Brad Pitt’s return to cinema is nothing short of thrilling. In this spoiler-free F1: The Movie review, we explore the story, racing scenes, and strong performances. The film is directed by Joseph Kosinski, known for Top Gun: Maverick. It follows Sonny Hayes, a retired driver making a fast-paced comeback. He joins the APX GP team to guide a young racer through a tough Formula 1 season.
What Is F1: The Movie About?
Brad Pitt stars as Sonny Hayes, a former Formula 1 driver who left the sport after a dramatic crash years ago. When a struggling team called APX GP needs help mid-season, Hayes is pulled back into the cockpit to mentor a hot-headed rookie, Joshua Pearce (played by Damson Idris), and race once more on the world’s most dangerous circuits.
The story follows Sonny and Joshua’s journey through a pressure-filled championship season where personal redemption, team loyalty, and high-speed risks collide.
Scene-by-Scene Breakdown
F1: The Movie opens with a thrilling moment set during the Daytona 24-hour race. Sonny Hayes’s past as a racer is shown in fast, chaotic glimpses, setting the emotional tone early.
The first act moves to Silverstone, where Sonny joins the underdog APX GP team and clashes with rising rookie Joshua Pearce. Their training sessions, team conflicts, and media scrutiny all play out against the backdrop of high-speed laps and garage politics.
As the story races into act two, we follow the team through iconic tracks like Monza, Zandvoort, and Barcelona, where a rainy showdown tests the limits of trust and teamwork.
The third act brings us to the neon-lit streets of the Las Vegas Grand Prix, raising both the stakes and tension. And finally lands in Abu Dhabi for a breathtaking finale under the lights, where legacy, loyalty, and redemption come full circle. Real-world F1 circuits, realistic team dynamics, and high-definition race sequences make each segment feel immersive and thrilling.
Characters & Performances
- Brad Pitt as Sonny Hayes – Charismatic and layered, Pitt balances swagger with emotion. He’s more than just a racer — he’s a man battling time and doubt.
- Damson Idris as Joshua Pearce – A perfect foil to Pitt, Joshua is young, arrogant, but brilliant. His journey from ego to empathy is one of the film’s best arcs.
- Javier Bardem as Ruben Cervantes – The stressed-out but hopeful team owner provides comic relief and heartfelt leadership.
- Kerry Condon as Kate McKenna – As APX GP’s technical director, she grounds the story with real-world engineering and quiet strength.
- Tobias Menzies as Miles Lark – A sharp, corporate villain whose actions threaten the very soul of the sport.
Visuals, Sound, and Direction
Director Joseph Kosinski uses practical effects and real F1 races to create ultra-realistic track action. DP Claudio Miranda (Oscar winner) captures every turn, crash, and victory with sleek, cinematic polish. Combined with Hans Zimmer’s powerful score, the film feels both personal and epic.
Kosinski and Pitt filmed scenes during real 2023 and 2024 F1 races, a groundbreaking approach that makes this unlike any other sports movie.
How’s the Ending?
The final act at Abu Dhabi’s Yas Marina Circuit delivers a satisfying, emotional climax. Without giving away any spoilers, the outcome is both crowd-pleasing and meaningful, giving closure to character arcs while keeping the audience on edge until the final lap.
It’s also a smart setup for a possible sequel, though F1: The Movie stands perfectly on its own.
Should You Watch It?
Absolutely. If you love:
- Formula 1 racing
- Character-driven sports dramas
- Slick visuals and IMAX-worthy action
- Brad Pitt in full Hollywood form
…then F1: The Movie is for you.
Even if you’re not an F1 fan, the story is easy to follow and full of heart, making this one of 2025’s most crowd-pleasing films.
Final Verdict
F1: The Movie isn’t just a racing film. It’s about passion, redemption, and how far we’ll go to prove we still have something to offer.
From the roaring engines to the quiet emotional moments, this movie hits all the right notes, and you’ll leave the theater with your heart racing.
