I Saw the F1 Movie and It Surpassed My Expectations

The F1 Movie

I was recently invited by Warner Bros. Discovery to a special screening of the new F1 movie.

Of course, there were a few exaggerated moments, as with any sports film, but it stayed firmly within the world of Formula 1. At times, it genuinely felt like watching a real Grand Prix on a Sunday, especially with commentary from the familiar voices of David Croft and Martin Brundle.

If you’re not used to watching F1, you might think some of the commentators’ quirky remarks were written just for the film. But that’s really how they sound during live broadcasts. Some people get their humour, others don’t, but it often brings the race to life. Just like actual race coverage, the film does a great job of breaking things down for both long-time fans and newcomers.

The film has everything you’d want from a great story: action, drama, laughs, and even a touch of romance. But what makes it truly stand out is how grounded it stays in the world of Formula 1. Nothing feels out of place. It respects the sport while delivering a story that’s exciting and emotionally satisfying.

The story follows Sonny Hayes, a former F1 driver who is brought back to the grid to help revive a struggling team, APX GP. He isn’t there to chase a championship but to help the team become competitive again, to score points, survive, and build a foundation. Alongside him is rising star Joshua Pearce, a talented but fiery young driver who needs guidance. The film also spotlights the team’s technical director, a smart, decisive woman whose leadership is key to the team’s progress. Her presence adds a refreshing and powerful layer, reflecting the kind of representation we need more of in real motorsport.

What really strengthens the film’s authenticity is the team behind it. Sir Lewis Hamilton served as one of the producers, bringing his deep understanding of the sport from every angle. Ruth Buscombe, a respected race engineer, strategist, analyst and F1 presenter, advised on the film to ensure technical accuracy. Their influence is felt throughout and gives the story a level of credibility that motorsport fans will appreciate.

One of the most impressive choices was using real F1 drivers filmed during actual race weekends, rather than actors. Even some team principals made appearances. If you’ve ever watched a post-race press conference, the atmosphere in the film will feel familiar. Reporters really do ask wild questions sometimes, and team bosses often exchange pointed remarks. F1 is political, unpredictable, and often wildly entertaining, and the film captures that.

There are moments I could highlight that really hit emotionally or visually, but I don’t want to spoil the film for anyone. Just know that it captures the atmosphere of Formula 1 with a level of intensity and authenticity you rarely see on screen.

What truly stood out to me was the representation. APX GP was portrayed as a diverse, forward-thinking team, which is something we rarely see in terms of inclusion in the real F1 paddock. It was genuinely refreshing to see that on screen. And personally, it was such a joy to hear a Barbadian (Bajan) accent in a major film. Caribbean accents in global productions are almost always Jamaican, so hearing something different, something closer to home, really meant a lot.

What I appreciated most is that the film doesn’t follow the tired underdog-wins-it-all formula. This is about a team chasing a realistic goal: to score a few points and survive in the world’s most demanding sport. Along the way, the characters grow, evolve, and learn what it means to function as a team. The ending doesn’t launch them to the top of the standings. It simply earns them respect, and that felt far more honest and rewarding.

If you’re a lifelong Formula 1 fan or just discovering the sport, there’s plenty to appreciate here. I’ll definitely be seeing this film again and again.