Ataraxia
Released in June 2025, you’ve probably all seen F1 , which was already introduced in another article. Today, the aim is to take a look back at this film which, it has to be said, really surprised us. As a motorsport fan, and especially of Formula 1, the trailer did not exactly fill me with joy when it came out. Lots of Brad Pitt, the unmistakable touch of the Top Gun: Maverick director, but to what end in this film, and above all, how is Formula 1 actually treated here? So it was with a lot of skepticism that I was dragged to the cinema to watch F1, and I could not be more grateful now, because F1 really is the Formula 1 of cinema.
F1 the movie: what is it about?
Sonny Hayes saw his F1 career end prematurely after a crash early on. Since then, he has been roaming around the motorsport world, constantly switching categories. He is a free, dangerous and slightly chaotic driver who does not get attached to anything and just goes with the flow, with only one desire: to feel like he is “flying” and to be the best. But when a long-time friend begs him to drive for his Formula 1 team in order to raise the level and avoid having to sell the outfit, Sonny gets drawn back into the game and agrees to join the APX team. Yet Sonny only answers to himself, races strictly on his own terms, and is ready to do anything to win – even die if he has to.
Rivalry between Sonny and JP
The rivalry between Sonny and JP is a major part of the film. Their complicated relationship is at the core of the story for a large part of the runtime. It is also what leads JP to make a fatal mistake with serious consequences. In parallel with the film, this rivalry clearly echoes some of the conflicts that have existed in real teams, most notably the one between Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost, both racing for McLaren in 1988.
And the real F1 in all this?
Some viewers will have noticed cameos from our favorite drivers. F1 followed two full Formula 1 seasons to be able to shoot in highly realistic conditions. Formula 2 chassis were modified to look like Formula 1 cars. The actors underwent intensive training so they could actually drive the cars. Everything in this film is designed to prioritize the experience and realism rather than digital trickery. Lewis Hamilton supervised and helped during the shoot, and Toto Wolff was also involved in the production. Most of the podiums shown are therefore real results from an F1 season, and our favorite drivers play themselves in the film. There is also an appearance from the paddock’s most famous dog, Roscoe, recently deceased, whose name appears in the end credits. There is no doubt his dad, Lewis Hamilton, is very proud of him.
Inspired by real events?
Even if nothing is officially stated, it is hard not to notice the similarities between Sonny’s story and that of Martin Donnelly. The accident that shaped Sonny’s life really did happen in real life to this driver, whose Formula 1 career ended after a terrible crash at the Spanish Grand Prix. Fortunately, after many months of recovery, he managed to regain his abilities and stayed in the automotive world, even if he never returned to a top-level driving career.
Women in Formula 1
One of the many good ideas in this film was to include women working inside a team. That detail may seem insignificant to some, but in fact it sends a strong message. This is hardly surprising when you know that Susie Wolff created the F1 Academy to promote female drivers, with strong backing from her husband Toto Wolff and from Lewis Hamilton. The character of Kate therefore has a completely legitimate place in the story, and her role is crucial. Promoting and opening up access for women in motorsport is more topical than ever, and it is refreshing to see a film that showcases female mechanics and engineers.
A moral behind a Hollywood film
Not every Hollywood film necessarily carries a moral. However, F1 stands out in this respect, because it feels much more like a moral lesson. Sonny keeps repeating that it is not about the money – not because he does not need it, but because money is not what he is chasing when he drives. And yet, it is hard not to feel that there is a bigger message underneath: the idea of fulfilling your dreams, doing whatever it takes to do what makes you happy, and not giving up despite all the obstacles along the way. Never would I have imagined loving this film as much as I did before seeing it, and yet I can only recommend that you watch it, if you have not already.
