F1 (Film) Reviews – Critics Score 82%, Fans 97%

Brad Pitt’s latest racing film has crossed the finish line to critical acclaim, with audiences responding even more enthusiastically than reviewers. The Joseph Kosinski-directed Formula 1 drama earned an 82% Tomatometer score based on 367 critic reviews, while fans handed it a commanding 97% approval rating on the Popcornmeter. The film brings together elements that recall Kosinski’s previous blockbuster success alongside fresh motorsport storytelling.

F1 released in theaters on June 27, 2025, following years of development that included unprecedented on-track filming during actual Grand Prix weekends. The project marked Apple Original Films’ most ambitious theatrical collaboration with Warner Bros., combining the tech company’s production resources with traditional Hollywood distribution muscle. Critics have drawn immediate comparisons to Kosinski’s 2022 hit Top Gun: Maverick, praising similar qualities of authentic action and veteran star charisma.

The film runs 2 hours and 35 minutes and carries a PG-13 rating for action and strong language. Its theatrical release strategy prioritized the big-screen experience, particularly for IMAX venues, where early audiences reported the most impactful viewing. The collaboration between Pitt and newcomer Damson Idris has emerged as a particular highlight among both critics and general viewers.

What Are the Early Reviews for the F1 Movie?

• Rotten Tomatoes critics score stands at 82%, with 367 reviews tallied at publication time
• Audience approval reaches 97% based on over 10,000 verified ratings
• Critics Consensus praises Brad Pitt’s “laidback magnetism” and Kosinski’s “kinetic direction”
• Film ranks #6 among Brad Pitt’s Tomatometer-sorted filmography
• Described as a “turbo-charged dad movie” with “pulse-pounding action” and heart
• Fans call it “velociously loud and exceedingly exciting” and “very realistic and action packed”
• IMAX viewing emerges as the recommended experience across multiple reviews

What Do Critics Say About the F1 Film Trailer?

Early trailer reactions set high expectations that the completed film largely fulfilled. Social media critics highlighted the electric chemistry between Brad Pitt and Damson Idris, with many noting how the footage blended “thrills, grit, soul, and meta Hollywood themes” in ways that felt both fresh and familiar.

Reviewers emphasized the immersive quality of race sequences, with trailers showcasing footage that made viewers feel positioned inside the cockpit. The 2:24 runtime trailers focused heavily on high-octane action rather than plot exposition, leading audiences to anticipate an experience prioritizing spectacle over narrative complexity.

Critical Consensus on the Film

The critical reception balances praise for spectacle with notes about story simplicity. Positive assessments highlight the film as “a fun, fast-paced thrill ride with a ton of heart” and “an eye-popping, edge-of-your-seat pop epic.” The consensus acknowledges Brad Pitt’s continued star power while recognizing the technical achievements behind the racing sequences.

Constructive criticism focuses on the script, with some reviewers noting “annoying storylines” and describing the narrative as “simple and generic” when the film strays from actual racing moments. The film performs strongest when concentrated on track action rather than interpersonal drama.

Who Stars in the F1 Movie and What Is the Plot?

Brad Pitt stars as Sonny Hayes, a Formula 1 driver whose career nearly ended three decades ago following a track accident. The character was once the sport’s most promising talent in the 1990s before circumstances forced him away from racing. Pitt’s “laidback magnetism” serves as the film’s emotional anchor, according to multiple reviews.

Damson Idris plays Joshua Pearce, the hotshot rookie whom Hayes is recruited to mentor. Critics describe the pairing as “electric,” with the intergenerational dynamic driving much of the film’s emotional core. The relationship between veteran and newcomer explores themes of redemption, teamwork, and adaptation within a sport that has evolved significantly during Hayes’s absence.

The Story’s Foundation

The plot centers on a struggling F1 team owner who brings Hayes out of retirement, not merely to drive but to help guide a young team toward competitiveness. This setup allows the film to explore both the personal redemption arc of its aging protagonist and the broader team dynamics that define modern Formula 1. Critics note how the film portrays “intergenerational tensions” alongside “changes in the sport,” giving the story more substance than typical sports drama.

Kosinski reunites with several collaborators from Top Gun: Maverick, including cinematographer Claudio Miranda, whose “wizardly camera work” receives particular praise. The ensemble cast contributes realistic racing action, with supporting performers helping ground the high-concept premise in believable motorsport atmosphere.

Fictional Roots

The film is not based on a true story. Rather, it presents an original narrative set within the world of Formula 1, drawing inspiration from the sport’s real dynamics, team structures, and competitive pressures without adapting specific real-world events or personalities. This approach allows creative freedom while maintaining authenticity through actual F1 footage integration during real race weekends.

When Is the F1 Movie Releasing?

F1 premiered in theaters on June 27, 2025, with some early reactions citing the previous day of June 25. The release marked Apple Original Films’ largest theatrical collaboration with Warner Bros., representing a significant commitment to the theatrical experience over exclusive streaming distribution.

The release strategy emphasized theatrical exclusivity, with Apple maintaining the film in cinemas before any streaming availability. This approach mirrored the successful theatrical-first model that Apple employed with other high-profile releases, recognizing that racing films particularly benefit from large-format screens and premium audio systems.

How Was F1 Produced and Filmed?

Production involved filming directly during actual Formula 1 Grand Prix weekends, a technique that distinguished F1 from previous motorsport films. Cameras captured footage during real race conditions, providing authenticity that staged sequences could not replicate. This approach required extensive coordination with F1 organizers and teams.

Development began with the 2022 announcement, followed by intensive pre-production and principal photography that spanned multiple racing seasons. The production secured unprecedented access to F1 operations, paddocks, and racing circuits worldwide.

1. 2022: Project officially announced with Apple Original Films involvement
2. 2023: Filming commenced during F1 Grand Prix weekends
3. 2024: Trailers released, generating significant buzz
4. 2025: Theatrical release on June 27

What Is Confirmed Versus What Remains Unclear?

Where Does F1 Fit Among Recent Racing Films?

F1 joins a lineage of acclaimed motorsport films including Rush (2013), Ford v Ferrari (2019), Gran Turismo (2023), and Ferrari (2023). Critics position it alongside these works while noting what distinguishes it: the integration of actual F1 footage rather than reconstructed racing sequences.

The film draws comparisons to Top Gun: Maverick beyond mere shared personnel. Both films feature aging protagonists in youth-driven industries, both prioritize authentic action over CGI spectacle, and both represent high-budget bets on theatrical experiences. Reviewers note F1’s “sturdy dad-movie quality over superhero clutter,” suggesting it appeals to audiences seeking proven entertainers over franchise installments.

“Driven by Brad Pitt’s laidback magnetism and sporting a souped-up engine courtesy of Joseph Kosinski’s kinetic direction, F1 The Movie brings vintage cool across the finish line.”

— Rotten Tomatoes Critics Consensus

“Poised to dominate the summer blockbuster track with adrenaline, charisma, and pulse-pounding action.”

— Editorial Rotten Tomatoes Review

“A fun, fast-paced thrill ride with a ton of heart…eye-popping, edge-of-your-seat pop epic.”

— F1 First Reactions Round-up

The Bottom Line on F1

F1 delivers the spectacle its trailers promised, with critics and audiences agreeing that the racing sequences justify the theatrical experience. Brad Pitt’s performance provides star-powered grounding for a story that works best when focused on track action rather than interpersonal drama. The 82% critics score and overwhelming 97% audience approval indicate general satisfaction with what the film set out to accomplish. For viewers seeking authentic racing action with blockbuster presentation, F1 the Movie appears to deliver on its considerable promise.

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