F1 - Review

Joseph Kosinski's latest film may not live up to heart and surprise from his last film Top Gun: Maverick (2022), but in terms of capturing the thrill and velocity of competitive racing, it's hard to think of another film that pulls it off as effectively as F1 (2025). Even for the shots strapped to the cars where the choice to linger on one shot for longer instead of cutting around it would have made it feel more immersive. The precise and smooth manner that the racing coverage is put together is undeniably impressive and engaging to witness for the entire runtime. Luckily, the fun characters along with the charismatic actors who portray them make the racing and non-racing scenes equally as enjoyable to watch. The outcomes may be predictable, but the film makes it clear that witnessing how the characters reach these outcomes along with the excitement of boundary pushing technology capturing practical racing like never before. It makes F1 such as refreshing mainstream blockbuster where the effort to execute everything as well as possible is clearly seen.

Still Courtesy – Apple Original Films

After winning the Rolex 24 at Daytona, former Formula 1 driver Sonny Hayes (portrayed by Brad Pitt) decides to retire his life of professional racing. That's until former F1 teammate of Sonny Hayes named Ruben Cervantes (portrayed by Javier Bardem) comes into his life and now owns a company competing in the F1 known as APXGP. Given the team's struggle to secure victories with the risk of board members selling the company if this continues, Ruben persuades Sonny to join his team and mentor the current representative racer of APXGP named Joshua Pearce (portrayed by Damson Idris). After his reluctance, Sonny agrees and join his team where Joshua being at odds with Sonny will make an impact for the races of the upcoming F1 Grand Prix will turn out. After capturing flying on fighter jets and more like never before in Top Gun: Maverick (2022), Kosinski has now teamed up with Apple and Brad Pitt to create a film that might not replicate the emotional depth or surprise of his previous hit. However, when it comes to capturing the raw intensity of competitive racing, few films manage to hit the mark as effectively. From the moment the engines roar to life, the audience is thrust into a world where speed is not just a measurement but a visceral experience. Kosinski’s direction ensures that the action on screen is felt just as much as it’s seen, particularly through the meticulously choreographed racing sequences. The decision to feature extended shots strapped to the cars adds an unusual but effective layer of realism. While some might argue that shorter, more rapid cuts would have heightened the immersion, Kosinski's deliberate pacing enhances the feeling of living on the edge, where every second counts.

The racing sequences themselves are nothing short of mesmerizing. Unlike typical action films that rely on quick edits to convey speed, F1 lingers on the action, capturing each thrilling turn, high-speed maneuver, and daring overtaking with a precision that mirrors the skill of the drivers. Kosinski’s ability to blend practical racing footage with cutting-edge technology creates a seamless, high-octane experience that feels both groundbreaking and grounded. Even when the narrative slows down to explore the characters and their motivations off the track, the film’s visual energy remains palpable, never letting go of the adrenaline that defines the sport. For fans of motorsport, the film’s commitment to authenticity will likely be its strongest suit, turning even the quiet moments into a tension-filled lead-up to the next race.

Still Courtesy – Apple Original Films

However, it’s not just the racing that drives F1. The characters—brought to life by an ensemble of charismatic actors—are another key factor that elevates the film beyond what could have been a mere spectacle. Each driver, mechanic, and team owner is given a backstory that, while not always groundbreaking, offers enough depth to keep the audience invested. The chemistry between the leads is electric, particularly between the two main competitors whose rivalry serves as the emotional backbone of the story. The interactions between the supporting cast are equally strong, with several moments of humor and camaraderie that offer a welcome reprieve from the high stakes of the racetrack. Even if the narrative structure occasionally falls into predictable patterns, the characters' individual arcs make the journey more engaging.

As with many films centered around competitive sports, F1 doesn’t shy away from familiar tropes—the underdog story, the veteran facing a tough challenge, and the clash of personalities. However, the film distinguishes itself by allowing these tropes to evolve naturally, without falling into clichés. The real thrill comes from the way each character’s development intertwines with the evolving technology in the sport, making the races feel not just like tests of speed but of human ingenuity and technological advancement. In fact, the film often treats the cars themselves as characters, with every upgrade and modification providing new stakes and pushing the limits of what’s possible. It’s a fascinating commentary on how innovation, just like competition, is essential to the world of F1 racing.

While the outcomes of the races may be predictable to those familiar with the sport, F1 thrives in showing how the drivers reach these outcomes. It’s in the tension-building moments leading up to each race, the split-second decisions, and the high-risk strategies that the film finds its pulse. The carefully constructed pacing, combined with the impressive technical execution, ensures that even the most seasoned F1 fan will find something to appreciate. The film’s commitment to portraying the sport with accuracy while still keeping it accessible to a wider audience is commendable. Ultimately, F1 stands out as a refreshing blockbuster, not just for its spectacle, but for its attention to detail, its dedication to the craft of filmmaking, and its genuine love for the sport it celebrates.

Verdict

7/10

Still Courtesy – Apple Original Films