Brad Pitt’s Formula One movie takes the global box office by storm but critics question the emotional depth

What is the real story behind Brad Pitt’s ‘F1: The Movie’ and how close is it to real Formula One racing?

Brad Pitt’s return to the big screen in F1: The Movie delivers cinematic spectacle and box office momentum, blending the star power of one of Hollywood’s most bankable actors with the high-stakes glamour of Formula One. Directed by Joseph Kosinski, best known for Top Gun: Maverick, the film follows the fictional comeback of Sonny Hayes, a former F1 driver who re-enters the circuit after a long hiatus caused by a life-threatening crash.

The inspiration for Pitt’s character, Sonny Hayes, draws heavily from the real-life career-ending crash of Martin Donnelly in 1990. Donnelly’s ordeal, marked by both trauma and recovery, informs much of the character’s emotional scaffolding, although critics argue that the film leaves much of this potential unexplored. Set against the competitive chaos of Formula One, the story is grounded in institutional realism thanks to its affiliation with F1 insiders and actual race locations.

The film’s release comes at a time when Formula One is expanding its entertainment footprint, with Netflix’s Drive to Survive fueling a global surge in F1 fandom. The collaborative spirit between F1: The Movie and real-life drivers like Lewis Hamilton, who co-produced the project, reinforces the sport’s growing alliance with pop culture and mainstream audiences.

How has ‘F1: The Movie’ performed globally at the box office since its release in June 2025?

Since its international debut on June 27, 2025, F1: The Movie has captured the attention of cinema-goers and motorsport fans alike. In the United States, the film grossed $25 million on opening day alone, giving Apple Original Films its strongest theatrical opening to date. By the second day, global earnings had already crossed $208 crore in the U.S., Rs 14 crore in India, and over $6 million in China, reflecting widespread audience enthusiasm.

The film has also been well-received in European and South American territories where F1 has an entrenched fanbase. Its commercial momentum underscores the enduring appeal of sports dramas and the transnational resonance of Brad Pitt’s star persona. Backed by Apple and distributed by Warner Bros., the film combines prestige with mass-market viability, a combination that few F1-themed films have previously achieved.

How accurately does ‘F1: The Movie’ represent the inner world of Formula One teams and drivers?

One of the film’s greatest achievements lies in its immersive depiction of Formula One racing. Director Joseph Kosinski partnered with cinematographer Claudio Miranda to capture real track sequences during actual Grand Prix weekends. The film’s fictional team, APEX GP, was embedded into real paddock environments, and scenes were filmed at iconic circuits like Silverstone, Spa, and Monaco.

Lewis Hamilton’s role as co-producer ensured that technical details—such as pit strategies, telemetry, and team dynamics—were portrayed with authenticity. Cameos from current F1 drivers blur the line between fiction and sport, giving audiences an unprecedented look at the F1 universe from a driver’s perspective.

Despite its fidelity to the environment, the film’s dramatic core doesn’t always match its technical precision. The conflict between Sonny Hayes and young star Joshua Pearce has been noted for lacking narrative risk, with their rivalry following a well-worn arc of mentorship and mistrust. The character of team director Kate McKenna, portrayed by Kerry Condon, also remains underdeveloped despite hints at deeper motivations.

Why are some critics and viewers saying ‘F1: The Movie’ lacks the emotional punch of other sports dramas?

While F1: The Movie dazzles with its visuals and on-track realism, several reviewers have pointed out that the emotional undercurrents are left undercooked. Pitt’s Sonny Hayes is introduced as a man haunted by past failures and familial expectations, but these themes are only lightly touched upon in the dialogue. His reason for returning to the circuit—“it’s not about the money”—hints at unresolved guilt and personal reckoning, yet the film doesn’t dwell long enough to unpack them.

Similarly, Joshua Pearce’s insecurity about being overtaken by a seasoned veteran is a fertile dramatic thread that lacks depth. His backstory is referenced but never fully explored. While the performances from both Pitt and Damson Idris are credible and occasionally poignant, the script avoids the kind of emotional crescendos that made other racing films like Rush or Ford v Ferrari so impactful.

This absence of emotional risk-taking has led some critics to compare F1: The Movie to a polished commercial rather than a character-driven drama. Yet for many viewers, especially those new to the world of Formula One, the sheer thrill of the racing scenes compensates for the narrative simplicity.

What institutional and cinematic forces shaped the making of ‘F1: The Movie’ and how does it impact future sports films?

F1: The Movie emerges from a convergence of cinematic ambition and institutional collaboration. Apple’s foray into theatrical releases with major A-list talent signals a strategic expansion into blockbuster territory. Warner Bros. handled global distribution, ensuring the film reached multiplex audiences alongside streaming-first viewers.

The collaboration with Formula One Management and the FIA reflects the sport’s broader media pivot. Formula One has, in recent years, moved aggressively into digital content, with Netflix’s Drive to Survive series playing a crucial role in bringing the sport to American audiences. F1: The Movie builds on that strategy by offering a dramatized yet grounded portrayal of the racing world.

From an industry perspective, the film’s success may encourage other sports leagues—like MotoGP or even the NFL—to pursue similar hybrid partnerships between entertainment giants and real-world institutions. It also marks a shift in how sports dramas are produced, prioritizing real-time integration and technical authenticity over traditional green-screen fiction.

How has the public and Formula One community responded to ‘F1: The Movie’ so far?

Audience reactions have been largely favorable, with social media chatter dominated by praise for the racing sequences and Brad Pitt’s performance. Hashtags like #F1Movie, #BradPittRacing, and #APEXGP have trended across platforms, drawing attention from both casual viewers and motorsport diehards.

Within the F1 paddock, reactions have ranged from enthusiasm to cautious optimism. Drivers such as Charles Leclerc and Lando Norris have publicly supported the film, noting its role in expanding the sport’s cultural reach. Team principals and sponsors, too, have welcomed the visibility boost, particularly as the sport eyes more U.S. markets.

Institutionally, the FIA and Liberty Media appear pleased with the film’s portrayal of the sport, especially given its absence of controversy or technical misrepresentation. This validation bodes well for future film and streaming collaborations that aim to build fandom through storytelling.

Can ‘F1: The Movie’ set a new precedent for Formula One entertainment and cross-industry collaborations?

With its blend of commercial appeal, cinematic craftsmanship, and institutional cooperation, F1: The Movie represents a blueprint for future storytelling around elite sports. By embedding fictional narratives within real-world timelines and venues, the film allows for a hybrid experience that’s both documentary-adjacent and narratively engaging.

Its impact is already being felt in broader industry trends, with Formula One confirming expanded media rights deals and more behind-the-scenes content in the pipeline. Apple and Warner Bros. are likely to consider sequels or spinoffs, given the film’s success. Meanwhile, Brad Pitt has reignited interest in mid-career actor-led blockbusters, further cementing his appeal as a generational talent with global draw.