F1 Review

F1 is an Drama/Action sports film starring Brad Pitt as Sonny Hayes a retired race car driver who comes out of retirement to help a struggling Formula 1 team, trying to mentor an arrogant upcoming driver and while he attempts to relieve his glory days. This fun sports film is directed by Joseph Kosinski who brought us one of the best legacy sequels —Top Gun: Maverick in 2022.

Damson Idris recently revealed that he was originally supposed to work with Brad Pitt in Bullet Train, however, he was told to turn it down out of fear that production of Snowfall would be shut down if he accepted the role. Well, Damson finally got his wish to star in a movie with Brad Pitt and what better role than a young brash upcoming driver named Joshua Pearce. I would like to describe Sonny Hayes as a bit of a drifter: a few marriages gone wrong, a gambler, not to mention a few nagging injuries from his time on the track and he lives in an RV by himself.

Joshua is just as cocky and arrogant as Sonny was when he was younger which is most likely why they butt heads so much. Their opposing views on what's best for the team is a very interesting dynamic to watch considering their supposed to be teammates and not rivals. With how Sonny drives on the track it's only a matter of time before he gets himself killed. As far as Joshua, the only thing he cares about his validation from the media and fans. Both of them have to find a way to turn their weaknesses into strengths or they won’t be able to win a race.

Kerry Condon plays Kate McKenna the APXGP technical director and the love interest of Sonny. While, this film did not necessarily need a love story it's definitely handled a lot better in this film as opposed to Top Gun: Maverick. In Top Gun: Maverick not only was the love story the least interesting aspect of the film but it feels like they just put it in the film to pad the story out. Kate isn’t a boring love interest by any means at all. She actually challenges Sonny on why he is so wreckless on the track and why did he even return to racing in the first place.

The cinematography, VFX, sound editing of the cars racing, the soundtrack and the acting are all excellent. Apparently, Damson had some more character development on screen that was cut from the final version of this film which was disappointing to hear about. Not only that but hearing that Simone Ashley got cut out of the film as Damson's love interest and received a 5 second cameo was very disappointing as well.

Star Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️