F1 The Movie Review – Does Formula 1’s Big Screen Debut Hit the Mark?

Formula 1 has officially made its cinematic debut with F1 The Movie, released in the UK on Wednesday. With a star-studded cast led by Brad Pitt, huge investment from Apple Studios, and real F1 drivers involved, expectations were sky-high. But does the film live up to the hype?

Let’s take a look at the verdict.

What’s the Film About?

The movie centers around Sonny Hayes (played by Brad Pitt), a retired F1 driver who returns to the track to mentor a young rookie (played by Damson Idris) and help his struggling team, APXGP, climb the rankings. Set within the real F1 season and shot at actual Grand Prix events, the movie blends fiction with real-world motorsport action.

First Impressions: Not a Two-Star Flop

While some feared the film would end up a flashy but shallow spectacle, F1: The Movie delivers enough excitement and heart to rise above the average sports flick.

The Highs

• Stunning race visuals: Shot in IMAX with real on-track action, the race scenes are a clear highlight.
• Star power: Brad Pitt brings his usual charm, and the chemistry with Damson Idris works well.
• Emotion and energy: There’s a solid underdog story at the heart, with enough drama to keep things moving.

The Lows

• Predictable plot: The film leans heavily on familiar sports movie tropes.
• Over-the-top moments: Some dialogue and dramatic scenes feel more “Hollywood” than “Silverstone.”
• Light on technical depth: Hardcore F1 fans may find it lacking in realism.

What F1 Fans Think

Real-life drivers like Lando Norris and Charles Leclerc have praised the movie’s visual impact, though they acknowledge that it’s not always 100% true to the real racing world. Still, many in the F1 community are optimistic that the movie could attract new fans to the sport.

Final Verdict

F1: The Movie isn’t revolutionary, but it’s a fun, fast-paced, and visually impressive ride. It strikes a nice balance between Hollywood entertainment and motorsport excitement. For casual viewers, it’s a thrilling introduction to the world of F1. For purists, it’s not perfect—but it’s certainly not a disaster either.

Rating: 3.5/5
Worth watching for the racing action alone—just don’t expect deep storytelling.

Also Read: The Fantastic Four: First Steps – HERBIE Hits the Big Screen….

Should You Watch It?

• ✅ Yes, if you enjoy underdog sports stories and fast cars.
• ❌ Skip, if you’re looking for a gritty, realistic motorsport documentary.