A Formula One driver comes out of retirement to mentor and team up with a younger driver.A Formula One driver comes out of retirement to mentor and team up with a younger driver.A Formula One driver comes out of retirement to mentor and team up with a younger driver.
- Awards
- 7 nominations total
Summary
Reviewers say 'F1: The Movie' offers thrilling racing sequences and impressive cinematography, appealing to both fans and newcomers. However, many criticize the unrealistic plot, lack of character depth, and over-reliance on clichés. Some appreciate the inclusion of real F1 personnel and behind-the-scenes insights, while others find the film's portrayal of F1 lacking authenticity and depth. The movie's balance between entertainment and realism is a point of contention, with some enjoying it as a fun, escapist film, and others feeling it falls short of capturing the true essence of Formula 1. Overall, the film is seen as a mixed bag, with strong visual and auditory elements but a weaker narrative and character development.
Featured reviews
I'll keep if brief
9/10 visual. Very top gun.
7.5/10 racing accuracy. Overall good except the fact that sonny didn't see one black flag for any of the things he did, and, curbs don't launch f1 cars like that.
4/10 story. Same old individual heroism hollywood story that has been told 200 times.
6/10 characters. Only sonny's character motivation is established. Other characters have varying degrees of "why do they want to be here" syndrome, some worse than others. But the main characters have visible character development throughout the film nevertheless so overall not shockingly bad characters.
A lot of people complain about the runtime. Sure the story can comfortably be told within 90min. But they stretched the extra 40min to mostly show some gripping fictional f1 races. Not the worst usage of screen time.
6.5/10 my final score rounding up to 7.
9/10 visual. Very top gun.
7.5/10 racing accuracy. Overall good except the fact that sonny didn't see one black flag for any of the things he did, and, curbs don't launch f1 cars like that.
4/10 story. Same old individual heroism hollywood story that has been told 200 times.
6/10 characters. Only sonny's character motivation is established. Other characters have varying degrees of "why do they want to be here" syndrome, some worse than others. But the main characters have visible character development throughout the film nevertheless so overall not shockingly bad characters.
A lot of people complain about the runtime. Sure the story can comfortably be told within 90min. But they stretched the extra 40min to mostly show some gripping fictional f1 races. Not the worst usage of screen time.
6.5/10 my final score rounding up to 7.
I was expecting a lot from this movie with the way people were talking about it. I left the theater disappointed.
First off, amazing cinematography, color grading, and infrastructure. Joe Kosinski really knows how to shoot action. You can tell they spent a lot of money on this movie. Some good humor here and there, too.
But it all quickly goes downhill. Absolutely no realism in terms of racing; one team getting 12-odd DNFs in 9 races, 'Plan C' should have received multiple black-and-white flags, physics just doesn't work, and penalties for rash driving don't exist. This seemed like more of a guide on how to crash your car than a movie worthy of its title.
Worst of all is the story itself. By Hollywood standards, it's very, very average, maybe slightly above. The shallow attempt at actually creating a story... just no. This movie was filmed in a way that told me it wanted to scream 'action' all the way. Why include the romance between Sonny and Kate? It was completely nonsensical and unentertaining.
The biggest positive: I came to the theater to watch a movie. I left with 16 new songs for my playlist. Hans Zimmer never misses, and Don Toliver and Doja Cat didn't either. The only bad part about the music was its complete underutilization. Other than Lose My Mind, every song was played for no longer than 30 seconds.
The unexplained hype for winning a GP in a place where it made no impact was the absolute best way to sum up this movie: aimless but filled with action. Still worth a one-time watch, though.
All 6 stars for the racing. Nothing for strategy.
First off, amazing cinematography, color grading, and infrastructure. Joe Kosinski really knows how to shoot action. You can tell they spent a lot of money on this movie. Some good humor here and there, too.
But it all quickly goes downhill. Absolutely no realism in terms of racing; one team getting 12-odd DNFs in 9 races, 'Plan C' should have received multiple black-and-white flags, physics just doesn't work, and penalties for rash driving don't exist. This seemed like more of a guide on how to crash your car than a movie worthy of its title.
Worst of all is the story itself. By Hollywood standards, it's very, very average, maybe slightly above. The shallow attempt at actually creating a story... just no. This movie was filmed in a way that told me it wanted to scream 'action' all the way. Why include the romance between Sonny and Kate? It was completely nonsensical and unentertaining.
The biggest positive: I came to the theater to watch a movie. I left with 16 new songs for my playlist. Hans Zimmer never misses, and Don Toliver and Doja Cat didn't either. The only bad part about the music was its complete underutilization. Other than Lose My Mind, every song was played for no longer than 30 seconds.
The unexplained hype for winning a GP in a place where it made no impact was the absolute best way to sum up this movie: aimless but filled with action. Still worth a one-time watch, though.
All 6 stars for the racing. Nothing for strategy.
As a longtime F1 fan, F1: The Movie completely blew me away. From the very first scene, you can tell this was made to be watched in a theater - it's loud, fast, emotional, and immersive in all the right ways.
The cinematography is stunning - easily the best I've seen in a racing film since Rush, maybe even since Top Gun: Maverick. The sound design and musical score elevate every race scene to something visceral and epic. I genuinely got chills more than once.
Sure, there are a few moments that feel a bit cliché or unrealistic, especially if you're deeply familiar with the world of Formula 1. But the film's technical brilliance and emotional punch more than make up for that.
In short: this movie is a love letter to F1 and to cinema itself. Whether you're a hardcore motorsport fan or just looking for an intense, high-octane story - you'll be in for a ride.
The cinematography is stunning - easily the best I've seen in a racing film since Rush, maybe even since Top Gun: Maverick. The sound design and musical score elevate every race scene to something visceral and epic. I genuinely got chills more than once.
Sure, there are a few moments that feel a bit cliché or unrealistic, especially if you're deeply familiar with the world of Formula 1. But the film's technical brilliance and emotional punch more than make up for that.
In short: this movie is a love letter to F1 and to cinema itself. Whether you're a hardcore motorsport fan or just looking for an intense, high-octane story - you'll be in for a ride.
7.4/10 (Definitely Recommend)
To be the best of the best in Formula One, you're not just racing against other drivers. You're racing the machine itself. Victory demands unmatched speed, strength, and strategy. Does this film capture that reality? It absolutely does, as it offers but a glimpse into the thrilling intensity of the real sport.
What makes this film particularly compelling is its immersive execution. It places the viewer right in the driver's seat, delivering a visceral sense of the tension and exhilaration that define each race. The cinematography is outstanding, masterfully shifting between cockpit views and dynamic race footage to create a strikingly authentic atmosphere. The sound design further enhances the experience, using realistic audio and racing jargon to make you feel like a true member of the pit crew.
While the storyline follows a familiar arc, a fiery rookie and a renegade old-timer, the performances from Damson Idris and Brad Pitt bring undeniable charisma and chemistry. Their emotional interplay adds depth to the narrative and keeps the audience engaged, even as the plot treads well-worn paths. The emotional highs and lows of competition are palpable, and the audience's reactions, including audible gasps, speak to the film's dramatic impact.
In the end, this is a film for those who crave the thrill. Its standout cinematography and sound design offer a gripping portrayal of the racing world. While it may not convert everyone into lifelong F1 fans, it will undoubtedly spark some curiosity about the sport. And if you have the chance to see it on an IMAX screen - take it. As I would have no doubt it would be amazing. The larger the format, the more electrifying the experience.
That's it for now. Thanks for taking time to read my review. Happy watching and enjoy the show!
To be the best of the best in Formula One, you're not just racing against other drivers. You're racing the machine itself. Victory demands unmatched speed, strength, and strategy. Does this film capture that reality? It absolutely does, as it offers but a glimpse into the thrilling intensity of the real sport.
What makes this film particularly compelling is its immersive execution. It places the viewer right in the driver's seat, delivering a visceral sense of the tension and exhilaration that define each race. The cinematography is outstanding, masterfully shifting between cockpit views and dynamic race footage to create a strikingly authentic atmosphere. The sound design further enhances the experience, using realistic audio and racing jargon to make you feel like a true member of the pit crew.
While the storyline follows a familiar arc, a fiery rookie and a renegade old-timer, the performances from Damson Idris and Brad Pitt bring undeniable charisma and chemistry. Their emotional interplay adds depth to the narrative and keeps the audience engaged, even as the plot treads well-worn paths. The emotional highs and lows of competition are palpable, and the audience's reactions, including audible gasps, speak to the film's dramatic impact.
In the end, this is a film for those who crave the thrill. Its standout cinematography and sound design offer a gripping portrayal of the racing world. While it may not convert everyone into lifelong F1 fans, it will undoubtedly spark some curiosity about the sport. And if you have the chance to see it on an IMAX screen - take it. As I would have no doubt it would be amazing. The larger the format, the more electrifying the experience.
That's it for now. Thanks for taking time to read my review. Happy watching and enjoy the show!
Reviews harping on about the story miss the point. Embrace the corn and enjoy yourself.
The action is good, although unbelievable it's clear the team cared about F1 and did their best to make it exciting to watch. I personally love how corny the whole thing is, it helps you turn off and enjoy the ride. Brad Pitt plays his classic cool guy persona, the supporting crew is entertaining the nods to the real F1 drivers and team directors are nice but not overplayed.
They did a phenomenal job with the practical effects and racing scenes. Honestly if you go to a racing move what else do you want. If you want everything to be realistic go watch a documentary.
The action is good, although unbelievable it's clear the team cared about F1 and did their best to make it exciting to watch. I personally love how corny the whole thing is, it helps you turn off and enjoy the ride. Brad Pitt plays his classic cool guy persona, the supporting crew is entertaining the nods to the real F1 drivers and team directors are nice but not overplayed.
They did a phenomenal job with the practical effects and racing scenes. Honestly if you go to a racing move what else do you want. If you want everything to be realistic go watch a documentary.
Theatrical Releases You Can Stream or Rent
Theatrical Releases You Can Stream or Rent
These big screen releases can now be watched from the comfort of your couch.
Did you know
- GoofsIn one scene, Hayes drifts off the track spraying gravel on the track. That causes a Virtual Safety Car (VSC) to be deployed to clean the track. If gravel on the track needs to be removed, the race must be neutrilized by a Red Flag or a full Safety Car (SC) to give the marshals enough time to sweep the gravel off. VSC will only slow cars down but they'll keep their distances, meaning the marshals won't have enough window to clean the track.
- Quotes
Joshua Pearce: When was the last time you won a race?
Sonny Hayes: Sunday, Daytona.
Joshua Pearce: Oh. I'm sorry. I meant Formula 1.
Sonny Hayes: Oh. I'm sorry. Then, same as you.
- Crazy creditsThe end credits scene show Sonny racing through the Baja desert.
- ConnectionsFeatured in ROSÉ: Messy (2025)
- SoundtracksWhole Lotta Love
Written by Jimmy Page, Robert Plant, John Paul Jones, John Bonham and Willie Dixon
Performed by Led Zeppelin
Courtesy of Atlantic Recording Corp.
by arrangement with Warner Music Group Film & TV Licensing
15 Fast and Fun Racing Movies
15 Fast and Fun Racing Movies
These 15 films will fulfill you need for speed on the race track and out on the streets.
- How long is F1: The Movie?Powered by Alexa
Details
- Release date
- Country of origin
- Official site
- Language
- Also known as
- F1
- Filming locations
- Hungaroring, Budapest, Hungary(race track scenes)
- Production companies
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
Box office
- Budget
- $200,000,000 (estimated)
- Gross US & Canada
- $188,361,018
- Opening weekend US & Canada
- $57,001,667
- Jun 29, 2025
- Gross worldwide
- $615,361,018
- Runtime
- 2h 35m(155 min)
- Color
- Sound mix
- Aspect ratio
- 2.39 : 1
Contribute to this page
Suggest an edit or add missing content