Any fan of car movies — auto racing movies, in particular — has already seen “F1,” the summer blockbuster that opened last Friday, even if they haven’t yet sat through its two-and-a-half-hour runtime.
If you know the 1966 classic “Grand Prix,” or 1971’s “Le Mans,” the semi-biographical “Rush” from 2013, or even the 1990 NASCAR classic, “Days of Thunder,” you know the drill: star driver is pushed to perform, an intense rivalry develops against an equally driven adversary, a horrendous crash occurs, human will and fortitude prevails, our hero wins.
And usually there’s some sort of romance for the hero driver amid team ownership troubles brewing in the background. See Burt Reynolds and Loni Anderson in “Stroker Ace” as proof.
It's a proven, tried-andtrue formula, but that formula exists for a very good reason. It works. And in this respect, “F1” is no different. Regardless, fans of Formula 1, of motorsport in general, really, will no doubt love this flick.
Not surprisingly, “F1” showcases the glamorous, present-day international Formula 1 series, complete with generous, real-life advertiser placements (gotta pay the bills somehow!), lavish off-track events, and several current drivers making onscreen appearances, including seven-time World Drivers’ Champion Lewis Hamilton, who in 2022 founded Dawn Apollo Films, the production company behind “F1.”
The movie stars Brad Pitt and Damson Idris as on-track teammates and rivals. It was directed and produced by Joseph Kosinski, who previously made “Top Gun: Maverick,” with Tom Cruise. Bonus points for spotting Pitt in a scene straight outta “Top Gun.”
Formula 1 is a young man’s game, with Hamilton at 40 years old the second-oldest driver on the current, real F1 grid, behind only 43-year-old Fernando Alonso, a back-toback (2005-06) series champion himself. The youngest out there right now is 18-year-old Andrea Kimi Antonelli, so if you can suspend belief and accept a 61-year-old Pitt (who does look his usual amazing self, of course) as a current F1 pilot, well, that’s just some more movie magic at work.
We also have come to accept the worst-to-first pathway to redemption in racing films, despite how unlikely it may be for real life to deliver such a turnaround, but be prepared. “F1” is a sports movie, after all.
“F1” is big, bold, and beautifully filmed, with a kickass soundtrack to boot. The racing scenes rarely betray the CGI-generated action, which from the opening moments provide for a powerful visual and aural assault on the senses. No question, this would be a stunning film to experience in an IMAX setting.
Regardless, even at the local theater, “F1” provides a great way for any motorsports fan or those who just want an exciting experience to spend an entertaining couple of hours. So, find a seat near the center of the theater and strap in for a high-speed, sensory thrill ride, even if you know what’s likely coming around the next corner.