F1 is a movie that I have been dying to see, and since it was Filmed For IMAX, it was the only option for me to see the movie in that format. It was certainly a cinematic experience on the huge screen.
Dubbed “the greatest that never was,” Sonny Hayes (Brad Pitt) was Formula 1’s most promising prodigy of the 1990s until an accident on the track nearly ended his career. Thirty years later, he has become a nomadic racer-for-hire when he is approached by his former teammate, Ruben Cervantes (Javier Bardem), who now owns a struggling Formula 1 team on the verge of collapse.
Ruben convinces Sonny to return to Formula 1 for one last chance to save the team and reclaim his status as the best in the world. He will drive alongside Joshua Pearce (Damson Idris), the team’s ambitious rookie, intent on setting his own pace. However, as the engines roar to life, Sonny’s past begins to catch up with him. He realises that in Formula 1, your teammate can be your fiercest competition, and the road to redemption cannot be travelled alone.
If you are a fan of F1 (Formula One), then this is a movie that will certainly appeal to you. I used to love watching the sport on TV until Sky got the rights and the fun and excitement moved, but that’s a whole different topic that I won’t go into!
Right from the very start of the movie I had goosebumps with the opening music and racing scenes that just had me on the edge of my seat, not just an expression as I was leaning forward to watch the car racing around the track and the heartpounding sound from the IMAX system making me feel like I was there.
Pitt’s character, Sonny, drifts from one motor racing sport to another and as he eventually makes his way back to F1 we are taken on the journey with him as he attempts to help the team get the points it needs to stay in the sport and for the board of directors to shut down the team.
The cast is great in this two-and-a-half-hour movie, and time races by (excuse the pun), the story is simple enough to keep you entertained, and there are plenty of moments that you do get to feel for the characters and what they are going through with the fight to keep racing.
What makes F1 a great watch is the way the movie is shot, as it is filmed for IMAX, we get cockpit views during the races in IMAX, and this not only looks stunning, but it takes you into the moments that F1 drivers go through on the tracks. F1 race days were filmed for the movie, and this all adds to the excitement.
The sound experience is incredible. The IMAX sound truly brings all the elements of F1 racing closer to the viewer. The roar of the engines resonates powerfully from the speakers, accompanied by fantastic songs and the superb score by Hans Zimmer.
If you love Formula 1, then this is a movie you’ll want to see. Even if you’re not a fan of the sport, watching F1 in IMAX is still worth your time. The experience might draw you into the excitement of racing, and you might even become a fan after watching the film!
F1 The Movie Puts You Right in the Driver's Seat
Movie title: F1 (2025)
Movie description: A Formula One driver comes out of retirement to mentor and team up with a younger driver.
Date published: July 7, 2025
Country: UK
Duration: 2h 35m
Director(s): Joseph Kosinski
Actor(s): Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, Javier Bardem
Genre: Motor Sport, Action, Drama
Summary
F1 The Movie is a breathtaking cinematic experience that will leave you gripping your seat in anticipation!
Karen Woodham is the founder and owner of the Blazing Minds. She is also a Cinema reviewer and works with RealD 3D reviewing the latest 3D releases and IMAX, she has also had several articles published in various publications including the first edition of SFW Magazine. In 2015 she became an Award Winning Blogger and also has her website listed as one of the UK’s Top 10 Film Blogs.
