looking for.
The film centers on a retired Formula One driver (Brad Pitt), who returns to the world of elite racing to mentor and partner with a young driver (Damson Idris). From the jump, F1: THE MOVIE throws you into the thick of it. The racing sequences are its crown jewel: loud, immersive, and shot with a pulse-pounding energy that makes you feel every gear shift and hairpin turn. That third-act race is a full-on adrenaline rush. It’s clear a lot of care went into capturing the intensity of the sport, both on the track and behind the scenes.
But for all its energy, the film isn’t without its slow patches. The moments between races don’t always hit with the same amount of force. Some character beats feel too stretched out and not fully developed. The mentorship arc between Pitt and Idris works, but other components—like the romantic subplot with Kerry Condon—don’t quite land. Serviceable but emotionally light.
One strange choice is that there’s no real antagonist, no rival team, and no trash-talking driver to raise the stakes. That absence leaves a noticeable gap, especially in a sport built on competition. The film clearly wants to focus inward—on the characters’ personal journeys—but a well-placed foil could’ve added some much needed heat.
F1: THE MOVIE isn’t just a movie about cars flying around a track. At its core, the film is about purpose. It’s about two drivers—one trying to find meaning after a lifetime of crashes, and the other trying to prove he belongs. Sunny (Pitt), the veteran, isn’t chasing wins for fame. He’s chasing that feeling of being alive again. Of still mattering. Of not fading into the rearview. There’s a quiet desperation in his story. You can feel it in the way he walks, in the way he talks to Pearce (Idris), and in the subtle tension that lingers underneath every scene. It’s not spelled out—it’s just there, simmering. That restraint is one of the film’s best qualities.
The contrast between Sunny and Pearce is more than just experience versus youth. It’s old-school grit clashing with new-school precision. One operates off instinct and humility. The other? Ego, flash, and status. They’re both fighting for the same thing—purpose—but from completely different places. And the movie does a great job exploring how masculinity often masks fear. It peels back the layers without making a big show of it. There’s something raw and honest in how these characters deal with relevance, regret, and pride.
F1: THE MOVIE doesn’t break new ground, but it doesn’t have to. It knows what kind of story it’s telling and delivers it with enough adrenaline and heart to keep the wheels turning. The racing sequences are top-tier, the performances are strong, and the emotional stakes give it genuine depth. Sure, it could’ve trimmed the runtime, fleshed out a few arcs, or introduced a compelling antagonist. But despite its flaws, it’s a fast, fierce ride worth taking. If you love racing or want a sports drama that knows how to keep things moving, this one’s worth the ticket.
