Review: Brad Pitt Revs Up To Redemption In The Heart-Pounding 'F1'

HOLLYWOOD, CA — Adrenaline rush, blistering speed, a haunting past: Joseph Kosinski’s turbocharged sports drama, “F1,” doesn’t just race; it roars, revving up a compelling story not merely of resilience but of redemption. “FI” isn't just about a sport, but a legacy — captured in a pulse-pounding tribute to the thrill of racing and the remarkable racers daring to compete.

At the heart of the narrative is Brad Pitt as Sonny Hayes, a fallen legend not racing against time, but against regret to fill an aching void. Once a rising star in the 1990s Formula 1 scene, Hayes was a blur of brilliance, dominating the tracks with incredible speed, like a flash of lightning — until one fateful day, when a near-fatal crash, while attempting to overtake Ayrton Senna, brought his career to a screeching halt. That moment didn’t just shatter his shot at greatness; it rewrote his destiny.

For the next three decades, Hayes drifts through the racing circuits, languishing in a haze of what-ifs. That is — until Ruben Cervantes (Javier Bardem), a former rival-turned team owner, pulls him back into the race. Cervantes’ APXGP team is floundering, and Hayes might be their Hail Mary. Is Hayes finally ready to return to the paddocks? It will be a formidable challenge to confront the ghosts of his painful past.

However, when he meets Joshua Pearce (Damson Idris), a rookie with raw talent and a chip on his shoulder, suddenly, Hayes isn’t just chasing closure to an unfinished business — he’s racing toward redemption, etching his legacy, and mentoring the future star. Hayes sees his younger self in Pearce — fearless, ambitious, reckless, and brilliant. Their quest for victory isn’t just about lap times; it’s about trust, trauma, setbacks, and the terrifying beauty of second chances.

Pitt delivers one of his most grounded performances in years. He portrays Hayes with smoldering intensity, soaked in stillness, weathered, calm, but not languid. Every glance and every moment of silence behind the wheel effectuates credence and credibility. He anchors the film with a swagger that feels authentic.

The supporting cast members all perform with unrelenting verve. Idris brings fire and finesse to Pearce, matching Pitt’s gravitas with youthful defiance and hunger for glory. Bardem is a scene-stealing powerhouse, injecting chaos and charm in equal measure. Kerry Condon? She’s a fearless leader. As Kate McKenna, APXGP’s technical director, she shines with real nuance, balancing intellect, authority, and quiet strength with great ease.

Visually, “F1” is a stunner. Kosinski, the maestro behind “Top Gun: Maverick,” trades the open skies for racetracks, and fighter jets for Formula 1 cars. The result? Poetry in motion that roars with a visceral jolt. With real Grand Prix footage, custom-built F2 cars, and car-mounted 6K cinema cameras, you feel the ride — every corner, every downshift, and all the G- force of adrenaline.

And then there’s Hans Zimmer’s score — a mellifluous piece to behold, nothing excessive, just the right cadence to elevate the film’s emotional stakes.

“F1” is a must-see, offering a well-crafted motorsport movie gem that pulsates with heart-pounding thrills of summer escapism and fun.