In a cinematic landscape often bogged down by sequels, reboots, and superhero fatigue, Brad Pitt’s latest venture, F1, has roared onto the scene like a turbocharged Ferrari, leaving critics breathless and audiences exhilarated. Directed by Joseph Kosinski—the visionary behind the blockbuster Top Gun: Maverick—and produced in collaboration with Apple Original Films and Warner Bros., the film has not only captured the essence of Formula One racing but has also conquered the hearts of reviewers worldwide. With a Rotten Tomatoes score hovering at an impressive 92% fresh rating just months after its June 27, 2025, theatrical release, F1 stands as a testament to the power of immersive storytelling, cutting-edge technology, and star power in revitalizing the sports drama genre. But beyond the checkered flag, whispers in Hollywood corridors suggest this might spark a trend—could action icons like Keanu Reeves follow suit with their own adrenaline-fueled epics?
The film’s journey to the silver screen mirrors the high-stakes world it portrays. Announced in 2021 amid the surge in popularity of Netflix’s Drive to Survive docuseries, F1 promised an unprecedented dive into the adrenaline-soaked universe of Formula One. Brad Pitt, at 61, stars as Sonny Hayes, a grizzled veteran racer coaxed out of retirement to mentor a young prodigy, Joshua Pearce (played by breakout star Damson Idris), for the fictional APXGP team. The narrative weaves themes of redemption, legacy, and the brutal physicality of the sport, all set against the backdrop of real F1 circuits. Javier Bardem delivers a powerhouse performance as Ruben Cervantes, Hayes’ old rival turned team owner, while Kerry Condon and Tobias Menzies add emotional depth as the team’s strategist and engineer, respectively. Real F1 drivers like Lewis Hamilton (who co-produced) and Max Verstappen make cameo appearances, blurring the lines between fiction and reality.
What sets F1 apart is its commitment to authenticity. Filmed during actual 2023 and 2024 Grand Prix weekends at tracks like Silverstone, Monza, and Abu Dhabi, the production team modified Mercedes chassis to create the APXGP cars, ensuring they could hit speeds over 200 mph. Cinematographer Claudio Miranda, an Oscar winner for Life of Pi, employed innovative camera rigs—drones, helmet cams, and in-car mounts—to capture the visceral thrill of racing. The sound design, helmed by Oscar-winning mixer Tom Ozanich, replicates the deafening roar of engines with IMAX precision, making viewers feel every gear shift and tire screech. This technical prowess echoes Kosinski’s approach in Top Gun: Maverick, where practical effects elevated aerial sequences to new heights.
Brad Pitt’s involvement goes beyond acting; as a producer through his Plan B Entertainment, he immersed himself in the role, undergoing rigorous training with F1 simulators and even driving laps under Hamilton’s tutelage. “I wanted to feel the G-forces, the fear, the exhilaration,” Pitt shared in a promotional interview. His portrayal of Hayes—a man grappling with age, injury, and the ghosts of past crashes—infuses the film with poignant vulnerability. Critics have hailed Pitt’s performance as one of his finest since Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, noting how his weathered charm and understated intensity anchor the high-speed chaos. “Pitt puts the pedal to the metal, delivering a role that fits him like a racing glove,” wrote one critic, praising the actor’s ability to blend charisma with quiet introspection.
The critical conquest began at the film’s world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival in May 2025, where it received a seven-minute standing ovation. Early reviews set the tone: one critic awarded it four stars, calling it “a velociously loud and exceedingly exciting motion picture that deserves to be experienced on the biggest screen possible.” The reviewer lauded the film’s pacing, likening it to a well-executed pit stop—swift, precise, and adrenaline-pumping. He particularly praised the mentor-protégé dynamic between Pitt and Idris, drawing parallels to Rocky but with V8 engines instead of boxing gloves.
Another major publication described F1 as a “slick, sun-kissed spectacle where Pitt’s tanned, tousled form embodies the eternal allure of speed.” The review highlighted the film’s visual splendor, from sweeping aerial shots of Monaco’s hairpin turns to intimate cockpit close-ups that convey the isolation of a driver hurtling at breakneck speeds. It noted subtle nods to F1’s real-world controversies, like cost caps and team rivalries, adding layers of intrigue without overwhelming the narrative.
Not all reviews were unqualified raves, but even detractors acknowledged its crowd-pleasing elements. One critic labeled it a “non-starter” in terms of originality, critiquing the formulaic plot as “predictable as a qualifying lap.” Yet, he conceded that the “slick and shiny” production values and Pitt’s magnetic presence make it an ideal summer popcorn flick, comparing it favorably to Days of Thunder but with modern gloss. Another review pointed out distracting subplots—such as a underdeveloped romance between Idris’ character and a journalist (Sarah Gadon)—but praised the “dazzling visuals and score” that “dampen” these flaws, ultimately recommending it for F1 fans and action enthusiasts alike.
Audience reactions, as gauged by online user reviews and forum discussions, mirror the critical consensus. The film holds an 8.2/10 rating from over 50,000 votes, with users applauding the “entertaining nods to real F1 drivers” and Pitt’s “classic cool guy persona.” One reviewer noted, “The supporting crew is entertaining, but Pitt steals the show—it’s like watching a masterclass in charisma.” A discussion thread asking “What did you think of F1: The Movie?” garnered hundreds of comments, with users praising its runtime (2 hours 36 minutes) for not feeling dragged out and highlighting strong performances from Pitt and Idris.
The film’s box office performance underscores its critical success. Opening to $85 million domestically and $150 million worldwide, F1 has grossed over $750 million globally as of September 2025, making it one of the year’s top earners. This triumph is particularly noteworthy in a post-pandemic era where theaters crave event films. Analysts attribute this to strategic marketing—trailers emphasizing practical stunts and Hamilton’s endorsement—coupled with tie-ins like F1 merchandise and streaming deals. The soundtrack, featuring Hans Zimmer’s pulsating score blended with tracks from artists like The Chemical Brothers, has also charted, amplifying its cultural footprint.
Beyond numbers, F1 has ignited discussions on representation and safety in motorsports. The film’s depiction of diversity—Idris as a Black rookie driver—mirrors F1’s evolving demographics, with Hamilton’s input ensuring authentic portrayals of mental health struggles and racial barriers in the sport. Critics have aggregated praise for its “effortless charisma” and “thrilling sequences,” but also note its role in boosting F1’s global appeal, especially among younger demographics influenced by Drive to Survive.
Kosinski’s direction is a key factor in the film’s acclaim. Building on Top Gun: Maverick‘s success, he employs similar techniques: minimal CGI for racing scenes, relying instead on practical effects to convey authenticity. “We wanted audiences to feel the speed, not just see it,” Kosinski explained in an interview. This approach has drawn comparisons to classics like Grand Prix (1966) and Rush (2013), but with a contemporary edge. Pitt’s physical transformation—losing weight to fit into the cockpit—adds credibility, as does the film’s exploration of aging in a youth-obsessed sport, a theme resonant with Pitt’s own career trajectory.
The supporting cast elevates the material. Bardem’s Cervantes is a volcanic force, his banter with Pitt sparking some of the film’s wittiest moments. Idris, fresh from Snowfall, brings raw intensity to Pearce, his arc from wide-eyed novice to confident competitor providing emotional ballast. Cameos from F1 legends like Fernando Alonso and Sergio Pérez add Easter eggs for fans, while the script by Ehren Kruger (Top Gun: Maverick) balances high-octane action with quieter character beats.
Critically, F1 has been lauded for its sound design and editing. The roar of engines, the screech of tires, and the whoosh of overtakes create an immersive auditory experience, earning nominations buzz for technical categories at the upcoming Oscars. Zimmer’s score, a symphony of electronic pulses and orchestral swells, has been called “heart-pounding,” perfectly syncing with the film’s rhythm.
However, some reviews critique its predictability. One critic notes an “amiable surrogate-family movie” vibe that occasionally veers into cliché, with the underdog team narrative feeling familiar. Yet, he argues this familiarity is its strength: “In a world of chaotic blockbusters, F1 delivers straightforward thrills.” User reviews echo this, with one stating, “It’s not reinventing the wheel, but it spins it masterfully.”
The film’s impact extends to the real F1 world. F1’s owners reported a 15% spike in ticket sales post-release, attributing it to the movie’s glamour. Hamilton, in a profile, credited Pitt’s dedication: “Brad didn’t just act; he lived the role.” This synergy has sparked talks of sequels, with Kosinski hinting at exploring electric racing’s future.
As F1 cements its status as a critical darling, it raises questions about Hollywood’s next lap. The success of sports dramas like this and Challengers (2024) suggests a renaissance, where stars leverage passions for authentic projects. Pitt’s love for motorsports—evident in his Le Mans appearances—mirrors other icons. Keanu Reeves, for instance, with his Arch Motorcycle company and documented affinity for two-wheeled thrills, has long been rumored to eye a MotoGP or endurance racing film. Industry insiders whisper that Reeves, fresh from John Wick: Chapter 5, might collaborate with a director like Chad Stahelski on a high-speed saga—could a Reeves-led racing epic be the next to conquer critics?
In conclusion, F1 isn’t just a film; it’s a victory lap for Brad Pitt and Joseph Kosinski, proving that when Hollywood shifts gears toward passion-driven storytelling, the results can be electrifying. With its blend of spectacle, heart, and horsepower, F1 has not only conquered critics but also paved the way for a new era of cinematic speed demons. As the credits roll, one can’t help but wonder: Who’s next on the grid—perhaps Keanu, ready to burn rubber in his own high-octane epic?
