Brad Pitt and Damson Idris Star In Thrilling Formula One Summer Blockbuster - F1 Movie Review

F1 Is Finally Here, But Does This Film Race Out of The Pits and Into People's 2025 Favourites?

A while back,

Amy Katharine

and I discussed our most anticipated movies of the year (Watch Here) and one film stood out as a shared favourite: Joseph Kosinski’s new summer blockbuster, F1. Filmed over the 2023 and 2024 Formula One seasons, F1 began making headlines the moment fans caught glimpses of its production at Silverstone last year. With real-time shooting on the track and the release of an adrenaline-pumping teaser trailer, the film promised action, drama, and some seriously impressive racing sequences. Now, a year later, F1 has finally hit cinemas, and Formula One fans everywhere are eager to see what the mastermind behind the Top Gun revival could bring to this ever-evolving, fan-favourite sport.

I am very happy to say that all of my expectations have been flown out of the water and F1 could be one of the films of the year, receiving highly positive reviews from fans and critics alike.

Image: PetaPixel

F1 follows the story of Sonny Hayes, played by Brad Pitt, a former Formula 1 prodigy from the 1990s whose promising career was cut short by a devastating accident. Thirty years later, he’s pulled back into the world of racing by the owner of Apex GP, a struggling team in desperate need of a turnaround. Sonny returns not just to race, but to mentor the team’s fiery rookie, Joshua Pearce. As the two drivers work side by side, Sonny begins to realise that redemption isn’t a solo journey—it’s something built through trust, teamwork, and resilience.

Right from the start, the narrative is engaging and fresh, striking the perfect balance between character-driven drama and high-octane spectacle. Despite its 2-hour 40-minute runtime, the film never feels dragged out. It paces itself brilliantly, using every minute on and off the track to deliver tension, heart, and emotional depth. Each scene feels charged with energy, getting your pulse racing in sync with the drivers, and for a film of this scale and intensity, that’s exactly what you want.

Throughout the film, I found myself really appreciating the subplots woven into the main narrative. Sonny and Joshua’s individual mental battles to prove themselves gave their characters authenticity and vulnerability, while Kate’s determination to prove she deserved her place in the racing world added a powerful and timely layer to the film. Sonny’s friendship with Ruben also brought warmth and levity, grounding Sonny’s character in loyalty and history. The callbacks to the past were especially effective, they didn’t just serve as exposition, but helped shape and evolve the characters, giving them real personality and emotional arcs that made their journeys all the more compelling.

Image: Variety

Speaking of characters, the performances across the board are absolutely fantastic. Brad Pitt delivers a standout performance as Sonny, effortlessly blending cockiness, humour, and emotional depth. He brings a lived-in authenticity to the role, with sharp dialogue and a magnetic screen presence that makes his character feel both larger-than-life and deeply human. Kerry Condon is also a real highlight as Kate, the team’s technical director. She brings a confident, no-nonsense energy to the role, with just the right amount of wit and warmth. Her portrayal of a woman holding her own in a male-dominated sport feels timely and empowering.

But for me, the real star of the grid is Damson Idris as Joshua Pearce. He’s absolutely stellar. As the hotshot rookie, he plays a character who outwardly projects confidence, but behind the scenes is struggling with self-doubt and the immense pressure of the spotlight. Idris brilliantly captures the emotional toll of being an F1 driver, not just the physical demands, but the mental strain of constantly feeling like you have to prove you’re good enough. It’s a nuanced, eye-opening performance that adds real emotional gravity to the film.

Image: ScreenRant

And then there’s a lot to be said about the incredible racing sequences in this film: they are absolutely stunning. Capturing the raw speed and intensity of Formula 1 is no easy feat, but Joseph Kosinski does a phenomenal job of immersing the audience in the heart of the action. Every shot is meticulously crafted to make you feel like you’re right there in the driver’s seat, racing at 200 miles per hour. The film captures not just the speed, but the chaos, precision, and split-second decision-making that defines the sport. Kosinski masterfully conveys the adrenaline, the constant shifting dynamics, and the sheer energy of a live Grand Prix. It’s a realistic, visceral portrayal of F1 that’s thrilling in every sense, and one of the film’s greatest achievements.

Overall, F1 roars onto the screen with loveable characters, a gripping story, and some truly mind-blowing racing sequences. It’s the kind of summer blockbuster that fires on all cylinders - emotional, exhilarating, and visually spectacular. A cinematic thrill for all ages.

Rating: ★★★★★/5