Our review of “F1, le film

Film Synopsis

With a duration of 2 hours and 36 minutes, the film traces the journey of Sonny Hayes, a former Formula 1 driver from the 1990s who ended his career following a serious accident. Now involved in other automotive disciplines, he is brought back into the spotlight by Ruben Cervantes, owner of the fictional team Apex Grand Prix (APXGP). Cervantes offers him the chance to return to F1 to mentor a young talent, Joshua “Noah” Pearce (played by Damson Idris), and help him make his first steps in the elite and become a champion.

Production and casting

With a colossal budget of around 260 million euros and co-produced by Apple and Warner Bros, F1 stands as one of the most ambitious films of the year. At the helm, director Joseph Kosinski (Top Gun: Maverick) teams up with Brad Pitt in the lead role. Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton also lends his expertise as a co-producer and consultant, ensuring the authenticity of the Formula 1 universe. The soundtrack, crafted by Hans Zimmer, enhances the immersion with a meticulous composition, while the sound effects work accentuates the realism of the racing scenes.

To enhance the authenticity of its universe, *F1* incorporates many familiar faces from the paddock. Several drivers who have competed in the last two Formula 1 seasons appear on screen, contributing to an even more realistic immersion. The film also features several iconic figures from the industry in their own roles: **Günther Steiner**, former Haas team principal, **Frédéric Vasseur** (Ferrari), and **Zak Brown** (McLaren) participate in a press conference scene, while **Toto Wolff** (Mercedes) also makes a notable appearance. On the media side, the essential **Will Buxton** (known for his commentary role in *Drive to Survive*), **David Croft**, and **Martin Brundle** (*Sky Sports F1*) complete a cast that skillfully blends fiction and reality. **Kym Ilman**, the renowned Australian photographer who has covered the Grand Prix for several years, is also featured.

Filming

After more than a year of preparation, filming for the movie begins in July 2023, during the British Grand Prix. For the occasion, a fictional team named APEX Grand Prix is directly integrated into the paddock, alongside the real championship teams. Placed between the Mercedes and Ferrari pits, the team benefits from a particularly elaborate setup: fully equipped garages, personalized signage, authentic technical equipment, and spare wings lined up on racks, just like in a real F1 team structure. Many scenes having been filmed during race weekends, the viewer is immersed in the world of Grand Prix racing, with a level of realism rarely achieved in cinema.

The two single-seaters used for the filming are modified Formula 2 cars, with an elongated chassis specially designed to accommodate multiple cameras. Their black and gold livery pays homage to the legendary colors of the Lotus-JPS, while displaying the logos of well-known brands, similar to real racing teams. At Silverstone, Brad Pitt and Damson Idris themselves took the wheel of these cars under the intrigued gaze of the paddock and spectators.

To make the film even more credible, racing sequences were filmed immersively, with the cars briefly mixed into the actual pack for a few corners (mainly after free practice sessions and qualifying).

The film was also shot on several other iconic circuits from the Formula 1 calendar, enhancing its authenticity and spectacular dimension. Among the recognizable tracks on screen are Monza, Zandvoort, Suzuka, Spa-Francorchamps, Mexico, Las Vegas, and Abu Dhabi. Each location brings its own atmosphere, capturing the intensity, diversity, and fast-paced nature of the Grand Prix around the world.

Our Review

F1 impresses both visually and with an immersive soundtrack, featuring scenes of on-track battles and striking accidents that aptly remind us of the inherent danger in motorsport. The actors are credible both on the track and in the paddock. Set in the glitzy backdrop of Las Vegas, the film also weaves in a touch of romance (carried by the character of the technical manager of team APEX GP), bringing a welcome contrast to a largely male-dominated world. Clearly designed to appeal to a North American audience, the film achieves its goal: the massive support from Apple and Warner Bros. is reflected in a spectacular production, tailored for the general public.

Technically very good in form, the film impresses with its direction and dynamic editing. The plot, although classic, unfolds efficiently, making the 2 hours and 36 minutes pleasantly paced. Formula 1 enthusiasts and purists, however, might feel somewhat unfulfilled with certain liberties taken with the sport’s technical reality. Nonetheless, F1 offers a good cinematic experience, accessible and immersive, ideal for introducing newcomers (especially younger ones) to the world of Grand Prix. And why not take advantage of the film festival (from June 29 to July 2) to go see it?