Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · June 6, 2025 · Entertainment

Brad Pitt's 'Top Gun for Racing Fans': Why F1 Is the Summer Blockbuster You Can't Miss

Brad Pitt 's much-anticipated new movie F1 has been lauded as 'epic' and an 'old school summer blockbuster' in early reactions (Brad, right, pictured with co-star Damson Idris)

BRAD PITT TAKES THE FAST LANE IN HIS NEW MOVIE F1: A BLOCKBUSTER BATTLE FOR RACING DOMINANCE

The wait is over, folks! Brad Pitt's highly anticipated new movie F1 has finally hit the big screens, and it's a heart-pumping, adrenaline-fueled ride that's got critics and audiences alike buzzing with excitement. The Oscar-winning actor stars as Sonny Hayes, an aging race car driver who joins forces with a young and talented rookie, Joshua Pearce (played by Damson Idris), to take on the high-stakes world of Formula One.

But what really sets F1 apart from other racing movies? According to early reactions flooding in on X, it's Brad Pitt's electrifying chemistry with his co-star, Damson Idris. "Buckle up! #F1TheMovie is a high-octane thrill ride," raves Bernard Smalls of iOne Digital. "Brad Pitt and Damson Idris are both dynamic. This is Top Gun for F1 racing fans."

In the sports drama the Oscar winner, 61, plays aging race car driver Sonny Hayes who joins a failing team and returns to the track alongside rookie and rival Joshua Pearce (Damson)

Rotten Tomatoes' Erik David echoes the sentiment, calling F1 "an epic, action-packed thriller that hits the gas and doesn't stop." He praises director Joseph Kosinski's masterful touch, saying, "The races are epic, the sound design, editing, cinematography, performances, and music are all top-notch."

But it's not just the racing itself that's got everyone talking. The movie's also been praised for its old-school summer blockbuster vibes, with one critic joking that it's "not about a small tornado" (clearly referencing Brad Pitt's infamous private plane scandal). Variety's Jazz Tancay calls F1 "an action-packed thrilling look at the world of F1 racing, with lots of grit. The sound, score, and cinematography are flawless."

And let's not forget the romance! Brad Pitt shares a passionate kiss with his on-screen love interest, Kerry Condon (42), leaving fans swooning over their chemistry.

One critic even branded F1 the 'Top Gun for racing fans' - three years after the Tom Cruise aviator movie made an eye-popping $1.496 billion worldwide

But what's even more interesting is that F1 isn't just about the racing – it's also about the drama behind the scenes. The movie boasts an all-star team, including Tommy Hilfiger as its lifestyle sponsor and Lewis Hamilton as producer. And let's not forget Brad Pitt's own personal connection to the world of racing: he's been spotted at several high-profile F1 events in recent years.

So, is F1 a must-see for fans of racing movies? Absolutely! As IndieWire's Mike Ryan puts it, "It has all the adrenaline, heart, pacing, story, and character that completely fleshes out this movie into excellence."

But what about Brad Pitt's personal life? Well, it seems like he's finally putting his ugly eight-year divorce battle with Angelina Jolie behind him. In a recent interview with GQ magazine, he seemed to downplay the drama, saying, "No, I don't think it was that major of a thing... Just something coming to fruition. Legally."

While the full reviews aren't in quite yet, social media reactions from several critics across the country have started flooding in on X.

Of course, we all know the truth – Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie's divorce was a high-profile scandal that made headlines for years. But now, he's moved on and seems happier than ever with his new girlfriend, jewelry executive Ines de Ramon.

When asked about their red carpet debut at the 2024 British Grand Prix, Brad Pitt laughed it off, saying, "No, dude, it's not that calculated... If you're living, oh my God, how exhausting would that be? If you're living with making those kinds of calculations?"

So, what inspired Brad Pitt to take on F1 in the first place? According to him, it was a chance to reinvigorate his passion for acting. "Man, I've been doing this for a while and was wondering: Do I have more stories to tell? Do I have anything to add to this? Is there still any excitement I can find from this?" he told GQ.

Many praised Brad and co-star Damson's onscreen chemistry, as well the movie's overall look thanks to director Joseph Kosinski, whose last worked on Top Gun: Maverick

Well, if F1 is anything to go by, the answer is a resounding yes! Get ready to buckle up and experience the ride of your life with Brad Pitt's new movie – it's a blockbuster battle for racing dominance that you won't want to miss.

F1: THE MOVIE IS OUT IN CINEMAS JUNE 27

[TheScholarlyNote.com]

With some even branding F1 the 'Top Gun for racing fans' - three years after the Tom Cruise aviator movie made an eye-popping $1.496 billion worldwide.

iOne Digital's Bernard Smalls said: 'Buckle up #F1TheMovie is an high octane thrill ride. It¿s one of those films that you go to the movies for. Brad Pitt and Damson Idris are both dynamic'

Critics were full of praise for the high octane movie

In the trailer Brad'c character boasts an attitude and an addiction to gambling with a need for speed on the track

While The Breakroom's Maude Garrett said: '#F1TheMovie is so freaking good. It has all the adrenaline, heart, that completely fleshes out this movie into excellence'

Variety¿s Jazz Tancay commented: 'WOW! is an action-packed thrilling look at the world of F1 racing, with lots of grit

The Wrap's Drew Taylor said: '#F1TheMovie is absolutely incredible. It¿s one of the coolest, most entertaining movies you¿ll probably ever see'

Elsewhere IndieWire's Mike Ryan joked: 'I just saw F1 and apparently it¿s about race cars and not about a small tornado. But good gosh that was a lot of fun'

It comes after Brad finally broke his silence on his ugly eight-year Angelina Jolie divorce battle that ended in December after she filed in 2016 (pictured together 2011)

Jolie in 2021 with five of her six children: from left, Shiloh, Zahara, Vivienne, Maddox and Knox