F1 Movie Review: Brad Pitt leads with charm in a film that balances heart and horsepower

Brad Pitt brings a casual charm to Sonny in F1

There’s a certain comfort in watching familiar actors take on familiar arcs—especially when they do it with such ease. ‘F1’ is one of those films that rides on the charm of its stars, Brad Pitt and Javier Bardem, and yet somehow manages to be more than just a star vehicle. It’s slick, yes, but there’s also heart in it. Despite running longer than most would expect from a racing drama, ‘F1’ never feels like a drag. It pulls you into the world of Formula 1 without assuming you’re already a fan. You don’t need to know lap timings or team names to care. Thanks to some breathtaking cinematography and seamless editing, the film captures the intensity of race day and the quiet moments in between with equal care. The logos and corporate chaos are there, sure, but what sticks is the emotion behind the machines.

A comeback in motion

The plot follows Sonny Hayes (Brad Pitt), a former F1 star whose name once appeared alongside greats like Ayrton Senna. But that was three decades ago. After a terrible crash, Sonny disappeared from the sport and from public memory. His post-racing life has been messy—gambling, broken relationships, living in a camper van, and driving a cab to make ends meet. It’s the kind of fall from grace that feels both dramatic and believable. Things shift when Ruben (Javier Bardem), an old friend and ex-rival turned team owner, tracks him down. Ruben’s team is on the brink, and he needs someone with experience to steady the ship. Against the wishes of board members—especially the scheming Peter Banning (Tobias Menzies)—Ruben brings Sonny back. Alongside him is Joshua Pearce (Damson Idris), a hot-headed young driver with talent to burn but no patience. What unfolds is less about who wins the race and more about how two men—one past his prime, the other too eager—find their rhythm.

Behind the pit wall

At its core, ‘F1’ is a story about redemption, but it doesn’t treat that idea with heavy hands. Sonny’s journey isn’t one of grand declarations or forced monologues. He’s trying, slowly, quietly, to rebuild. The film also gives us a rare peek behind the gloss of the F1 world—the politics in team meetings, the tension in the pit, and the egos and insecurities that make and break careers. But what really stands out is the friendship between Pitt and Bardem’s characters. It’s not overly sentimental, and that’s what makes it work. You believe these two men go back decades. Their banter feels lived-in; their respect for each other is never overstated. It’s one of those rare male friendships in film that feels warm without being overly dramatized. In a movie filled with roaring engines and rivalries, their quiet bond becomes the emotional core.

Performances that click

Brad Pitt brings a casual charm to Sonny—the kind that doesn’t scream “comeback” but slowly earns your attention. He’s funny, often self-deprecating, and never lets you see the pain behind the smile. His chemistry with Damson Idris, who plays the young and impulsive Joshua, is solid. Pitt’s scenes with him are a mix of tough love and restrained mentorship—he never plays the wise old man cliché. Bardem is a delight to watch as Ruben. He’s passionate, a bit chaotic, but deeply invested in his team’s future. Damson Idris looks the part and captures the energy of a rising star who hasn’t yet learned to listen. But it’s Kerry Condon who surprises the most. As Kate, the team’s technical director, she’s calm, precise, and quietly commanding. She brings a grounded presence to the film and ends up delivering one of its most memorable performances.

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Moments that matter

What makes ‘F1’ more than just another sports film is the way it finds meaning in the quieter beats. There’s a moment when Queen’s “We Will Rock You” blasts through the stadium before a big race—it’s pure spectacle. But then there’s the ending at Abu Dhabi, where Sonny insists Ruben collect the trophy—a small but powerful gesture that says everything about their relationship. Yes, the film does stretch reality at times—not everything here is strictly believable—but that’s also what makes it fun. Director Joseph Kosinski seems more interested in giving us a cinematic experience than a documentary. And he mostly pulls it off. ‘F1’ is a crowd-pleaser that doesn’t try too hard. It gives you the speed, the stakes, the soft punches of nostalgia, and a reminder that even in a world built on seconds and split decisions, there’s always room for one last comeback.

Cast: Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, Kerry Condon, Tobias Menzies, Kim Bodnia, and Javier Bardem

Director: Joseph Kosinski

Rating: 4/5

(‘F1’ is playing in theatres)