F1, US, 2025. Starring Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, Javier Bardem, Kerry Condon. Directed by Joseph Kosinski. 155 minutes. Rated M (Coarse language).
Just in case there is someone who comes across this film, unaware of the meaning of what looks like a code, F1, it is, of course, Formula 1. Cars racing.
Over the decades, this has been a popular subject for the movies. In the ’60s there was the epic, Grand Prix, and films with stars such as Steve McQueen at Le Mans and Paul Newman (who was a driver in real life). There was Tom Cruise in Days of Thunder, the biographies of various famous drivers such as Ayrton Senna, and the rivalry between James Hunt (Chris Hemsworth) and Nicki Lauda (Daniel Bruhl) in Rush. Focusing on the entrepreneurs was Ford v Ferrari (2019).
Which means there is a strong fan base for racing car movies also eager to see Pitt in this film, and the promise of adrenaline pumping driving action. As regards the action, the fan base is certainly not disappointed. On the other hand, there is the question of what will non-F1 audiences make of it. At more than 2.5 hours, many might find it too much. So, yes, F1 is for the fans.
The opening is in the US, Daytona, establishing the film for the American audience. However, it quickly moves to Silverstone in the UK. And, as it progresses, the competition travels to Italy, Hungary, Japan, Holland, Abu Dhabi, Las Vegas – but sadly for Australian fans, not to Albert Park.
The central character is Sonny Hayes (Pitt), a would-be champion with skill in the 1990s. However, after a horrendous crash, he withdraws from racing and makes more than a mess of his life. Picking up the pieces, he successfully participates at Daytona. He is then approached by a friend from the past, Ruben (an always welcome Bardem). Ruben, whose company is in financial mess, has an up-and-coming English driver, Josh Pearce (Idris). He approaches Sonny with an offer he hopes he can’t refuse.
The race sequences, of course, are outstanding – and, many of the sequences with the camera in the driver’s seat put the audience in the driver’s seat.
What is interesting is the behind-the-scenes people. Not just the squads at the pit stops, performing with speed and efficiency, but the technicians, the designers of the cars, the scientists, the engineers, as well as the companies and their board members (and schemes). And, during the races, the communications to the drivers, the network of information during the race, the panel giving advice, suggesting tactics, much more interesting than might have been imagined.
There are, as usual, family issues, love interest, and, all the time, the focus on Pitt, turning 60 as he made this film, still with all the charm and bravado that he has shown for more than 35 years.
The film was made for the fans and with such racing action sequences, they will not be disappointed.
Universal
Released 26 June