F1

What is F1: The Movie?

F1: The Movie is a thrilling 2025 sports drama directed by Joseph Kosinski (known for Top Gun: Maverick) and written by Ehren Kruger .

Brad Pitt stars as Sonny Hayes, a former F1 phenom from the 1990s who returns to the sport after a long hiatus to save his former teammate’s struggling team, APXGP .

He’s joined by Damson Idris as the ambitious rookie Joshua Pearce, Vaughnshire teaming up to take on the big leagues .

Javier Bardem plays Ruben Cervantes, the team's owner, while Kerry Condon, Tobias Menzies, Kim Bodnia, and Sarah Niles round out the supporting cast .

Authentic F1 Action

This film stands out for its realism:

Scenes were filmed during actual Grand Prix weekends, and all 10 real F1 teams are featured. Even top drivers like Lewis Hamilton, Max Verstappen, and Carlos Sainz appear as themselves .

Lewis Hamilton also served as an executive producer and ensured high authenticity by including real commentators David Croft and Martin Brundle .

Production included a demo reel to assure Formula 1 officials that the movie’s fictional storyline wouldn’t unfairly depict any real teams, helping secure their cooperation

Release & Reception

Premiere Dates

International: June 25, 2025

North America: June 27, 2025

Running Time: Approximately 155 minutes .

Budget: Estimated between $200–300 million .

Box Office & Critical Response:

Opening weekend saw $55.6 million in North America and $144 million globally, becoming Apple Original Films' biggest theatrical debut .

It’s now Ford Pitt’s highest-grossing lead role, earning over $590 million worldwide .

Critics praised it for its adrenaline-fueled pacing and emotional resonance, though some noted the storyline follows familiar tropes. The cinematography—especially in IMAX—and Hans Zimmer's evocative score were widely acclaimed

Official Trailer

This trailer gives a glimpse into the film’s intense action, high-speed drama, and the emotional journey of redemption that awaits Sonny Hayes 

Summary Table

Aspect Details

Director Joseph Kosinski

Lead Cast Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, Javier Bardem

Plot Core Return of a former champion to rescue a struggling team

Real F1 Integration Filmed during actual races; real teams and drivers featured

Release Dates June 25 (international), June 27 (North America), 2025

Critical Highlights Praised for action, realism, emotional depth