Few movies in 2025 have generated as much buzz as the Apple TV+ movie F1. This high-octane racing movie is directed by Joseph Kosinski, the mastermind behind Top Gun: Maverick. The movie combines Hollywood star power with authentic Formula One action, featuring Brad Pitt in the lead as veteran driver Sonny Hayes, alongside Damson Idris as a rising rookie.
What sets F1 apart isn’t just its IMAX-ready visuals or real-life racetrack footage; it’s the involvement of seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, who serves as a producer and helped shape the movie’s authenticity. With its theatrical release set for June 25 internationally and June 27 in the U.S. and Canada, anticipation is through the roof. And now, with early screenings shown to the film press, the first wave of reactions is here—and it’s looking like F1 could be a critical winner.
The F1 movie seems like a hit
Lewis Hamilton has been closely involved with F1 from the beginning, not just as a producer but as an advisor on everything from car physics to track etiquette. He was dedicated to making sure everything felt as close to real-life racing as possible. That authenticity has been a significant part of the film’s hype, particularly with scenes shot at real Grand Prix weekends and featuring actual F1 drivers.
With the film’s release just weeks away, a few lucky critics got an early look—and their reactions are firing up on all cylinders. Variety was thoroughly impressed by the intensity and execution of the movie, calling it thrilling on X.
Variety’s chief awards editor Clayton Davis added to that enthusiasm, praising both the directing and the producers and the film’s visual flair.
#F1TheMovie is the Jerry and Joe Show! Bruckheimer and Kosinski really do make audacious entertainment together. Academy…don’t do Claudio Miranda dirty again on this one. Brad Pitt and Damson Idris shine brightest when sharing the screen. Race to see this one in IMAX pic.twitter.com/aO870ttLlU
— Clayton Davis (@ByClaytonDavis) June 5, 2025
Nerdist and Breakroom contributor Maude Garrett loved the emotional core and thrilling momentum of the story, even admitting it might’ve turned her into an F1 fan.
#F1TheMovie is so freaking good. It has all the adrenaline, heart, pacing, story and character that completely fleshes out this movie into excellence.
I can only imagine how much MORE I would love this movie if I was a fan of F1 racing! 🏎️ 💨 Maybe I am now?@F1Movie pic.twitter.com/nfXunN0L44
— Maude Garrett (@maudegarrett) June 5, 2025
The early word from critics is clear: F1 isn’t just a movie for racing fans—it’s shaping up to be one of the most exciting theatrical releases of the year. With blockbuster visuals, standout performances, and Hamilton’s help to maintain authenticity, it’s revving toward awards-season buzz if it continues to get the same level of praise during the global release.
Lewis Hamilton does an early preview for F1 drivers and Team Principals
Ahead of the Monaco Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton hosted a private screening of F1 for the current grid and team principals. Being the most anticipated race of the calendar, it even seemed like the perfect venue to turn the grid actors into the audience. Many drivers praised the movie’s effort to capture the spirit of the sport, but given their insider perspective, some felt it leaned a bit too far into the Hollywood lane.
Carlos Sainz even compared the film’s dramatic elements to Drive to Survive, suggesting it might carry the same level of vibe and effect on the fans. He said (via MotorSports),
“I truly enjoyed it. I think for us F1 experts we’re going to see things a bit like we sometimes see with [Drive to Survive],”
Meanwhile, Nico Hülkenberg couldn’t resist poking fun at Brad Pitt’s casting as an older F1 driver making a comeback. With a snarky comment, he joked that Pitt had inspired him to consider racing when he was in his 60s.
“It’s not about the fine details, but I think it’s still a new, fresh perspective. There were some good actors in there too. Brad Pitt is my role model now, my new aim is to [drive in F1 at age 61]”
While hardcore F1 fans and fanatics might find certain scenes exaggerated or overly dramatized, F1 isn’t trying to be a documentary. For moviegoers and casual fans, it promises to be an adrenaline-filled experience that blends sports drama with beautiful cinematography.
The F1 movie is set to hit theaters globally on July 25 and in the U.S. and Canada on July 27.
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