The highly anticipated F1 movie, directed by Top Gun: Maverick helmer Joseph Kosinski, is revving up to hit Malaysian cinemas on June 26th. With a star-studded cast led by Brad Pitt and the unparalleled involvement of seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton as a lead producer and technical consultant, this film promises to deliver an unprecedented cinematic experience rooted in the thrilling world of Formula 1. But what exactly should audiences, from casual viewers to die-hard F1 purists, expect?
Unprecedented Authenticity: Beyond the Track
From the outset, “authenticity” has been the driving mantra for the F1 movie. The creators, including veteran producer Jerry Bruckheimer, have emphasised that this is not a documentary but an ambitious attempt to “thread the needle” between the raw realism of Formula 1 and the narrative punch of a summer blockbuster.
To achieve this, the filmmakers were granted exclusive access by Formula 1. At both the 2023 and 2024 British Grand Prix, Brad Pitt and Damson Idris (who plays hotshot rookie Joshua Pearce) joined the real-life formation laps in modified APX GP cars, lining up alongside the actual grid. Fictional APX GP hospitality units appeared in the paddock, and full-scale team garages were built into the pit lane, seamlessly integrating the fictional team into real race weekends. Authentic paddock shots of real drivers and even speaking cameos from team principals and prominent media voices like David Croft and Martin Brundle further enhance the immersive experience.
Lewis Hamilton’s involvement has been crucial in this pursuit of realism. As a lead producer and technical advisor, his insights proved invaluable, from advising on specific turns for manoeuvres to ensuring the accuracy of car behaviour and even sound design. Pitt himself lauded Hamilton’s dedication, revealing that the champion would dedicate hours to answering their queries, helping to “shape this film.” Hamilton also played a direct role in training Pitt and Idris in race car driving, adding another layer of genuine performance to the on-track scenes. The film even incorporates harrowing real-world F1 footage for Pitt’s character’s backstory, using Martin Donnelly’s 1990 crash with his permission.
The film also boasts revolutionary, state-of-the-art camera technology mounted directly onto the cars, promising adrenaline-pumping racing scenes that will thrill even the most seasoned Formula 1 fan. The climax of the movie even features legitimate on-track action with real F1 stars Charles Leclerc and George Russell, who drove with Pitt and Idris after postseason tests in Abu Dhabi.
The F1 Movie: A Blend of Underdog Drama and Hollywood Tropes
At its heart, F1 tells the story of Sonny Hayes (Brad Pitt), a retired Formula 1 driver, once the “golden boy” of the 90s, who is lured back to the grid to save the struggling fictional APX GP team. He partners with the talented but initially rivalrous rookie, Joshua Pearce (Damson Idris). The stakes are high: if they don’t win a race by season’s end, the team boss (Javier Bardem), Hayes’ former teammate, loses control of the team.
The narrative follows a classic underdog sports drama arc, with an inevitable early rivalry between Hayes and Pearce evolving into mutual respect. Kerry Condon plays Kate, the team’s first female technical director, and her dynamic with Pitt’s character, including a burgeoning romantic relationship, is present.
However, while the racing action is expected to be phenomenal, early feedback suggests that the script itself might rely on well-worn movie tropes and “rudimentary” dialogue. Critics point to Hayes’ miraculous recovery from a career-ending crash 30 years prior and his instant tactical genius as elements where Hollywood’s creative license is heavily applied. Some dedicated F1 fans might find certain plot points, like Hayes intentionally causing safety car periods, to be “over-the-top” or question the portrayal of character “flagrantly bending the rules.”
Furthermore, the film’s “fawning attitude” towards Formula 1 itself and the presence of “distracting product placement” have been noted, leading some to describe it as a “glossy corporate promotional film.” The lack of genuine antagonists among real F1 drivers and the absence of truly terrible things happening to the characters might lead to a perceived lack of tension for those seeking a grittier portrayal of the sport. The romantic subplot between a driver and his female technical director, while perhaps inevitable for a blockbuster, has also raised eyebrows given the ongoing efforts to promote genuine equality for women in the paddock.
What to Expect in the Cinema
Despite some narrative criticism, the overwhelming consensus points to the F1 movie being a thrill ride, especially on the big screen. The on-track scenes are described as the “most spectacular and adrenaline-pumping ever created for a racing film,” enhanced by Hans Zimmer’s epic score and Stephen Mirrione’s expert editing. The film’s ability to immerse the audience in the high-speed action, shifting seamlessly between drivers and pit crew, is a major highlight.
Early test screenings have been overwhelmingly positive, with an astonishing 88% on Rotten Tomatoes, even among audiences with little prior knowledge of F1. This suggests the film successfully introduces newcomers to the sport, making them eager to watch a real race. While purists might find some elements less authentic, these are the very aspects that are likely to appeal to a broader audience.
In essence, the F1 movie is poised to be another smash hit in Formula 1’s recent popularity boom. It’s a film designed to be experienced with a crowd, eliciting gasps, laughs and cheers. While it may not delve into the deep technical minutia or complex politics of the sport, it promises an exhilarating, visually stunning and emotionally engaging underdog story that will undoubtedly captivate audiences and potentially draw a whole new generation of fans into the fascinating world of Formula 1. Just remember Carlos Sainz’s advice: “For the pure F1 fan, be open-minded to Hollywood films.”
