F1 (2025): Cast, Ratings & Ending
F1 is a 2025 action drama directed by Joseph Kosinski, starring Brad Pitt as Sonny Hayes, Javier Bardem and Leigh Diffey. It runs 2 hours 36 minutes and was made on a reported $200 million budget. IMDb users rate it 7.6/10.
- Released
- Runtime
- 2h 36m (156 min)
- Director
- Joseph Kosinski
- Original language
-
English
- Studio
- Plan B Entertainment
- Budget
- $200M
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is F1 About?
The premise of F1 without spoilers. The whole story and the ending explained are in the plot summary further down.
Racing legend Sonny Hayes comes out of retirement to lead a struggling Formula 1 team. He’s tasked with mentoring a promising young driver while seeking one last shot at achieving greatness. The pressure is on as he navigates the challenges of the sport and strives for victory.
F1 Themes & Keywords
· 50 tags- motorsport
- auto racing
- motorsports sport
- racing
- race
- f1
- driver
- formula 1
- 20th century
- filmed during the 2023 sag aftra strike
- race car driver
- racetrack
+38 more Show fewer
- race car
- car action
- old versus young
- reference to michael schumacher
- mother son relationship
- reference to ayrton senna
- reference to chuck norris
- celebrity playing himself
- playing poker
- las vegas nevada
- reference to tijuana mexico
- cameo
- blockbuster
- american in belgium
- american in england
- american in mexico
- rivalry
- american abroad
- celebrity cameo
- car race
- friendship between men
- male bonding
- multiple cameos
- male friendship
- male protagonist
- poker
- reference to the 1990s
- f word
- british abroad
- montage with pop song
- friendship
- american
- car
- montage
- product placement
- cousin cousin relationship
- nightclub
- split screen
F1 Cast & Characters
Brad Pitt leads the cast as Sonny Hayes, with Javier Bardem as Ruben Cervantes and Leigh Diffey as Daytona Race Broadcaster. Directed by Joseph Kosinski; 81 actors are credited in all.
-
Director Joseph Kosinski
-
Brad Pitt as Sonny Hayes -
Javier Bardem as Ruben Cervantes - Leigh Diffey as Daytona Race Broadcaster
-
Damson Idris as Joshua Pearce
Also Starring in F1
· 77 more- Kerry Condon Kate McKenna
- Martin Savage Las Vegas FIA Race Director
- Tom Clarkson Las Vegas Press Conference Presenter
- Zoe Oedekerk Las Vegas Fun Loving Clubber
- Tobias Menzies Peter Banning
- Nancy Carroll Abu Dhabi Corporate Executive #1
- Ankur Bahl Abu Dhabi Corporate Executive #2
- Lewis Hamilton Lewis Hamilton
- Mohammed Alkhoori Abu Dhabi Trophy Presenter
- Salwa Al Hadhrami Abu Dhabi Podium Dignitary
- Charles Leclerc Charles Leclerc
- Sal Lopez Baja Old Timer
- Darius De La Cruz Baja Mechanic's Son
- Gabriel Rivas Baja Teenage Grandson
- Shea Whigham Chip Hart
- Kim Bodnia Kaspar Smolinski
Show all 81 cast members Show fewer cast members
- Simon Kunz Don Cavendish
- Michael Aaron Milligan Strategy Director
- Sarah Niles Bernadette
- Will Merrick Nickleby
- Max Verstappen Max Verstappen
- Fernando Alonso Fernando Alonso
- George Russell George Russell
- Simon Minter Man in audience (uncredited)
- Simone Ashley Simone Ashley
- Carlos Sainz Jr. Carlos Sainz
- Joseph Balderrama Fazio
- Daniel Ricciardo Daniel Ricciardo
- Valtteri Bottas Valtteri Bottas
- Pierre Gasly Pierre Gasly
- Esteban Ocon Esteban Ocon
- Lando Norris Lando Norris
- Sergio Pérez Sergio Pérez
- Martin Brundle Martin Brundle
- Kyle Rankin Cale Kelso
- Rachel Walters Molly, Sonny's Assistant
- Abdul Salis Dodge
- Lance Stroll Lance Stroll
- Kevin Magnussen Kevin Magnussen
- Avis-Marie Barnes Diner Waitress
- Liz Kingsman Lisbeth Bampton
- Alexander Albon Alexander Albon
- Toto Wolff Toto Wolff
- Yuki Tsunoda Yuki Tsunoda
- Samson Kayo Cash
- Christian Horner Christian Horner
- Nico Hülkenberg Nicolas Hülkenberg
- David Croft David Croft
- Steven Sean Garland B M W Driver
- Callie Cooke Jodie
- Zhou Guanyu Zhou Guanyu
- Frédéric Vasseur Frédéric Vasseur
- Tiësto Tiësto
- Will Redmond Young Engineer
- Nyck de Vries Nyck de Vries
- Oscar Piastri Oscar Piastri
- Will Buxton Will Buxton
- Patrick Long Patrick Long
- Ramona Von Pusch Liesl
- Zak Brown Zak Brown
- Liam Lawson Liam Lawson
- Logan Sargeant Logan Sargeant
- Oliver Bearman Ollie Bearman
- Barney Smith Kaspar's Son
- Poppy Smith Kaspar's Daughter
- Rosie Dwyer Pippa Leguin
- Luciano Bacheta Luca Cortez
- Rachel Brookes Rachel Brookes
- Natalie Pinkham Natalie Pinkham
- Maria Thoma Presenter
- Elena Rivers Supper Club Hostess
- Franco Colapinto Franco Colapinto
- Jack Doohan Jack Doohan
- Guenther Steiner Guenther Steiner
- Lawrence Stroll Lawrence Stroll
- James Vowles James Vowles
- Stefano Domenicali Stefano Domenicali
More from Joseph Kosinski
More films directed by Joseph Kosinski, best-rated first: F1: The Movie, Only the Brave, TRON: Legacy and Spiderhead.
F1 Reviews & Ratings
IMDb users rate F1 7.6/10. Our Echo Score gives it 73/100, strongest in art & craft (88) and weakest in story & flow (52).
F1 Echo Score Breakdown
In overall terms, F1 delivers a high‑octane cinematic experience that excels in visual and auditory craftsmanship while falling short on narrative depth. Reviewers consistently highlight the striking cinematography, immersive sound design, and exhilarating race sequences, noting the film’s ability to thrill audiences in a theater setting. Conversely, the plot is described as formulaic and frequently unrealistic, with character motivations deemed underdeveloped. The net impression is a technically impressive yet story‑wise uneven blockbuster.
Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.
- Art & Craft 88
Regarding art and craft, the film is lauded for its sleek cinematography and dynamic camera work that capture speed with precision. Reviewers commend director Joseph Kosinski’s visual style, the vivid color palette, and polished editing that sustain the race’s momentum. Practical effects and well‑coordinated set pieces further reinforce the high production values, resulting in a visually striking spectacle.
- Character & Emotion 72
When evaluating character and emotion, performances receive mixed reactions. Brad Pitt’s charismatic presence is repeatedly noted as engaging, while supporting actors are described as solid yet occasionally cheesy. Some viewers find the protagonist’s motivation clear, but many criticize secondary characters for lacking depth and coherent arcs. Overall, the acting contributes to the film’s entertainment value despite uneven emotional resonance.
- Story & Flow 52
In terms of story and flow, the narrative is widely regarded as formulaic and at times implausible. Critics acknowledge the classic underdog arc but point out clichéd dialogue and unrealistic racing strategies that undermine credibility. While the pacing maintains excitement during race sequences, the overall plot is described as generic and lacking meaningful substance.
- Sensory Experience 84
The sensory experience receives strong praise, with the Hans Zimmer‑style score and immersive sound design cited as heightening the film’s intensity. Reviewers highlight the crisp engine roars, dynamic soundtrack cues, and seamless integration of audio‑visual elements that create a visceral racing environment. Visual style, including helmet‑cam perspectives and polished color grading, further amplifies the high‑speed atmosphere.
- Rewatch Factor 71
Rewatch factor is considered moderate to high; many viewers express a desire to experience the spectacle again, citing the thrill of the race sequences and the overall entertainment value. Some note the film as a one‑time thrill, while others describe it as repeatable due to its visual spectacle and energetic pacing.
-
IMDb 7.6 /10
394395 votes
-
TMDB 78% User score
See on TMDB -
Letterboxd 3.6 /5
2149559 ratings
See on Letterboxd
F1 Plot Summary & Ending Explained
What happens in F1 from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events and the ending explained. The opening is below; the full summary is a 3-minute read.
Spoilers ahead
Aging former Formula One (F1) prodigy Sonny Hayes has spent the last three decades navigating his life as a racer-for-hire, ever since a devastating crash at the 1993 Spanish Grand Prix terminated his once-promising career. Despite the setback, Sonny’s journey takes a turn when he secures a victory at the 24 Hours of Daytona, leading to a reunion with his former teammate, Rubén Cervantes, who now owns the struggling APXGP F1 team. Rubén makes a heartfelt appeal, revealing that the team’s future hinges on winning one of the remaining nine Grands Prix of the season; otherwise, investors are poised to sell the team. After some contemplation, Sonny agrees, motivated by Rubén’s assertion that a win would validate him as the “best in the world.”
Full summary
The whole story of F1, scene by scene, with the ending explained
F1 Trailers & Videos
128 videos: 6 trailers, 48 teasers, 8 clips, 41 featurettes and 25 behind-the-scenes videos.
- Trailer Official Trailer
- Trailer Meet APXGP. Sonny Hayes and Joshua Pearce.
- Trailer Official IMAX® 1.90 Trailer
- Trailer Main Trailer
How Well Do You Know F1?
10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.
Question 1 of 10
- Question 1: not answered
- Question 2: not answered
- Question 3: not answered
- Question 4: not answered
- Question 5: not answered
- Question 6: not answered
- Question 7: not answered
- Question 8: not answered
- Question 9: not answered
- Question 10: not answered
What is the name of the aging former Formula One prodigy who returns to the sport?
Cars in F1
49 cars on screen, including the Made For Movie Formula 1 and the 2023 Alfa Romeo C43 Ferrari.
-
Made For Movie Formula 1 Featured role -
2023 Alfa Romeo C43 Ferrari Important role -
2023 AlphaTauri AT04 Honda RBPT Important role -
2023 Alpine A523 Renault Important role
F1 Also Known As
51 alternative titles, including “Apex” and “Formula 1”.
- Also known as
-
- Apex
- Formula 1
- Formula One
- 弯道峰点
- 弯心
- 一级方程式
- 포뮬라 원
- 포뮬라 1
- 에프원
- 布萊德彼特之F1
- F1®
- F1:赛道风云
+39 more Show fewer
- F1® The Movie
- פורמולה 1
- F1: The Movie
- F1:ザ・ムービー
- F1: הסרט
- F1: La película
- F1®/エフワン
- F1: Film
- Phim Điện Ảnh F1
- F1: O Filme
- F1 - Der Film
- F1 The Movie
- F1, le film
- F1 : Le Film
- F1:狂飙飞车
- Формула 1
- F1 Le Film
- F1 - Le Film
- F1® Le Film
- F1 더 무비
- F1 la película
- F1 - O Filme
- F1 Filmi
- F1: Фільм
- F1 - Il film
- F1 Phim Điện Ảnh
- F1/エフワン
- F1 เดอะ มูฟวี่
- فورمولا 1
- F1 film
- F1電影
- פורמולה 1: הסרט
- فرمول یک : فیلم
- F1 - The Movie
- F1 Филмът
- Ф1
- F1 filmas
- F1 Filmul
- F1 La pel·lícula
Seen F1?
Movies Like F1
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including F1: The Movie, Grand Prix and Driven.
F1 FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date
Runtime, release date, director, cast, budget, ratings and post-credit scenes of F1, each answered in a sentence.
How long is F1?
F1 runs 2 hours 36 minutes (156 minutes).
When was F1 released?
F1 was released on June 16, 2025.
Who directed F1?
F1 was directed by Joseph Kosinski.
More films by Joseph Kosinski Who is in the cast of F1?
F1 stars Brad Pitt as Sonny Hayes, Javier Bardem as Ruben Cervantes and Leigh Diffey as Daytona Race Broadcaster, among 81 credited actors.
What was the budget of F1?
F1 had a reported budget of $200 million.
How is F1 rated?
F1 has 7.6/10 on IMDb, 78% on TMDB and 3.6/5 on Letterboxd.
Does F1 have a post-credit scene?
No. F1 has no extra scene during or after the credits.
Coming soon to your phone
The Plot Explained Movie Summary App
From blockbusters to hidden gems: plot summaries, endings explained and timelines on your phone. Save your favorites and never miss a twist again.
Be the first to know when it launches. Your email stays private, always. Learn more about the app
