We all love a story where experience meets adrenaline, and the 2025 movie F1 does exactly that. Starring Brad Pitt as the legendary Sonny Hayes and Damson Idris in a key supporting role, the film immerses us in the fast-paced world of Formula 1 racing.

From daring overtakes to tense team dynamics, we feel the thrill and pressure of every lap. Lykkers, get ready to buckle up because this is more than a movie—it’s a full-throttle experience.

Brad Pitt as Sonny Hayes

Brad Pitt brings charisma, intensity, and depth to Sonny Hayes, a former American F1 prodigy who left racing for 30 years. Haunted by a crash at the 1993 Spanish Grand Prix, Sonny has carried the weight of unfinished business ever since. Pitt perfectly portrays the mix of confidence and vulnerability required for a comeback. We watch Sonny adapt to modern F1 cars, mentor young drivers, and face the physical and mental challenges of returning to elite competition. His focus, split-second decision-making, and occasional recklessness make him a compelling hero.

Damson Idris and Team Dynamics

Damson Idris adds another layer to the story, playing a pivotal supporting character within the APXGP team. His role highlights loyalty, ambition, and the human side of high-pressure racing. We see the contrast between Sonny’s experience and Idris’s perspective on emerging talent. Their interactions feel genuine, emphasizing teamwork, trust, and the emotional stakes behind each decision. Watching Idris navigate team dynamics, intense practice sessions, and race-day pressure shows us that motorsport isn’t just about speed—it’s about people.

The Struggling Team

APXGP, the team Sonny returns to, is on the brink of collapse. The team faces financial pressure, inexperienced drivers, and outdated equipment. We follow their journey from struggling underdogs to fierce competitors. Sonny immediately identifies the car’s weaknesses and proposes strategic upgrades, showing us how intellect, insight, and creativity are just as important as speed. The tension between Sonny and the ambitious rookie Joshua Pearce adds drama, showing how rivalries can both challenge and inspire growth.

Racing Sequences That Thrill

The racing scenes are some of the most impressive aspects of the film. Shot during real Grand Prix weekends, the sequences mirror actual F1 events, from Silverstone to Abu Dhabi. We experience the intensity of qualifying laps, the split-second strategies during safety cars, and the high-risk maneuvers at over 200 mph. Each crash, overtake, and pit stop is framed with both cinematic flair and realism. Pitt and Idris’s performances give emotional weight to these moments, making every twist, turn, and collision feel consequential.

Challenges Beyond the Track

The movie doesn’t just focus on racing. Sonny struggles with physical limitations from his old injury, media scrutiny, and his own doubts. Meanwhile, Joshua wrestles with jealousy, ego, and the temptation to leave the team. We see how these pressures affect team decisions, personal relationships, and race outcomes. Moments like the poker game organized by technical director Kate McKenna humanize the characters, showing us that bonds, empathy, and shared experiences are just as critical as performance.

Conflict, Resolution, and Growth

Tension peaks at races like the Belgian and Italian Grands Prix, where crashes and strategic gambles test both Sonny and his teammates. Sonny sacrifices personal glory to help Joshua succeed, teaching us the value of leadership, trust, and collaboration. Meanwhile, Damson Idris’s character demonstrates loyalty and perseverance, balancing ambition with a sense of responsibility. Together, they show that teamwork and smart strategy can turn near-defeat into triumph.

Behind the Scenes

Development of F1 started in 2021 with director Joseph Kosinski, screenwriter Ehren Kruger, and producer Jerry Bruckheimer. Filming during actual Grand Prix weekends in 2023 and 2024 added authenticity to every sequence. Real F1 drivers, including Lewis Hamilton, appear, and Hans Zimmer’s powerful score amplifies tension, excitement, and emotional stakes. We can feel the filmmakers’ dedication, and it translates into an immersive, edge-of-your-seat experience for viewers.

Why We Love It

F1 goes beyond being a sports movie—it’s a story about resilience, courage, and collaboration. Brad Pitt’s Sonny Hayes teaches us that experience and insight are invaluable, while Damson Idris’s supporting character reminds us of loyalty and emotional intelligence. Lykkers, whether we are motorsports fans or just enjoy a compelling comeback story, this film proves that human strategy, smart risk-taking, and teamwork matter as much as raw talent.

Why F1 Inspires Us

Watching F1 is an adrenaline rush and a heartwarming lesson in perseverance. Pitt and Idris deliver performances full of intensity, charm, and realism, making the movie unforgettable. We leave inspired by teamwork, daring, and the pursuit of excellence. Next time we watch a race or face a challenge in our lives, we can take a page from Sonny’s book: stay focused, trust your team, and push forward, no matter the odds.