F1 The Movie (2025) has been one of the most talked about films of the year, which presents a great blend of sports drama and blockbuster entertainment. The film is directed by Joseph Kosinski, who made successful projects like Top Gun: Maverick , and stars Brad Pitt in the lead role. Released in June 2025, the film has attracted audiences all over the world, especially because it is filmed on real Formula One racing tracks. Its biggest specialty is that it does not just show racing but human struggle, career highs and lows, and the desire to prove oneself once again, are shown very sensitively. This is why F1 The Movie was loved not only by sports lovers but also by general audiences. This film proves that when the backdrop of real events and a strong story are combined on the big screen, its impact is much deeper.
Film overview
The story revolves around a struggling racing team and its former star, who returns to the track after a long time. The plot of F1 The Movie is based on Sonny Hayes (Brad Pitt), who was once a rising star in Formula One, but an accident ended his career prematurely. In the film, Javier Bardem plays Ruben Cervantes, who was formerly Sonny’s teammate and now owns a small but fierce racing team called APXGP. He convinces Sonny to get back behind the wheel to save the team and mentor the new young driver Joshua Pierce (Damson Idris). The whole story is full of emotions, competition and excitement. The biggest feature of the film is that it was shot on real Grand Prix tracks and gives the audience the same experience as real racing.
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Story (without spoilers)
The story of the film is very interesting but here we understand only its essence without spoilers. Sonny Hayes was once a driver who was considered a star of the future. But a big accident destroyed both his career and confidence. Years later, his old partner Ruben contacts him and asks him to get back on the track. Ruben’s team APXGP is in a difficult situation and needs an experienced person who can stabilize the team and also guide the young driver Joshua Pierce. After this, the film shows us Sonny’s comeback journey, where he not only has to deal with the shadows of his past but also has to adjust with his disciple and team. Every moment of the film makes the audience realize that racing is not only a story of speed but also a tale of human relationships and self-struggle.
Artists and acting
The sensitivity and maturity with which Brad Pitt portrays Sonny Hayes is the film’s biggest strength. He not only exudes the confidence of an experienced driver, but also brings out the insecurities and regrets hidden within him in a very natural way. Damson Idris, on the other hand, brings new energy and enthusiasm to the role of Joshua Pierce. His performance presents the image of a young man who is desperate to win, but his lack of experience forces him to make mistakes again and again. Javier Bardem’s performance is serious and deep, which forms the basis of the entire team. At the same time, supporting actors like Carrie Condon bring emotional balance to the film and make the story even more real. Overall, the collective performance of the actors does not allow the film to be limited to just a sports drama, but also makes it a story of human relationships and emotions.
Direction and Cinematography
Director Joseph Kosinski has once again proved that he can balance thrill and humanity on the big screen. The most special thing about F1 The Movie is its cinematography, which has been handled by Claudio Miranda. The magic of his camera is that the audience feels themselves inside the car in every racing scene. The grip of the car on the turns, the sound of the tyres, the loud hum of the wind and the tension on the driver’s face, everything has been shown in such a lively manner that it becomes difficult to take your eyes off the screen. Editor Stephen Mirrione has connected the scenes in such a way that the balance of speed and emotions is maintained. At the same time, Hans Zimmer’s music increases the thrill in the film manifold. Although the film seems a bit long at some places, the brilliant visuals and technical maturity make it a great cinematic experience.
Theme and style
The film is not just a racing story, but also talks about deeper themes like age, ambition and legacy. The film shows how a seasoned champion can inspire a new generation even while grappling with his past failures. The mentor-pupil relationship is portrayed very effectively. The story conveys the message that victory is not just about reaching the finish line but also about defeating one’s own fears and weaknesses. The style of the film is cinematic and grand. The colourful, exciting and emotional visual experience keeps the audience engaged for a long time. This experience becomes even more spectacular on a big screen like IMAX. This is why F1 The Movie can be called not just a sports movie but an inspirational blockbuster.
Advantages and disadvantages
One of the biggest strengths of the film is the reality of its filming on real racing tracks. Every scene looks so real that the audience feels present on the track. The acting of Brad Pitt and Damson Idris connects the audience to the story and actors like Javier Bardem give it depth. Cinematography and Hans Zimmer’s music make the film even more powerful. On the other hand, there are some shortcomings too. The story seems to be already seen in many places. Themes like the return of an old hero, teamwork and challenges of the new generation have already been seen in films. The supporting characters have not been given as much time and depth as they should have been. At times, the film seems a bit stretched and some creative liberties have also been taken in the nuances of motorsport. Despite this, the film gives a great experience on an entertainment and technical level.
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Viewer and critic response
F1 The Movie has a critics score of around 82% and an audience score of 97% on Rotten Tomatoes . It is clear that the film was not only appreciated by critics but also by the general audience. CinemaScore gave it an “A” grade and according to a PostTrak survey, 92% of the audience gave it a positive experience. It grossed around $593.8 million at the box office and became Apple Studios’ first major theatrical success. Critics praised the film’s technical quality, visuals, and acting, while some called its storyline simple and predictable. Its biggest attraction among the audience was its thrilling racing sequences and the immersive experience it offers on the big screen. Audiences also praised it on social media and forums, and many called it the most exciting sports movie of the decade.
Final Ratings
| Category | Rating (out of 10) |
|---|---|
| Story | 7 |
| Acting | 8 |
| Direction and Cinematography | 9 |
| Visuals/Effects | 9 |
| Entertainment Value | 9 |
| Overall Rating | 8.5 |
Conclusion
Overall, F1 The Movie (2025) is a film that offers a perfect balance of thrill and emotion. The story may be somewhat predictable, but the brilliant direction, strong acting, authentic racing experience and high technical quality set it apart. This film is not just for motorsport lovers but for every viewer who wants to watch exciting and inspiring cinema on the big screen. If you want a combination of entertainment, emotions and visual experience, then missing out on F1 The Movie would be a loss for you.