F1 is reasonably fast paced drama about Sonny Hayes (Brad Pitt) an aging former F1 racer who is brought back into the elite sport by his friend Ruben Cervantes (Javier Bardem) who is the owner of a team called APXGP. Once aboard Hayes dreams up some controversial ways to try and get the team to the top of the game and so butts heads with their number one driver Joshua Pearce (Damson Idris) and technical director Kate McKenna (Kerry Condon).
The plot follows a family familiar trajectory with misunderstandings and plenty of bluster and the usual tropes around redemption, loyalty and overcoming almost impossible odds, but it still manages to feel engaging and emotionally grounded. The underdog element of the team is perhaps a little overdone but it is quite compelling.
The main cast are superb and there is a definite chemistry between them all. There is also some romance as can be expected, but it doesn’t overwhelm the story and is actually quite sweet.
Where F1 really shines is in the racing sequences which are slick and thrilling and give a real sense of being in the car with the driver.
All up F1 is very entertaining whether or not you like motorsports.
Starring: Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, Kerry Condon, Tobias Menzies, Javier Bardem
Directed by: Joseph Kosinski
Duration: 156 minutes
Open in New Zealand 26th June 2025
