FILM REVIEW: F1: The Movie – Brad Pitt Hits the Fast Lane in This Adrenaline-Charged Cinematic Thrill Ride
Starring: Brad Pitt; Damson Idris; Kerry Condon; Tobias Menzies; Javier Bardem
ONLY IN CINEMAS JUNE 26
Fasten your seatbelts and hold on tight—because F1: The Movie roars onto the screen with the kind of high-octane intensity that grips you from the first frame and doesn’t let go. For me, it was a full-throttle cinematic experience. I barely moved through its runtime, fully immersed in the velocity, tension, and energy of a film that not only honours the sport of Formula 1 but elevates it into a whole new gear. I could’ve easily turned around and watched it again.
At the heart of the film is Brad Pitt, playing Sonny Hayes, a former F1 driver who returns to the track to mentor a young phenom on a fictional eleventh team, APXGP. Pitt is magnetic—gritty, weathered, and full of adrenaline-fuelled charisma. The role is clearly close to his heart, and he’s called the project “a dream come true.” As he reflected:
“For a very long time now, I’ve wanted to make a film that involved speed. Getting this made has been the experience of a lifetime—I’m still trying to figure out how to get back there. I miss it.”
That sense of passion and immersion runs deep in the DNA of the film. Shot over 18 months across real-world F1 circuits—including Silverstone, Spa, Monza, and Yas Marina—this wasn’t just another studio production. Pitt and co-star Damson Idris (who plays the rising talent) trained to handle real F2 cars modified to resemble Formula 1 machines, reaching speeds close to 200mph. The production embedded itself in the actual F1 season, seamlessly blending fictional drama with the pulse of the sport.
Directed by Joseph Kosinski (Top Gun: Maverick) and produced by Jerry Bruckheimer, the film’s creative team is nothing short of a dream lineup. With a screenplay by Ehren Kruger and creative consulting from seven-time F1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton, F1: The Movie strikes the impossible balance—immersing die-hard motorsport fans while remaining accessible to newcomers.
“Threading that needle was the biggest challenge,” Pitt shared. “But I think we’ve done that—made it enlightening for newcomers without dumbing it down for ultra fans. It’s funny, it’s aggressive, it’s driving, and it’s surprisingly heartwarming.”
Visually, the film is breathtaking. With cinematographer Claudio Miranda (Oscar-winner for Life of Pi) capturing the speed, danger, and beauty of race day in razor-sharp detail, this isn’t just action—it’s art. Every shot, from helmet-cam POVs to sweeping aerials of race-day chaos, pulls you in.
Behind the scenes, F1: The Movie has drawn attention for its enormous scope—and cost. The production reportedly came with a staggering budget between $200–300 million, placing it among the most expensive sports films ever made. Though the $300 million figure was later disputed by the filmmakers, it’s clear this was no ordinary shoot. Tax rebates, global sponsorships, and the scale of filming at real races all played into the final cost.
But every dollar is on the screen. This is blockbuster filmmaking done right—with realism, tension, and heart. Pitt’s performance may just be one of his finest to date, but what makes F1: The Movie soar is its love for the sport and its characters. There’s emotional weight in the pit lanes, camaraderie in the garages, and the undeniable thrill of competition around every corner.
In the end, F1 isn’t just about speed. It’s about legacy, mentorship, and redemption. Whether you’re a seasoned fan or just stepping onto the track, this film is one ride you don’t want to miss.
5 stars – A podium-worthy triumph.
By Caroline Russo – Hush Hush Biz
Photo Credit: Photo by Scott Garfield. Courtesy Warner Bros Pictures / Apple Original Films
