F1 Review: An Impressive, Captivating High-Budget Production

      Sports reach their most dramatic moments when the unexpected happens, much like the films that encapsulate those unbelievable tales. From "Rudy" to "Rookie of the Year," America revels in stories that chart the journey of underdogs, especially the Chicago Cubs, who have long held the title of baseball's perennial outsiders. Joseph Kosinski applies this well-known formula to Formula 1 (also known as F1 The Movie to avoid confusion), marking his follow-up to the cinematic hit "Top Gun: Maverick." However, the success of this big-budget, star-studded film extends beyond just box office numbers.

      Kosinski presents a commendable film for the summer of 2025: a polished, visually captivating blockbuster that’s a sensory delight and straightforward in its storytelling. The visually stunning (and most captivating) components of Formula 1’s speed spectacle are excitingly translated to the cinema with immersive sound design and the director’s trademark cockpit camera perspective. Like "Maverick," a significant draw is the authenticity—"yes, that’s genuinely the movie star doing that." The film conveys a straightforward message: valuing integrity and passion over the superficial allure of fame and profit. Yet, it is the backdrop of Formula 1 that adds a layer of irony and prompts critical questions, particularly: can Brad Pitt make more Americans invest in Formula 1?

      Pitt plays Sonny Hayes, a veteran Formula 1 driver who navigates various racing championships in his modest camper van. With a name that seems to belong in IndyCar history and a lifestyle reminiscent of characters from "Hooper" and "Lethal Weapon," Hayes epitomizes the bittersweet charm of a devoted racer. His freedom from commitments gives him the singular focus needed to succeed at an older age, while his nomadic existence contrasts the sadness of solitude with the joy of triumph. This is all buoyed by Pitt's star presence, skillfully utilized as Kosinski has done before with Tom Cruise.

      Introducing Ruben (Javier Bardem), Sonny's former teammate and the current owner of the struggling Apex GP team, which desperately needs to fill a seat alongside the self-absorbed rookie driver Joshua Pearce (Damson Idris). Initially, Sonny is hesitant but eventually accepts Ruben’s proposition as the relatively older driver (Pitt is 18 years older than the oldest driver on the Formula 1 grid and 44 years older than the youngest) aims for a comeback in the sport's top category.

      Formula 1 has long sought to penetrate the lucrative U.S. market. After a change in ownership in 2017, the sport became an unlikely success story. Since U.S.-based Liberty Media took over, the sport's popularity has surged—particularly in the U.S. One of the first initiatives of this new regime was Netflix’s hit series "Formula 1: Drive to Survive." While Americans were stuck in COVID lockdown, many were captivated by the thrilling dangers of the championship, leading to a new wave of fans. The docu-series offered an accessible introduction to the sport, distilling its drama and excitement while highlighting Formula 1’s cinematic traits, featuring sleek cars, high-stakes pit stops, and a jet-setting schedule. Drivers don protective gear and personalized helmets as they navigate cockpits that accelerate to staggering speeds, communicating strategies and emotions through radio to their crews back at the pits. Kosinski clearly appreciates that it's akin to "Top Gun" on a racetrack.

      For years, Formula 1 has provided onboard cameras that give a driver’s perspective of the thrilling action. "Drive to Survive" elevated this with high-definition gear, leading to Kosinski’s sweeping IMAX visuals. The sound in these sequences vibrates the theater seats, offering a near-4DX experience, however, without the distraction of water sprays.

      The success of "Drive to Survive" seemed to genuinely introduce Formula 1 to American audiences, which now hosts three Grands Prix—more than any other country. Yet, how deeply the sport has truly embedded itself in the American psyche remains to be seen.

      Like many sports films before it, "F1" features real tracks, genuine teams, and actual drivers. Filming during the 2024 season, Pitt and cast were frequent visitors to the paddock. Broadcast and social media showcased the fictional Apex GP team alongside real competitors, such as Pitt performing a scene amidst the crowd right after Carlos Sainz won the Mexico City GP. But will these globally recognized athletes and the personalities popularized by "Drive to Survive" resonate with American viewers? Will they care that Fernando Alonso and Toto Wolff share the screen with Sonny?

      "F1" strikes a balance between catering to those familiar with the iconic banked curve at Monza and those who are unaware of the qualifying process. The fan service is subtly integrated, enriching the Formula 1 world without being overwhelming. Fortunately, Kosinski doesn’t burden the paddock's characters with