Brad Pitt’s F1 Movie: Full Cast, Plot & Release Info

Directed by Joseph Kosinski, best known for Top Gun: Maverick, the film stars Brad Pitt as the lead character, Sonny Hayes. A veteran driver making an unexpected return to Formula One, Pitt brings intensity, charm, and depth to the role.

Joining him is Damson Idris as Joshua Pearce, a young, rising F1 star and Hayes’ rookie teammate. The supporting cast includes:

Javier Bardem as the team owner

Kerry Condon as the team’s technical head

Tobias Menzies, Kim Bodnia, and Sarah Niles portray key figures within the racing team’s management and operations, each adding dramatic tension and depth to the behind-the-scenes narrative.

Cameos and on-track appearances by Lewis Hamilton, Max Verstappen, Carlos Sainz, and other real-world F1 drivers

Storyline: A Comeback Like No Other

The film centers on Sonny Hayes, a former Formula One sensation from the ’90s whose career came to a sudden halt after a devastating accident. Years later, he’s unexpectedly pulled back into the racing world for one last shot at redemption. Decades later, he’s asked to return to the sport by a struggling team named APXGP, managed by his former rival-turned-owner (played by Bardem). Hayes returns to the track not just to reclaim his legacy, but to guide an ambitious newcomer, Joshua Pearce, through the unforgiving world of Formula One.

As the team battles fierce competitors, technical breakdowns, and media pressure, Hayes must confront his past demons and redefine what winning means. At its core, the film explores personal redemption, mental grit, and the deep connection between a driver and the machine that defines his journey..

Global & India Release Dates

F1: The Movie premiered worldwide on June 25, 2025, in IMAX and standard formats. The film had a simultaneous pan-India release in English, Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu on the same day, with special shows across major cities.

In Tamil Nadu, the movie premiered on over 180 screens, including multiplexes and high-end theaters such as PVR Sathyam and SPI Cinemas.

In Tamil Nadu, reviews were largely positive. Audiences appreciated the Tamil dubbed version’s voice casting and localization, making the film accessible even to viewers who aren’t die-hard F1 fans. Though the emotional scenes may feel slightly slow for action lovers, the high-stakes racing and underdog narrative made it worth watching.

Film critics from local outlets like Vikatan Cinema, Behindwoods, and The Hindu Tamil gave it ratings between 3.5 and 4 stars, praising its Hollywood scale, tight screenplay, and use of real F1 tracks like Silverstone and Monza.

What Can You Expect in This Movie?

• If you’re heading to watch F1, here’s what you can look forward to:
• Breathtaking race sequences filmed at real Formula One events
• Authentic paddock and pit-lane environments, not green screens
• A powerful emotional arc driven by mentorship, failure, and legacy

Several real-world Formula One stars appear on screen, enhancing the film’s realism and immersing audiences in the world of competitive racing.

• A dynamic soundtrack featuring tracks by Ed Sheeran, Doja Cat, and a score by Hans Zimmer
• High-octane visuals, especially on IMAX screens

Similar Movies That Came Before

F1: The Movie joins a select league of motorsport dramas. If you’re a fan of the genre, here are some films you may want to check out:

Rush (2013)

A film about the real-life rivalry between F1 drivers James Hunt and Niki Lauda. Directed by Ron Howard, it’s widely praised by motorsport fans.

Ford v Ferrari (2019)

Not an F1 film, but it shows the fierce competition and car engineering at the 1966 Le Mans race.

Senna (2010)

A documentary that tells the life story of F1 legend Ayrton Senna using real footage and interviews.

Driven (2001) – A fictional racing film starring Sylvester Stallone, more action-driven than authentic.

However, F1 stands out for blending Hollywood storytelling with real Formula One elements, giving audiences a front-row seat into the high-speed world of racing like never before.