If I were inclined to soften my assessment, I wouldn't: This film is ideal for anyone seeking undemanding entertainment that lacks depth and relies heavily on tired tropes and unbelievable plot points—though it’s undeniably accompanied by impressive action-adventure visuals. Writer-director Joseph Kosinski has once again delivered a movie perfect for those times when you just want to relax, switch off your thinking, and let yourself be soothed by a visually stimulating but ultimately numbing experience (even if that “experience” feels longer than it needs to, even for people accustomed to this type of film). Essentially, "F1" is a superficial look at the world of Formula One racing with characters who fit familiar molds, playing out story arcs we’ve seen repeatedly, particularly in sports movies. An aging racer who never achieved his ambitions (Brad Pitt) seeks late-career redemption at the request of an old friend needing help (Javier Bardem), while also guiding a promising but inexperienced rookie (Damson Idris)—who seems more like a GQ cover model than a world-class Formula One driver—and pursuing a hesitant romantic interest (Kerry Condon). Along the way, there are the expected setbacks, defiant moments, secret betrayals, unlikely triumphs, and predictable victories, all appearing precisely when they’re supposed to. There's nothing inherently wrong with any of this, but it isn’t particularly original or inventive, even within a previously unexplored setting. Those seeking more substantial portrayals of motor sports—especially Formula One—would be better off watching earlier films on the subject, such as John Frankenheimer’s Oscar-winning “Grand Prix” (1966) and Ron Howard’s "Rush" (2013), both of which offer more compelling narratives and don't feel like a ground-based version of “Top Gun: Maverick” (2022)—a film Kosinski also directed – an interesting coincidence. Like the sport of Formula One, and auto racing in general, the movie is quite blatant with its product placement advertising, which does lend a certain "realism" to the proceedings but can become wearisome over time. “F1” provides aspiring filmmakers and viewers with a demonstration of skillful action-adventure cinematography, special effects, sound design, stunt work, and editing (though some trimming of the non-action sequences would be beneficial, especially considering its lengthy 2:35:00 running time), achievements that have earned it seven Critics Choice Award nominations, two Golden Globe Award nods, and a Top 10 Movie honor from the National Board of Review. While the film certainly deserves recognition for its technical accomplishments, don’t expect much more than that—particularly in terms of unexpected twists, narrative innovation, or exceptional performances (especially from Pitt, who once again demonstrates he's funnier in comedic roles than dramatic ones). By the time this movie concludes, viewers might be just as relieved to see the checkered flag waved as the drivers themselves.

Source on TMDB