On the afternoon of Wednesday, June 25, the Autodromo Nazionale Monza hosted the official premiere of the long-awaited Formula 1-themed film: a production packed with visual spectacle, technical precision, and excellent musical choices. But while it delivers on style, the story doesn’t quite hit top gear.
After years of anticipation, “F1 – The Movie” is finally hitting theaters starting Wednesday, June 25. Motorsport.com was invited by the Autodromo Nazionale Monza to attend the premiere, held at one of motorsport’s most iconic venues. Bringing the timeless allure of racing to the big screen has never been easy, and once again, the challenge lies in offering something fresh in terms of narrative.
Within the landscape of summer blockbusters, however, “F1 – The Movie” stands out thanks to a finely tuned mix of high-speed action, emotional tension, and cinematic flair.
Directed by Joseph Kosinski, best known for “Top Gun: Maverick,” and starring Brad Pitt, the film aims to take viewers straight into the beating heart of Formula 1 with a realism rarely seen in cinema. The story centers around Sonny Hayes, a former American driver played by Brad Pitt, who was a rising F1 star in the early ‘90s before a serious crash ended his career. After thirty years away from the sport, Sonny is called back to help rising talent Joshua Pearce (Damson Idris) guide the APXGP team to victory. Behind this comeback is his friendship with team owner Ruben Cervantes (Javier Bardem) and a deep personal drive for redemption beyond just racing.
Though the narrative structure leans on familiar tropes—the hero’s return, the mentor-student dynamic, the underdog team—it still manages to engage thanks to its strongest element: technical execution. Shot during real race weekends of the 2023–2024 F1 season, “F1 – The Movie” uses actual tracks, paddocks, and garages to immerse the audience in a raw, adrenaline-filled visual experience. Thanks to cinematographer Claudio Miranda and the IMAX format, viewers are thrust into the cockpit and into the middle of the action. Scenes set at APXGP’s headquarters were filmed at the real-life McLaren Technology Centre in Woking, adding authenticity to the film’s backdrop. Kosinski, who redefined aerial action with fighter jets in Top Gun, replicates the effect here with onboard cameras, engine roars, and racing speeds delivering unmatched immersion.
The film also benefits from the guidance of seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, who served as executive producer and ensured technical authenticity. His influence is clear in the on-track realism, the portrayal of team dynamics, and the inclusion of real-life F1 figures like commentators David Croft and Martin Brundle. Together, these elements create a compelling and believable window into modern Formula 1.
From an acting perspective, Brad Pitt brings the intensity of a veteran familiar with the rhythm of action cinema, but adds a layer of melancholy and introspection that makes his character Sonny Hayes more human and relatable. Damson Idris holds his own as the talented yet volatile young Pearce, while Javier Bardem delivers a well-balanced performance full of irony and gravitas. Kerry Condon also stands out as Kate, the team’s technical director, giving the role an emotional depth rarely afforded to female characters in a male-dominated world.
The soundtrack, composed by Hans Zimmer and featuring pop artists like Doja Cat, Ed Sheeran, and Rosé from Blackpink, adds a fresh, modern energy without falling into cliché. It strikes a balance between epic tone and immediate impact. The film’s weakness lies in its predictable storyline: fans of the genre will easily anticipate key developments, and some scenes verge on overly manufactured drama. However, this doesn’t significantly detract from the film’s overall impact, which maintains a balance between sports cinema and personal drama.
“F1 – The Movie” doesn’t just glorify racing—it also explores what it means to fall and rise again, to mentor and let go, and to believe in yourself when the world turns its back on you.
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