Coming Soon: F1: The Movie (2025) by Joseph Kosinski: An Immersive Adrenaline Rush into the World of Formula 1

F1: The Movie (2025) is a highly anticipated action-drama directed by Joseph Kosinski, bringing the high-octane world of Formula 1 to the big screen with unprecedented authenticity. Starring Brad Pitt as a former F1 driver, Sonny Hayes, who returns to partner a young rookie (Damson Idris) at a fictional APXGP team, the film aims to be the most immersive racing movie ever made. Filmed live at actual Grand Prix weekends with real F2 cars modified for cinematic realism, and produced with significant input from Lewis Hamilton and F1 teams, it promises a thrilling and visceral portrayal of the sport's speed, danger, and intense competition.

Short Summary

Joseph Kosinski's F1: The Movie (2025) is a high-stakes racing drama starring Brad Pitt as a veteran F1 driver returning to mentor a rookie. Filmed with real F1 involvement and cutting-edge techniques, it promises an immersive, authentic, and thrilling portrayal of the world of Formula 1.

Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt16311594/

Link Review: https://variety.com/2025/film/news/f1-movie-first-reactions-brad-pitt-1236417739/

About movie: https://www.f1themovie.net/

Release date on streaming

While F1: The Movie (2025) is an Apple Original Film, it is set for a significant theatrical window first. Apple retains the exclusive SVOD (Subscription Video On Demand) rights, meaning it will eventually be available for streaming exclusively on Apple TV+ after its theatrical and home entertainment release windows. A specific streaming release date is not yet confirmed, but it will follow its theatrical debut.

Theatrical Release

F1: The Movie (2025) is scheduled for a wide theatrical release:

• International Release: June 25, 2025

• United States and Canada Release: June 27, 2025 It is slated for release in IMAX format, promising an even more immersive viewing experience.

Detailed Summary

F1: The Movie (2025) is an ambitious and high-budget ($200-$300 million) sports drama from director Joseph Kosinski, known for his work on Top Gun: Maverick. This Apple Original Film, co-produced by Jerry Bruckheimer, Brad Pitt, and seven-time F1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton, delves into the intense world of Formula 1 racing. The plot follows Sonny Hayes (Brad Pitt), a former F1 driver who, after a career-ending crash and a period away from the sport, makes a dramatic return to partner promising rookie Joshua Pearce (Damson Idris) at a fictional team, APXGP. What sets this film apart is its commitment to authenticity: filming took place live during actual Grand Prix weekends in 2023 and 2024, utilizing specially modified F2 cars designed with input from Mercedes-AMG to carry advanced camera equipment. Brad Pitt and Damson Idris underwent rigorous training and performed much of their own driving, aiming to capture the true speed, G-forces, and visceral experience of F1 racing, promising a thrilling and immersive cinematic spectacle.

Plot Summary

• The Comeback: Sonny Hayes (Brad Pitt), a former Formula 1 driver from the 1990s, who experienced a "horrible crash" that led him to "crap out and disappear," makes a dramatic return to the sport after racing in other disciplines.

• Mentoring the Rookie: He is brought in as a "Hail Mary" by rookie team mate Joshua Pearce (Damson Idris) at the fictional APXGP team, implying a mentor-mentee dynamic amidst high pressure.

• High-Stakes Competition: The film focuses on the intense competition within Formula 1, celebrating the "skill and heroism of the drivers" while showcasing the "incredible challenge" of the sport.

• Filming Authenticity: The plot unfolds within the real-world backdrop of actual F1 Grand Prix weekends. Brad Pitt and Damson Idris drive specially modified F2 cars designed to simulate F1 speeds and conditions, allowing for highly realistic in-car footage.

• Team Dynamics: The narrative will likely explore the relationship between Sonny and Joshua, the challenges of their team (APXGP), and their interactions with real F1 teams and drivers who appear in the film as themselves.

Director's Vision

Joseph Kosinski's vision for F1: The Movie is centered on delivering the most authentic and immersive racing experience ever captured on film, leveraging the same groundbreaking techniques and commitment to realism that defined Top Gun: Maverick.

• Unprecedented Authenticity: Kosinski aimed to shoot at actual Grand Prix events and have the lead actors drive real race cars at high speeds. He explicitly stated, "Every time you see Brad or Damson driving this movie, they're driving on their own in one of these real race cars on a real F1 track."1

• Visceral Speed and Precision: His goal was to "capture the raw speed and precision of the sport" and "the violence of driving a single-seater at close to Formula 1 level." This involved months of rigorous training for Pitt and Idris and the development of new, smaller camera systems that could withstand the intense G-forces.

• Collaboration with F1: A pivotal aspect of his vision was the close collaboration with Formula 1, including Lewis Hamilton's instrumental role as a producer and consultant, and input from Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff (who suggested using modified F2 cars). This trust from F1 teams and drivers was crucial for filming within actual race weekends.

• Immersive Sound and Score: Recognizing the importance of sound in F1, Kosinski partnered again with Hans Zimmer for the score, aiming to "elevate" the film's intensity and capture the authentic sounds of F1 cars.

• "Top Gun on Wheels": This tagline encapsulates the aspiration to deliver a high-octane, thrilling cinematic spectacle that immerses the audience directly into the cockpit and the heart of the action.

Themes

• Ambition and Redemption: The story of Sonny Hayes returning to the sport after a past failure embodies themes of seeking redemption and striving for greatness.

• Mentorship and Legacy: The relationship between veteran Sonny and rookie Joshua explores the passing of knowledge, the challenges of nurturing new talent, and the impact of one's career on future generations.

• Rivalry and Competition: Central to Formula 1, the film delves into the fierce competition among drivers and teams, both on and off the track.

• The Human Element in High-Speed Sport: Beyond the machines, the film celebrates the skill, heroism, and intense psychological and physical demands placed on F1 drivers.

• Risk and Adrenaline: It explores the inherent danger and the intoxicating thrill of competing at the pinnacle of motorsport.

• Authenticity vs. Spectacle: A core underlying theme, driven by the production's approach, is the pursuit of genuine realism within a cinematic spectacle.

Key Success Factors

• Unprecedented Authenticity: The commitment to filming at real F1 Grand Prix weekends and having the actors drive actual modified race cars is a massive draw, promising a level of realism never before seen in a racing film.

• A-List Talent: The involvement of Joseph Kosinski (director of Top Gun: Maverick), Jerry Bruckheimer (renowned producer), and Brad Pitt (star) guarantees significant Hollywood pedigree and star power.

• Lewis Hamilton's Involvement: The seven-time F1 World Champion serving as a producer and consultant lends immense credibility and insider knowledge to the project.

• Formula 1 Collaboration: The official partnership with F1 ensures unparalleled access and a genuine portrayal of the sport, including real teams and drivers appearing in the film.

• Hans Zimmer's Score: The collaboration with a world-class composer like Hans Zimmer promises an epic and immersive soundscape that will elevate the film's intensity.

• IMAX Release: A planned IMAX release indicates a commitment to delivering a truly immersive and visually stunning experience on the largest screens.

Critics Reception

"F1: The Movie" has already generated significant buzz and overwhelmingly positive early reactions from critics who have attended pre-release screenings. The general consensus points to a thrilling, high-octane summer blockbuster that delivers both exhilarating action sequences and strong dramatic performances.

• Rotten Tomatoes (via early reactions article): The article compiles numerous positive tweets and comments. Critics like Clayton Davis (Variety) call it a "summer hit incoming" and praise the "audacious entertainment" from Bruckheimer and Kosinski. Mike Manolo (Nerds of Color) highlights it as "a reminder of why we love summer blockbusters!" and "a fun, fast-paced thrill ride with a ton of heart!" Drew Taylor (TheWrap) finds it "absolutely incredible" and "one of the coolest, most entertaining movies you'll probably ever see," emphasizing that "none of that sizzle takes away from its soul." Zak Ahmed (Next Best Picture) calls it "absolutely epic" and a "must-watch blockbuster," noting that Kosinski "surpasses expectations" after "Top Gun: Maverick." The cinematography by Claudio Miranda is consistently lauded, with calls for Academy recognition. Performances by Brad Pitt and Damson Idris are described as "electric," and Kerry Condon is singled out for a "stunning performance." Hans Zimmer's score is also praised as "top-tier" and "flawless."

• The Independent: This publication echoes the sentiment, reporting that the film is being lauded as an "old school summer blockbuster" in "rave first reactions." Drew Taylor's quote (from TheWrap) is again used to exemplify the highly positive sentiment. It also mentions a user's reaction of "more emotional than I had anticipated."

• TheJudge13: While acknowledging the widespread praise, this site offers a slightly more cautious perspective, questioning if the film can truly live up to the immense hype, citing historical difficulties in making successful motorsport films. However, it still acknowledges the "overwhelming support" and "widespread accolades" from early showings, emphasizing its billing as a "high octane summer blockbuster."

• Men's Journal: This outlet also compiles early positive reactions, noting that critics are sharing their excitement on social media. Jazz Tangcay (Variety) is quoted praising the "flawless" sound, score, and cinematography. Maude Garrett (Nerdist) calls it "so freaking good," with "all the adrenaline, heart, pacing, story and character that completely fleshes out this movie into excellence," and even suggests it might convert non-F1 fans.

• Screen Rant: This article focuses on Joseph Kosinski's direction as a follow-up to "Top Gun: Maverick," indicating high expectations. It suggests that "F1" will likely take a similar approach to "Maverick" in terms of "historical weight and thematic depth," with action sequences that have a "similar feel" to the aerial combat but on the ground. It also notes that the film uses real racing sequences with minimal CGI.

Overall Critics Reception Summary:

The critical reception for "F1: The Movie" is overwhelmingly positive, with early reactions hailing it as a thrilling, immersive, and emotionally engaging summer blockbuster. Joseph Kosinski's direction is consistently praised for replicating the high-octane realism of "Top Gun: Maverick" within the world of Formula 1. Critics are particularly impressed by the exhilarating race sequences, which are described as putting the viewer directly in the driver's seat, thanks to exceptional cinematography by Claudio Miranda. The performances of Brad Pitt and Damson Idris are highlighted as electric and captivating, with Kerry Condon also receiving strong accolades. While some caution about the film living up to such high expectations, the general consensus is that "F1: The Movie" is a must-see, even for those not typically interested in Formula 1, due to its strong narrative, compelling characters, and technical brilliance. The film is being lauded for its "heart" and "soul" beyond just the action.

Reviews (Audience/General Reviews)

As of June 7, 2025, "F1: The Movie" has not yet had its general theatrical release (scheduled for late June 2025). Therefore, there are no widespread audience reviews available on platforms like IMDb, Rotten Tomatoes (user scores), or Letterboxd.

However, the early critical reactions, which often mirror or at least anticipate audience sentiment for blockbusters, suggest a very strong positive response from viewers.

• Rotten Tomatoes (First Reactions): The compiled tweets and statements from critics often use language that implies a highly engaging audience experience, such as "a must-see thrill ride," "absolutely incredible," "one of the coolest, most entertaining movies you'll probably ever see," and "makes you feel so much." Critics explicitly state that the film is "easy for anyone to enjoy... even if you are not interested in F1!" and that it's "an all-ages sports movie," indicating broad appeal.

• The Independent: Mentions that the film aims to "make people want to watch F1," which suggests a direct appeal to a wider audience beyond existing F1 fans.

• Men's Journal: Quotes a critic wondering how much "MORE I would love this movie if I was a fan of F1 racing! Maybe I am now?" This points to the film's potential to convert casual viewers into F1 enthusiasts.

• Formula 1® Official Site: Notes that "The current crop of F1 drivers gave us their first thoughts after attending a private screening of the new F1 movie in Monaco," implying that the film has impressed those deeply embedded in the sport, which is a strong indicator of authenticity for fans. It also mentions tickets going on sale for "fan-first premiere screenings," showcasing an effort to build audience excitement.

Overall Reviews Summary (Based on critical perspective hinting at audience experience):

While direct audience reviews are not yet available, the overwhelmingly positive early critical reactions strongly suggest that "F1: The Movie" will be a massive hit with general audiences. The film is consistently described as a thrilling and emotionally resonant experience that transcends its specific sport. Critics highlight its accessibility even for non-F1 fans, emphasizing its broad appeal as a high-octane summer blockbuster with a compelling story and strong performances. The film's technical realism and immersive racing sequences are expected to be a major draw, promising a truly cinematic experience, especially in IMAX. It is anticipated to not only entertain but potentially also ignite new interest in Formula 1 among viewers.

Box Office

F1: The Movie (2025) has a reported production budget of $200-$300 million, making it a major blockbuster production. It is scheduled for a wide theatrical release by Warner Bros. Pictures. Given its high budget, A-list talent, and global appeal of Formula 1, it is anticipated to be a significant box office contender in summer 2025. Industry analysts will be closely watching its performance, particularly as it aims to redefine the racing film genre.

Production Summary

F1: The Movie (2025) is an Apple Original Film with a substantial budget of $200-$300 million. It is a live-action sports drama produced by Jerry Bruckheimer Films, Plan B Entertainment (Brad Pitt's company), Dawn Apollo Films (Lewis Hamilton's company), Apple Studios, and Monolith Pictures. Directed by Joseph Kosinski and written by Ehren Kruger (with story by Kosinski and Kruger), the film began a bidding war in December 2021, with Apple ultimately acquiring distribution rights for $130-140 million. Filming took place over 2023 and 2024 at actual F1 Grand Prix weekends, utilizing specially modified F2 cars for immersive race sequences. Lewis Hamilton was instrumental in the production, and Hans Zimmer composed the score. Post-production services were provided by Framestore.

Production Companies

• Apple Studios

• Monolith Pictures

• Jerry Bruckheimer Films

• Plan B Entertainment

• Dawn Apollo Films (Lewis Hamilton's production company)

Sales Companies

As an Apple Original Film with Warner Bros. Pictures handling theatrical distribution and Apple retaining SVOD rights, there isn't a traditional "sales company" in the typical sense. The distribution model is an internal arrangement between these major studios.

Distribution Companies

• Warner Bros. Pictures (Worldwide Theatrical, Home Entertainment, and Digital Purchase Distribution)

• Apple Original Films / Apple TV+ (Exclusive Streaming/SVOD Rights)

Why to recommend this movie

• Unrivaled Authenticity: It promises to deliver the most realistic and immersive racing sequences ever seen, thanks to unprecedented access and filming techniques.

• A-List Collaboration: The combination of Joseph Kosinski's direction, Jerry Bruckheimer's production, and Brad Pitt's star power, alongside Lewis Hamilton's expertise, creates a filmmaking dream team.

• High-Octane Entertainment: It's designed to be a thrilling, adrenaline-fueled spectacle that will keep audiences on the edge of their seats.

• Global Appeal: Formula 1 has a massive and passionate global fanbase, ensuring broad appeal beyond traditional sports film audiences.

• State-of-the-Art Filmmaking: The film pushes boundaries in capturing high-speed action, making it a must-see for cinematic innovation.

Why to Watch Movie

• If you love Formula 1: This film is made for you, promising an authentic and thrilling deep dive into the sport from an insider's perspective.

• If you enjoyed Top Gun: Maverick: Joseph Kosinski's return promises the same level of immersive, practical action and spectacle.

• For the visceral experience: See it in IMAX to feel the speed, sounds, and G-forces of F1 racing like never before.

• For compelling sports drama: Beyond the action, the film explores themes of ambition, redemption, and mentorship.

• To see Hollywood stars in a unique setting: Brad Pitt and Damson Idris's involvement adds star power to a unique and demanding filming environment.

Movie Trend

High-Budget, Immersive Sports Spectacles & Collaborative Franchise Filmmaking: F1: The Movie exemplifies the trend of Hollywood investing heavily in high-budget sports dramas that aim for extreme realism and immersive spectacle, leveraging advanced technology to put audiences directly into the action (akin to Top Gun: Maverick). It also showcases a growing trend of collaborative filmmaking with real-world entities (Formula 1, F1 teams/drivers), blurring the lines between fiction and reality to enhance authenticity and appeal, transforming sports properties into global cinematic events.

Social Trend

Booming Global Popularity of Formula 1 & Demand for Authentic Experiences: The film taps directly into the surging global popularity of Formula 1, fueled by platforms like Netflix's Drive to Survive, which has expanded its fanbase beyond traditional motorsport enthusiasts. This increased interest creates a massive audience eager for authentic and intimate portrayals of the sport. The film also reflects a broader societal demand for authentic and immersive entertainment experiences, where audiences want to feel truly "inside" the action, rather than simply observing it.

Final Verdict

F1: The Movie (2025), under the masterful direction of Joseph Kosinski, is poised to be a groundbreaking cinematic event that promises to redefine the racing film genre. With its unparalleled commitment to authenticity—filming live at F1 weekends, utilizing real modified race cars, and benefiting from the direct involvement of Lewis Hamilton and the F1 community—the film offers an immersive and visceral experience unlike any other. Brad Pitt and Damson Idris lead a strong cast in a high-octane narrative exploring themes of ambition, redemption, and fierce competition. With its massive budget, A-list talent, and critical early buzz emphasizing its thrilling action and authenticity, F1: The Movie is set to be a summer blockbuster and a must-see cinematic spectacle for both motorsport fans and general audiences.

Recommendations for film makers

• Prioritize Authenticity and Practicality: For high-octane action, invest in practical effects and real-world filming whenever possible to achieve unparalleled realism and audience immersion.

• Collaborate with Experts: Partnering directly with professionals and organizations within the subject matter (e.g., F1 teams, drivers) provides invaluable insights and enhances the film's credibility.

• Push Technological Boundaries: Don't shy away from developing custom camera rigs or new filming techniques to capture never-before-seen perspectives and elevate the visual experience.

• Combine Star Power with Nuance: Utilize A-list talent to draw in audiences, but ensure the narrative also provides opportunities for nuanced character development within the spectacle.

• Design for Immersion: Consider the full sensory experience, from cinematography to sound design and score, to fully transport the audience into the film's world.

Recommendations for Movie Industry

• Invest in High-Concept, Authentic IP: Recognize the global appeal and potential of properties like Formula 1, and be willing to invest substantially to create authentic and visually spectacular adaptations.

• Embrace Hybrid Distribution: Continue to explore models where major theatrical releases are followed by exclusive streaming windows, maximizing both box office potential and subscriber value.

• Leverage Cross-Promotional Opportunities: Capitalize on the existing fanbase and cultural impact of the subject matter (e.g., Drive to Survive's influence on F1's popularity) to build widespread excitement for film releases.

• Support Visionary Directors: Continue to empower directors like Joseph Kosinski who demonstrate a clear vision for ambitious, technically complex projects that push cinematic boundaries.

• Recognize Global Audiences: Focus on content with broad international appeal that can resonate across diverse cultures and markets.

Final Conclusions

F1: The Movie (2025), under the masterful direction of Joseph Kosinski, is poised to be a groundbreaking cinematic event that promises to redefine the racing film genre. With its unparalleled commitment to authenticity—filming live at F1 weekends, utilizing real modified race cars, and benefiting from the direct involvement of Lewis Hamilton and the F1 community—the film offers an immersive and visceral experience unlike any other. Brad Pitt and Damson Idris lead a strong cast in a high-octane narrative exploring themes of ambition, redemption, and fierce competition. With its massive budget, A-list talent, and critical early buzz emphasizing its thrilling action and authenticity, F1: The Movie is set to be a summer blockbuster and a must-see cinematic spectacle for both motorsport fans and general audiences.