F1 Movie  (2025)

What is the F1 Film About?

F1, the movie, was one of the most anticipated sports dramas of the year! 

With a cast that perfectly blends the best actors in the game and top-of-the-leaderboard racers, this movie is revving with horsepower and authenticity. 

The F1 story is set during the 1990s and begins with driver Sonny Hayes (depicted by Brad Pitt), who returns to the racing world after a hiatus off the grid. 

Hayes joins team Apex GP and takes on the role of a mentor, guiding rookie racer Joshua Pearce (played by Damson Idris, who is getting geared up to compete in the real Grand Prix, which is among the biggest motorsport events of the year. 

Throughout their journey together, the two swerve fierce rivalries, pit stops of personal doubts, and crushing pressure, and Sonny comes to the realisation that the greatest victories are won off the circuit.

Our Honest F1 Film Review

After watching the F1 movie, it’s clear why it ended up being one of Apple TV’s biggest hits. From Brad Pitt starring as a magnetic racing legend to cameos from the biggest F1 champions and a banging soundtrack that was artfully crafted by cinematic royalty Hans Zimmer, there’s so much to love about this movie.

Above everything, it’s the perfect blend of adrenaline-fuelled racing stunts, heartwarming character connections, and masterfully written drama that won us over. 

For our fellow fans of motorsport action, the F1 film is revved up with the speed and high-stakes thrills that you get from watching the real deal. And anyone who lives for the drama will thrive on the sparks that fly in the lead-up to the champion showdowns. 

Overall, it’s safe to say that F1 isn’t just for motorsport enthusiasts; it’s equally suited to anyone who appreciates a gripping storyline with unforgettable characters and unexpected twists. 

What Do the Critics Think of the F1 Film?

• “The racing scenes are simply sublime, and Kosinski is smart enough to make sure most of the movie stays on the race track” – Stephen Garrett, Book & Film Globe.

• “The fun everybody had making this movie is both obvious and infectious; there’s an ease and joy that shows up in even the tensest scenes. Everybody knows the score” – Clint Gage, IGN.

• “Kosinski has done things so well that he’s managed to break down my — until now — impregnable defences” – Sergio Burstein, Los Angeles Times.

What Awards and Nominations Did F1 Receive?

So far, this action-fuelled racing drama is up for seven nominations. It’s in the running for two Golden Trailer Awards: 

• 2025 Nominee for Best Action Trailer
  
  
• 2025 Nominee for Best Summer 2025 Blockbuster Trailer
  

F1, as a film, alongside its star-studded cast and crew, has also racked up a few nominations for the anticipated Astra Midseason Movie Awards: 

• 2025 Nominee for Best Actor: Brad Pitt
  
• 2025 Nominee for Best Supporting Actor: Javier Bardem
  
• 2025 Nominee for Best Supporting Actress: Kerry Condon 
  
• 2025 Nominee for Best Picture
  
• 2025 Nominee for Best Stunts 

Cast & Crew of F1

With Hollywood stars, including Brad Pitt, Joshua Pearce, Damson Idris, and Javier Bardem, a handpicked assortment of the finest F1 racers, like Lewis Hamilton, Max Verstappen, and Sergio Pérez, and behind-the-scenes visionaries who have engineered the narrative to perfection, the F1 movie is fueled by undeniable talent.

Let’s check out the masterminds behind this cinematic thrill-ride:

Fun Facts About Damson Idris: 

• When auditioning for the role, Idris had to show off his driving skills at the PalmerSport racetrack in Bedford, England. 
• Before acting, Idris dreamt of becoming a pro UK footballer.
• He recently launched his own fine jewellery brand, Didris. 

Fun Facts About F1 the Film

Here are some cool facts about the F1 film: 

• Grossing over $614 million worldwide, it’s the highest-grossing Apple TV original film ever and the highest-grossing auto-racing film of 2025.

• It was filmed during the Grand Prix weekends, so every racing scene you see is the real deal. 

• Seven-time F1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton was an executive producer.

• You’ll see cameos of the greatest auto-racing legends, like Charles Leclerc and George Russell. 

• There’s a Hot Wheels die-cast model of the #7 APXGP car that Brad Pitt’s character drives in the film.

Themes of the F1 Film

When we think of the F1 film, three core themes come to mind: Redemption, Legacy, and Endurance. 

If you assumed this movie is just about revved-up engines and epic races, think again. It actually has dramatic depth and compelling character arcs that keep you invested in much more than the checkered flag waves and high-speed action.

At its core, this movie is all about comebacks and second chances. Brad Pitt’s Sonny Hayes is the epitome of redemption as he returns to the grid after years out of the race. His character is the personification of resilience and personal growth. 

The relationship that Hayes and Pearce share brings themes of mentorship. They show us how the transition of legacy can bring tension and conflict. 

Stylistically, the film ties together with long tracking shots, roaring sound design, and immersive, speedy sequences, which combine to make you feel like you’re among the racing action.

How Does F1 Compare to Joseph Kosinski’s Other Work?

It’s just like Top Gun: Maverick (2022), in that it brings a striking visual style powered up by cutting-edge camera technology, which is on par with Kosinski’s knack for blending realism with dramatic action. The themes in F1 also echo Kosinski’s previous work. Films like Tron: Legacy (2010) show off lots of similarities, like mentorship and the passing of torches. 

Iconic Scenes from F1

Behind-the-Scenes Trivia

Here’s a bunch of mindblowing behind-the-scenes trivia about the F1 movie

• Innovative Filming Techniques: Apple crafted their very own cameras to mount on the cars so that the epic high-speed action was captured with unprecedented clarity over 200 mph. This was groundbreaking, not just for filmmaking itself, but also for motorsport cinematography.

• Brad Pitt’s Extensive Dedication: In order to pull off his own stunts, Pitt trained like a pro in Formula 2-style cars, hitting up to 180 mph. In an interview, co-star Damson Idris said that Pitt’s devotion to the role was “”insane, but inspiring”.

• Coaching from the Champions Themselves: A team of real-life racing champions, like Lewis Hamilton and George Russel, didn’t just have cameos; they also helped coach the cast to ensure every detail was as authentic as possible and met racing standards.
  
• Technical Difficulties That Ended in Cinematic Gold: Pitt revealed in an interview that his comms went out when he first went on the track, forcing him to wing it and improvise his movements. It actually worked out for the best, adding genuine tension and authenticity to the scene.

What’s the Soundtrack Like for F1?

Mastermind composer Hans Zimmer crafted the epic score for F1. It’s fuelled with heart-racing energy, atmospheric tones, and international influences that reflect the global influences of Formula 1 racing.

Besides Zimmer’s original score, the movie also features tracks from The Chemical Brothers, Dua Lipa, and Travis Scott, blending electronic, rock, pop, and hip-hop together.

Best Quotes from F1

Here’s our top 5 most memorable one-liners from the F1 movie:

• “Hope is not a strategy. Create your own breaks,” Sonny replies to Joshua Pearce when the rookie wonders if luck is how you win F1.

• “Who said anything about safe?” — Sonny’s clap-back to Kane, reinforcing his high-risk philosophy.

• “They’re saying Sonny Hayes isn’t a has-been. He’s a never-was.” – Kate McKenna, taking a stab at Sonny.

• “I’m offering you an open seat in Formula One, the only place where you could say if you win, you are the absolute best in the world” – Ruben Cervantes presenting Pearce with the golden ticket to auto-racing fame.

• “Sometimes there’s this moment when I’m in the car when everything is peaceful and no one can catch me. In that moment, I’m flying” – Sonny reflecting on what driving means to him.

What People Are Asking About F1