Warner Bros. Pictures / Apple TV Plus Pictures
Cast: Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, Kerry Condon, Javier Bardem, Tobias Menzies, Kim Bodnia, Shea Whigham, Joseph Balderrama, Sarah Niles, Samson Kayo
Music: Hans Zimmer
Cinematography: Claudio Miranda
Producers: Jerry Bruckheimer, Joseph Kosinski, Lewis Hamilton, Brad Pitt, Dede Gardner, Jeremy Kleiner, Chad Oman
Runtime: 155 Minutes
Screenplay: Ehren Kruger
Director: Joseph Kosinski
Sonny Hayes (Two-time Oscar winner Brad Pitt) is a once-promising Formula 1 driver whose career was derailed nearly thirty years ago by a tragic accident in Spain. The trauma still haunts him, reflected in both his mind and his scarred back. Now, he roams in his trailer, aimless, chasing the lost thrill of speed and purpose.
After a surprising win at Daytona, Sonny reconnects with old rival Ruben Cervantes (Oscar winner Javier Bardem), who desperately needs a veteran driver to help his team, Apex, which has never scored points or placed in the top 10. If Ruben doesn't win a Grand Prix in the remaining nine races of the season, he will lose ownership of the team.
Sonny sees this as the perfect chance to get back on the track and attempt to mentor the brash rookie Joshua Pierce (Damson Idris), a complete newcomer with whom he constantly clashes. At the same time, Sonny begins working closely with the team’s technical director, Kate McKenna (Oscar nominee Kerry Condon), helping her upgrade the car while also subtly courting her.
Oscar nominee Joseph Kosinski returns after the massive critical and commercial success of Top Gun: Maverick (2022)—a film that reignited audience interest in theaters post-pandemic. What better follow-up than another high-octane story, again starring a bona fide movie star, this time Brad Pitt?
Teaming up again with Maverick co-writer Ehren Kruger, cinematographer Claudio Miranda, and composer Hans Zimmer, Kosinski delivers a true summer blockbuster. F1 doesn’t aim to pose philosophical questions about motorsport or lean into melodrama—it exists for one reason: entertainment.
Bonus points to the director for shooting at real-world Grand Prix events, crafting a Formula One world that's authentic enough to please hardcore fans, yet accessible for casual viewers unfamiliar with the sport. There’s no overwhelming jargon or dense exposition—just enough detail to engage without overwhelming. I was initially skeptical of Ehren Kruger’s script, considering his work on the Transformers franchise, but to my surprise, he strikes a balance between technical spectacle, engaging competition, and meaningful team dynamics. The team, gradually becoming a cohesive unit, adds depth beneath the roaring engines.
Let’s be honest though—this film is built around Brad Pitt. It’s a showcase for a true Movie Star: charismatic, compelling, and capable of drawing massive crowds. Pitt thrives in the role of Sonny—reckless, arrogant, but sharp and strategic. He delivers with ease and (let’s be clear) charm. Of course, having powerhouse actors like Bardem and Condon around him doesn’t hurt. And Damson Idris? A breakout performance. Hollywood should already be knocking on his door.
"F1" (2025) is to the track what Top Gun: Maverick was to the skies. While its story skeleton and echoes of Days of Thunder (1990) may reduce its originality, Kosinski and Kruger skillfully package the clichés into a slick, thrilling, and effective summer ride. And for the first time, Ehren Kruger deserves some genuine praise: this time, he’s written a solid screenplay—on his own.
RATING FOR "F1" (2025): 3.5 out of 5 (Good and a Half)
★★★½☆ (3.5 out of 5)