F1: The Movie (also known simply as F1) is an American sports drama film released in 2025, directed by the acclaimed Joseph Kosinski (known for Top Gun: Maverick) and penned by Ehren Kruger. The movie dives deep into the high-octane world of the global Formula 1 (F1) racing championship, aiming to deliver an immersive and authentic cinematic experience.
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Plot Summary
The film centers around Sonny Hayes, an aging F1 driver who, after a severe crash in the 1990s while racing for Lotus, was forced into retirement. Three decades later, he gets an unexpected chance to return to the F1 circuit. He teams up with Joshua Pearce, a talented young rookie, to race for a struggling team, hoping to turn their fortunes around. The narrative explores the dynamic between the veteran and the newcomer, highlighting the challenges and growth they face both on and off the track.
Production & Highlights
F1: The Movie boasts a stellar cast, led by Brad Pitt, and supported by Damson Idris, Kerry Condon, Tobias Menzies, and Javier Bardem.
A major highlight of the film is its commitment to portraying authentic F1 racing scenes. The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) was deeply involved in the production, with a significant amount of the racing footage adapted from real 2023 and 2024 F1 season footage. Real F1 teams and drivers make appearances, and F1 legend Lewis Hamilton served as a producer, ensuring the film’s professionalism and realism. To capture unprecedented racing perspectives, the crew even developed the lightest, most maneuverable IMAX camera in cinema history, mounting it on race cars speeding at 300 km/h, providing audiences with a uniquely immersive view of the action.
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Reception & Box Office
Upon its release, F1: The Movie received generally positive reviews from critics, holding an 83% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a score of 68 on Metacritic. Many reviewers praised Brad Pitt’s charismatic performance and Joseph Kosinski’s excellent direction, noting how they “push the film’s vintage cool to the max.”
The movie has also performed exceptionally well at the box office, grossing over $460 million worldwide to date. It stands as Apple’s highest-grossing theatrical film, with plans for a potential sequel already in motion. Notably, mainland China became the film’s largest international market.
In essence, F1: The Movie is not just an exhilarating racing film but also a compelling sports drama rich in human interest. Through the clash and collaboration of old and new talent, it effectively showcases the passion, challenges, and enduring appeal of Formula 1 racing.
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