Summer is sadly coming to an end as we all start the fall semester and get into our school routines. I thought this summer was great for many reasons — it was filled with new opportunities, new friends and new things to watch. So many great movies came out this summer, but the one that stood out to me the most was “F1: The Movie.”
As an avid movie watcher, I saw the movie when it came out and also went back a few weeks later to watch it in theaters for a second time. I was not a huge fan of Formula One before the movie so I went in blind, but I thought it was one of the best movies I have seen in a long time — and that’s coming from someone who knew barely anything about the sport before sitting down for this two and a half hour long endeavor.
The film follows Sonny Hayes — who is played by Brad Pitt — and Joshua Pearce, played by Damson Idris. Hayes is a retired F1 driver whose career was cut short by an injury, a bad one at that. He still races, just not for the best of the best. Hayes finds himself with the opportunity to race again for a struggling APX GP team alongside Joshua Pearce, the young rookie who despises Hayes more than anything.
The two get off on the wrong foot and the plot follows as they navigate these struggles to try and get a podium finish, not only for APX GP, but for themselves for different reasons. Hayes wants redemption and to help his friend, while Pearce wants fame and to continue his career.
I cannot speak for how fans of racing may have digested the film, but I can say that there were many details included for avid watchers to pick up on. For starters, the cameos in the movie were amazing. Lewis Hamilton, Lando Norris, Charles Leclerc and George Russell — some of the biggest names in Formula One made appearances throughout the movie, partly because they shot scenes at actual races during the season. Some cameos seemed like easter eggs and gracious nods to the fans of the sport, who would recognize these moments that others might not. They showed significant others, Lewis Hamilton’s famous dog Roscoe and even had a funny scene about Carlos Sainz, which my parents, who are massive fans, enjoyed.
For those who are not familiar with F1 like myself, you do not need to be knowledgeable about the sport to understand what is going on and enjoy yourself. The movie incorporates explanations of what is happening in subtle ways. For example, during the races, commentators are breaking down what they are doing and why they are doing it. Off the track, another main character is a designer of the team’s car, making it easy to understand the mechanisms behind the cars. I found this very helpful because I would have been lost without it.
At times, I felt like I was actually watching a race and not only that— the workouts, the training, the phrases—everything was accurate to what actually goes on for these drivers. I mean, how could it not have an authentic feel with Lewis Hamilton helping with production and writing? Because yes, one of the best drivers in F1 history was a part of the creation of this movie.
I think what takes this movie to the next level for me is the soundtrack that goes with it. A movie with a great soundtrack is hard to dislike — music tells a story and adds emotion. “Twisters,” “Mamma Mia,” “The Lion King,” “Footloose” — all of these movies have soundtracks that bring so much emotion to them and immerse the viewers into the scene. This movie has a soundtrack that takes you on a journey and grabs your attention, and I thought the music was a great addition to the film.
If you’re unsure about whether you’d like the style of the movie, in my opinion, it is very similar to “Top Gun: Maverick,” which is another highly rated movie and one I also enjoy. If you like the “Top Gun” movies and how they are produced, I think this one would be something to consider watching.
I do not have any criticisms for this movie, and I think everyone should take the time to watch it, enjoy it, and maybe even learn about Formula One. I have gained a new appreciation for the sport, and I think this movie will be a huge reason for the increase in viewership and fans of racing. Coming from someone who has never had a strong interest in cars before, I am happy to have found something new to be interested in.