Brad Pitt's F1 Movie Expected to Redefine Motorsport Films with Real Race Footage

The 2025 film F1, directed by Joseph Kosinski and starring Brad Pitt as former Formula 1 driver Sonny Hayes, offers a high-octane sports drama centered on Hayes mentoring rookie Joshua Pearce in the fictional APXGP racing team. Shot on real F1 circuits with authentic cars and featuring cameos from stars like Lewis Hamilton, Max Verstappen, and Charles Leclerc, the movie aims for unprecedented realism in motorsport cinema. While praised for its slick editing, thrilling race sequences, and Hans Zimmer’s score, critics note the film follows a familiar Hollywood redemption formula, with some finding Sonny Hayes less sympathetic compared to previous Kosinski protagonists. The story highlights the tension and eventual teamwork between Hayes and Pearce as they strive to save their struggling team, with a romantic subplot adding emotional depth. Despite its technical prowess and authentic racing scenes, some reviewers felt the film lacked the emotional engagement and excitement of Kosinski's earlier work, Top Gun: Maverick. Director Kosinski credits lessons learned from Top Gun: Maverick in crafting F1, with Lewis Hamilton endorsing the authenticity of the racing portrayals.