First, I must begin with a confession: I’ve never been a racing movie buff. Ford v Ferrari was a movie I could respect, but I didn’t love it. Days of Thunder is the only consolation I’ll admit to in this genre.
But F1, under the direction of Joseph Kosinski, is an emotionally charged masterpiece. This is, hands down, the best racing film ever made, and cements the notion that at 61 years young, Brad Pitt is in the midst of his greatest career era. And if Damson Idris isn’t cast as the next Black Panther after this, Marvel has officially lost its damn mind.
Brad Pitt Is Aging Like Fine Wine
Pitt stars as Sonny Hayes, a retired F1 legend lured back back onto the track for one last shot at glory. It’s a role that demands both certain weary gravitas and movie-star swagger — and Pitt delivers effortlessly. Between this performance, Bullet Train, and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, he’s perfected the art of the charismatic older statesman, mixing wisdom with that trademark Pitt cool. His performance here reminds you why he’s one of the last true Hollywood icons and long been called the second coming of Paul Newman.
Damson Idris Steals the Show
But the real revelation in the movie is Damson Idris as rookie phenom Joshua Pearce. Idris is a scene stealer, not just holding his own against Pitt, but bringing kinetic energy imbued with emotional depth to the role. In F1, Idris stakes a claim for the next big star and fittingly so. Rumors have swirled about him taking over the role of Black Panther, and after this performance? It’s a no-brainer. If Kevin Feige lets this man slip away, it’ll go down as one of Marvel’s biggest blunders. Idris has it—the presence, the talent, the sheer star power. Cast him yesterday!
How F1 Succeeds Where Other Racing Films Fail
What makes F1 different? It’s not really about racing and if you know nothing about NASCAR or F1, fret not, because there is no need to know. Of course, Kosinski’s direction is stellar and makes for a hell of a ride, but at its core, this is a film about legacy, mentorship, and obsession. Javier Bardem shines as a ruthless team owner, and the chemistry between Pitt and Idris gives the film its soul. The racing sequences, which were filmed during actual F1 races, are just the backdrop to a story that’s far more human than expected.
Final Verdict
F1 isn’t just the best racing movie ever made — it’s one of the best films of the year, period. Pitt continues his late-career hot streak, Idris announces himself as a leading man for the ages, and Kosinski cements his status as the king of technical spectacle with heart. See it on the biggest screen as soon as possible. And Kevin Feige?
Call Damson Idris.
Now!
