How to Watch F1: Racing's Most Thrilling Movie (2025)

Buckle up, race fans and movie enthusiasts—"F1" is gearing up to be one of the most exciting sports dramas to hit theaters. Directed by Joseph Kosinski, known for his work on Top Gun: Maverick, this highly anticipated film promises a thrilling dive into the world of Formula One racing. With Brad Pitt leading the cast and a focus on authentic storytelling, "F1" is set to capture the adrenaline-pumping action and emotional depth of the motorsport. Here’s everything you need to know about the film.

The Plot and Cast: A High-Speed Comeback Story

At the heart of F1 is the story of Sonny Hayes, a retired Formula One driver making an unexpected return to the track. Played by Brad Pitt, Hayes steps back into the racing world not to reclaim old glory but to mentor a young, rising talent. This protege, portrayed by the rising star Damson Idris, is navigating the pressures and challenges of motorsport’s elite level.

The film explores themes of mentorship, redemption, and the intense dynamics of competition. It delves into the personal sacrifices and emotional toll of a sport where victory often hangs by a fraction of a second. Joining the cast are Kerry Condon, Javier Bardem, and Tobias Menzies, each bringing depth and nuance to the story, portraying characters who add layers of intrigue and complexity to the narrative.

The Quest for Authenticity: A Racing Experience Like No Other

What sets F1 apart from other racing films is its commitment to authenticity. The production team worked closely with Formula One and its governing body, the FIA, to ensure the film accurately reflects the sport. Seven-time F1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton is not only a producer on the project but also a key advisor, lending his expertise to ensure the racing scenes are as realistic as possible.

Filming took place at actual Formula One Grand Prix events, including iconic tracks like Silverstone in the UK, Las Vegas, and Abu Dhabi. Unlike traditional racing films that rely heavily on CGI, F1 incorporates live-action footage with real cars. Both Brad Pitt and Damson Idris trained extensively to drive modified Formula 2 cars, designed to simulate the speed and handling of Formula One vehicles while ensuring safety.

The film's dedication to realism extends beyond the racing sequences. The narrative captures the atmosphere of the paddock, the drama of race weekends, and the unrelenting pressure faced by drivers and teams. By blending Hollywood storytelling with genuine motorsport elements, F1 aims to deliver an experience that resonates with both die-hard fans and general audiences.

Behind the Scenes: A Team of Legends

Joseph Kosinski, who demonstrated his knack for high-stakes drama with Top Gun: Maverick, brings his unique vision to F1. Known for his ability to craft visually stunning and emotionally charged narratives, Kosinski’s direction promises to elevate the film beyond a typical sports drama.

The screenplay, penned by Ehren Kruger, weaves together the thrill of racing with the personal struggles of its characters, creating a story that is as gripping off the track as it is on it. Producer Jerry Bruckheimer, a legend in the action-drama genre, joins forces with Kosinski and Hamilton to ensure the film hits all the right notes.

This powerhouse team has made it clear that F1 isn’t just about showcasing the glitz and glamour of the sport—it’s about exploring the human stories behind the helmets.

The Road to Release: Anticipation Builds

Excitement for F1 has been steadily building since the film was announced. A teaser trailer released during the 2024 British Grand Prix gave fans their first glimpse of the film’s high-octane action and emotional depth. The buzz only intensified as details of the production surfaced, with on-set photos and behind-the-scenes footage capturing the meticulous effort going into every scene.

F1 is set for a theatrical release on June 25, 2025, internationally, and on June 27, 2025, in North America. Following its cinema run, the film will be available for streaming on Apple TV+, making it accessible to a global audience.

The Cast's Dedication: Going Beyond Acting

Brad Pitt’s preparation for F1 goes beyond memorizing lines and hitting marks. The actor spent months training to drive the modified F2 cars used in the film. His commitment to authenticity is a testament to the film’s dedication to capturing the essence of Formula One. Damson Idris, known for his breakout role in Snowfall, also underwent rigorous training to ensure he could convincingly portray a professional driver.

The chemistry between Pitt and Idris is expected to be a standout feature of the film, as their mentor-protege dynamic drives much of the story. Meanwhile, Kerry Condon, fresh off her Oscar nomination for The Banshees of Inisherin, brings emotional weight to her role, adding layers of complexity to the narrative.

Why F1 Matters: A New Era for Motorsport Films

F1 isn’t just another racing movie—it’s a cultural event. Formula One has seen a massive surge in popularity in recent years, thanks in part to the success of Netflix’s Drive to Survive. The series introduced the sport to a new generation of fans, many of whom are eager to see their newfound love translated to the big screen.

This film has the potential to do for motorsport what Top Gun: Maverick did for aviation—revitalize interest, inspire future racers, and capture the imagination of audiences worldwide. With its blend of Hollywood drama and authentic racing elements, F1 is poised to become a defining moment for both the film and motorsport industries.

What Fans Can Expect

For longtime Formula One enthusiasts, F1 offers an opportunity to see their sport represented on a grand cinematic scale. From the roar of engines to the strategic chess match of pit stops, the film promises to deliver the adrenaline rush that makes F1 so captivating.

For newcomers, the film serves as an accessible entry point into the world of Formula One, showcasing not just the action on the track but also the personal stories that make the sport so compelling. Whether you’re here for the drama, the speed, or the spectacle, F1 has something for everyone.

As the release date inches closer, anticipation for F1 continues to grow. With a stellar cast, a visionary director, and a commitment to authenticity, this film is shaping up to be a landmark moment in the sports drama genre. Get ready to hit the track with F1—it’s going to be a wild ride.

1. Who is directing F1?

Joseph Kosinski, the acclaimed director of Top Gun: Maverick, is helming the film. Known for his visually stunning and high-energy storytelling, Kosinski is set to bring his signature style to the racing world.

2. What is the movie F1 about?

The movie follows Sonny Hayes (Brad Pitt), a retired Formula One driver, as he returns to the sport to mentor a young rising star (played by Damson Idris). It’s a story of redemption, mentorship, and the intense pressures of motorsport.

3. Who stars in the film?

The cast includes Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, Kerry Condon, Javier Bardem, and Tobias Menzies. This star-studded lineup promises top-tier performances both on and off the racetrack.

4. Is Lewis Hamilton involved in the production?

Yes! Seven-time Formula One World Champion Lewis Hamilton is one of the producers. He’s ensuring the racing scenes and overall portrayal of the sport remain authentic.

5. Where was F1 filmed?

The movie was shot at actual Grand Prix circuits, including Silverstone, Las Vegas, and Abu Dhabi. The production team filmed during live F1 race weekends to capture the sport's electrifying atmosphere.

6. Did Brad Pitt and Damson Idris do their own driving?

Yes, both actors trained extensively to drive modified Formula 2 cars designed to simulate the speed and handling of Formula One vehicles while prioritizing safety.

7. How realistic are the racing scenes?

The film uses live-action racing footage and minimal CGI to create an authentic viewing experience. With Lewis Hamilton as a producer and expert consultants on board, F1 aims to be one of the most realistic motorsport films ever made.

8. What challenges did the production face?

Filming during live Grand Prix events was a logistical challenge. Coordinating around race schedules and working with limited time windows required meticulous planning.

9. When is F1 releasing?

The film is set for a theatrical release internationally on June 25, 2025, and in North America on June 27, 2025.

10. Will F1 be available for streaming?

Yes, after its theatrical run, F1 will stream exclusively on Apple TV+.

11. What role does Brad Pitt play in F1?

Brad Pitt stars as Sonny Hayes, a retired Formula One driver who returns to the track as a mentor. His character deals with the pressures of the sport while guiding a young driver through its challenges.

12. Why is this film significant for Formula One?

F1 brings mainstream cinematic attention to the sport, building on the global popularity of Formula One following the success of Netflix’s Drive to Survive.

13. Did the cast and crew interact with real Formula One teams?

Yes, the production team collaborated closely with F1 teams and staff to capture the sport’s dynamics accurately. The filming process even included moments on the grid and in the paddock during race weekends.

14. How does F1 compare to other racing films?

Unlike many racing films, F1 prioritizes realism and the emotional depth of its characters. It blends the adrenaline of the racetrack with heartfelt storytelling, making it stand out in the genre.

15. What’s the buzz around the teaser trailer?

The teaser trailer, unveiled during the 2024 British Grand Prix, gave fans a glimpse of the film’s high-octane action and emotional core. The internet exploded with excitement, with many praising the visuals and authentic racing scenes.