F1: The Movie – A Thrilling Ride Beyond the Racetrack (Movie Watch Diary 18)
Hello, movie lovers! Welcome to my eighteenth Movie Watch Diary on Bookimov: Books & Movies! For this entry, I watched F1: The Movie (2025), directed by Joseph Kosinski, and I’ll admit—I’m not a Formula 1 or racing fan. Initially, I wasn’t excited, but from the first scene, this film hooked me with its high-octane energy and surprising depth. It’s a rare gem that won me over, earning a 9/10, my highest rating in years! Let’s dive into why this movie is a must-see, and as always, I need your movie picks for my next diary!
F1: The Movie (2025) - A Surprising Hook for a Non-Fan
As someone who never watches F1 or racing, I was skeptical about F1: The Movie. But it grabbed me instantly with a heart-pounding race sequence that sets the tone. Unlike what I expected, the film isn’t just about cars speeding around—it’s a gripping blend of action, teamwork, and human struggle. The pacing is relentless, with minimal dull moments, keeping you glued to the screen. If it can win over a non-fan like me, that’s a testament to its universal appeal.
The Plot: More Than Just Racing
F1: The Movie follows Sonny Hayes (Brad Pitt), a 1990s Formula 1 prodigy dubbed “the greatest that never was” after a near-fatal crash ended his career. Thirty years later, he’s a nomadic racer-for-hire when his former teammate, Ruben Cervantes (Javier Bardem), recruits him to save the struggling APXGP team. Sonny mentors rookie Joshua Pearce (Damson Idris), a fiery talent, as they aim to turn the team around and compete for F1 glory. Their journey is fraught with tension, as Sonny’s past demons and Joshua’s ambition make them fierce rivals as well as teammates. The film, shot during real Grand Prix weekends with FIA collaboration, immerses you in the high-stakes world of F1, from pit stops to hairpin turns.
The movie shines in showing that F1 isn’t just about drivers or cars—it’s about the team. From engineers fine-tuning aerodynamics to strategists calling the shots, I learned F1 is a symphony of technology, teamwork, and grit. It’s like an F1 encyclopedia, teaching me the sport’s intricacies in an engaging way. Now, I’m excited to watch a real F1 race, knowing the behind-the-scenes effort, and I’ll think of this movie every time.
Brad Pitt and a Stellar Cast
Brad Pitt delivers his usual charismatic brilliance as Sonny, bringing charm and gravitas that elevate every scene. He’s not reinventing the wheel—just classic Pitt, making the movie even more enjoyable. The supporting cast, including Javier Bardem’s intense Ruben and Damson Idris’ dynamic Joshua, adds depth, with their chemistry driving the story. Kerry Condon as Kate, the team’s strategist, and Tobias Menzies as a rival team boss round out a talented ensemble.
Visuals and Sound That Roar
The film’s visuals, shot by Claudio Miranda, are stunning, capturing the speed and chaos of F1 with helmet cams, close-ups, and sweeping track shots. Hans Zimmer’s adrenaline-pumping score, paired with Stephen Mirrione’s sharp editing, makes every race feel visceral, like you’re in the cockpit. These elements, combined with real F1 settings like Silverstone, make the movie a sensory feast, even for non-fans.
Themes Beyond the Track
What sets F1: The Movie apart is its focus on human struggle—Sonny’s redemption, Joshua’s ambition, and the team’s fight against odds. It’s not just about racing; it’s about perseverance, rivalry, and unity. While some purists might nitpick the exaggerated racing strategies or pit stop timings (like calling DRS a “superpower”), the film’s heart and entertainment value overshadow these flaws. It’s a crowd-pleaser that balances Hollywood flair with respect for F1’s spirit.
Ratings and a Minor Critique
F1: The Movie has an 82% critics’ score on Rotten Tomatoes (from 347 reviews, audience score 92%) and a 7.8/10 on IMDb (from thousands of votes). Critics praise its visuals and Pitt’s magnetism, though some note its formulaic story. My only gripe? A few predictable plot beats, like Sonny’s redemption arc, feel familiar, but the execution is so engaging it barely matters.
A Must-Watch and Rewatch
F1: The Movie is a triumph that turned a non-racing fan like me into an F1 enthusiast. Its thrilling action, deep dive into teamwork, and universal themes of struggle and redemption make it a standout. I give it a 9/10 for its ability to captivate and educate while delivering pure entertainment. I’d definitely rewatch it to relive the races and catch more details, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to everyone—F1 fans or not.
What did you think of F1: The Movie? Did it make you see F1 differently, or were the races the highlight? Drop your thoughts in the comments, and here’s the big one: suggest a movie for my next Movie Watch Diary! I’m craving something bold or action-packed, so hit me with your picks. If you enjoyed this post, please like, follow, and share so you don’t miss the next hunt. Thanks for joining me—see you in the next one.
