2025-06-26T14:20:22Z

---

By Paul Tassi, Senior Contributor

After the monumental success garnered from his previous work, Top Gun: Maverick, director Joseph Kosinski has once again wowed audiences with his latest cinematic venture, F1. While the film's critic score currently stands at an impressive 86%, it has captured the hearts of viewers with a stellar audience score of 98%, placing it just shy of the audience reception of Top Gun: Maverick, which boasts a remarkable 99% audience score. Although critics have rated it slightly lower than Kosinski's previous blockbuster, the near-perfect audience score suggests that moviegoers are enthralled by the film’s narrative and performances.

The film, which has faced competition from the equally well-received live-action adaptation of How to Train Your Dragon, tells the gripping story of Sonny Hayes, played by the iconic Brad Pitt. Described as "the greatest that never was," Sonny was once the most promising star in the world of Formula 1 racing during the 1990s. However, a devastating accident on the track threatened to derail his career. Fast forward thirty years, and we find Sonny in a nomadic lifestyle as a racer-for-hire until he is approached by his former teammate, Ruben Cervantes, portrayed by Javier Bardem, who is trying to save his struggling F1 team from collapse.

Ruben persuades Sonny to return to Formula 1 for one last chance at glory, joining forces with emerging talent Joshua Pearce, played by Damson Idris. The film promises not only high-speed action but also a deep exploration of redemption, as Sonny grapples with both his past and the fierce competition represented by his own teammate. As the engines roar and tensions rise, the film highlights a poignant theme that resonates deeply: in the world of Formula 1 racing, your teammate can often become your greatest rival.

Interestingly, audiences have noted a significant casting choice, with the 61-year-old Brad Pitt portraying a driver who is in his 50s, particularly in a sport where the oldest current competitor is the 43-year-old Fernando Alonso. This casting decision, while raising eyebrows, aligns with the film’s narrative focus on the themes of aging, perseverance, and the quest for redemption. Additionally, the film marks a high-profile moment for Damson Idris, who rose to fame through FX's Snowfall and is rumored to be in contention for the role of the next Black Panther in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

With its captivating storyline and high-caliber cast, F1 appears poised to become a significant cinematic event. Early indicators suggest that viewers should not miss the opportunity to experience this film in theaters, as it may resonate deeply with fans of both action and sports genres. As the film continues to attract attention, it will be interesting to see how it holds up against other summer blockbusters.