In a high-octane tale of redemption, former racer Sonny Hayes (Brad Pitt) makes a triumphant return to the track in the new Formula 1 drama, F1. The film opens with Sonny showcasing his skills at the 24 Hours at Daytona, leading Chip Hart’s (Shea Whigham) team to victory. Despite an offer to join the team full-time, Sonny, a once-promising driver whose career was derailed by a catastrophic crash at the Spanish Grand Prix, declines and continues his nomadic life in a van, haunted by gambling addiction and three failed marriages.
Sonny’s journey takes a turn when old friend Ruben Cervantes (Javier Bardem), owner of the struggling APXGP Formula 1 team, recruits him to race alongside rookie Joshua Pearce (Damson Idris) to save the team from collapse. Though hesitant, Sonny joins out of loyalty to Ruben. At Silverstone Circuit, he meets the APXGP crew: technical director Kate McKenna (Kerry Condon), team principal Kaspar Smolinski (Kim Bodnia), chief mechanic Dodge Dowda (Abdul Salis), and the cocky Joshua, whose manager and cousin Cash (Samson Kayo) doubts Sonny’s relevance. A test drive ends in a crash, but Sonny’s insights into the car’s flaws secure his spot.
The British Grand Prix brings challenges, with a stalled car and slow pit stops hindering APXGP’s performance. Tensions rise as Joshua clashes with pit crew member Jodie (Callie Cooke), though Sonny’s defense of her sparks a request for him to stay out of it. Off the track, Sonny pushes Kate to design a car built for combat, though she initially views him as a selfish hothead. Meanwhile, Joshua studies Sonny’s past, including his infamous crash.
At the Hungarian Grand Prix, Sonny’s strategic tire choice and rule-exploiting crash secure APXGP’s first win, earning Kate’s respect. However, disaster strikes at the Italian Grand Prix when Joshua ignores Sonny’s advice, crashes, and is rescued by Sonny from a fiery wreck. Blame and guilt swirl, with Joshua’s mother Bernadette (Sarah Niles) accusing Sonny, though Joshua later admits his own recklessness.
As Joshua recovers, Sonny boosts the team’s profile with strong performances. A poker game orchestrated by Kate mends the rift between the two drivers, with Sonny letting Joshua win to build his confidence. Their bond grows, as does Sonny’s connection with Kate, culminating in a romantic night together.
Drama escalates when an anonymous complaint—later revealed to be from board member Peter Banning (Tobias Menzies)—targets Kate’s car upgrades, threatening APXGP’s future. Sonny’s anger leads to a crash against Sergio Perez, landing him in the hospital. Ruben, learning the extent of Sonny’s past injuries, briefly dismisses him. Undeterred, Sonny rejects Peter’s offer to betray Ruben and sell the team.
The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is the season’s climactic showdown. With Kate cleared by the FIA, Sonny and Joshua race with everything on the line. Joshua’s worn tires falter, and a collision with Lewis Hamilton opens the door for Sonny. Despite blurry vision, Sonny crosses the finish line first, securing APXGP’s survival. Joshua, offered a Mercedes spot, chooses to stay loyal to APXGP.
Sonny retires from F1, parting warmly with Kate and Joshua. In a final act, he races pro bono in the Baja 1000 in Mexico, proving it’s not about money but the thrill of the drive. F1 delivers a gripping story of loyalty, redemption, and the relentless pursuit of victory.[wide]
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