Pedal to the Metal: F1 Revs Up the Summer Blockbuster Race

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Brad Pitt’s new racing movie, “F1,” arrives in theaters this weekend and has already earned strong reviews from critics. The film holds an 86% Certified Fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Directed by Joseph Kosinski, who also made “Top Gun: Maverick,” “F1” is expected to attract big crowds at the box office.

Critics have praised the excitement and energy of the film. William Mullally from The National said, “I found myself, at times, digging my nails into the arms of my chair,” and added, “few movies literally place me on the edge of my seat, and F1 was one of them.” Sheraz Farooqi from CinemaDebate called it “one of the best films of 2025,” and described it as “a directing masterclass by Joseph Kosinski.” He said, “If you loved Top Gun Maverick’s kinetic pacing and fluid style, you’ll love this film. Strong sound design, cinematography, score, and performances all around create one of the best films of 2025.”

Brad Pitt stars as Sonny Hayes, a former Formula One driver who becomes a New York City cab driver, but returns to racing to coach a young driver, Joshua “Noah” Pearce, played by Damson Idris. The movie also stars Javier Bardem, Shea Whigham, Kerry Condon, and Kim Bodnia. The release of “F1” is timed to start just as the Austrian Grand Prix takes place.

MovieWeb’s Julian Roman said that even though the plot is “formulaic,” the movie is still worth watching. He wrote, “F1 succeeds in its primary goal of bringing the thrills of elite motorsport racing to the silver screen, as Brad Pitt kicks asphalt in a pedal-to-the-metal summer blockbuster that’ll get your adrenaline pumping.” Other critics have called “F1” “everything you want in a summer blockbuster.”

Box office experts expect the movie to make between $35 and $40 million in its first weekend in North America. The film cost around $200 million to make, but it is expected to earn much more as it opens around the world. Cary Darling from the Houston Chronicle said, “In what’s turning into a long, hot summer full of unnerving news in the wider world, F1: The Movie offers a refuge of air-conditioned escapism. And that’s not necessarily a bad thing.”