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Brad Pitt's F1 is a familiarly unfamiliar ride across your favourite racing circuit

Brad Pitt's F1 is a familiarly unfamiliar ride across your favourite racing circuit

India Today15 hours ago
When it comes to sports movies, there's a common theme you can always expect. It might be about an athlete battling personal demons to achieve glory, or an underdog team that's written off by everyone going all the way. The climax is usually predictable - the hero or heroes emerge victorious, sending everyone home happy.One exception was 'Coach Carter', starring Samuel L Jackson, where the Richmond Oilers didn't win the championship, yet claimed victory in life. So, is 'F1' any different from the famous sports movies we've already seen? Well, the answer is: not really.advertisement'F1', directed by Joseph Kosinski, follows the story of Sonny Hayes (Brad Pitt), a one-time rising star in the world of Formula One. After a major accident, he exited the world of racing and endured years of personal turmoil. A gambling addiction and multiple failed marriages left him broke and working as a taxi driver. But Hayes finds solace again in racing - be it behind the wheel of a Porsche at Daytona or the Baja 1000 on the California Peninsula.
Then comes a visit from Ruben Cervantes (Javier Bardem), his former teammate and now the team owner of APXGP. With the team on the verge of being dismantled and sold, Cervantes reaches out to Hayes to save them, despite the American not racing in Formula One for three decades.Hayes answers the call and, in doing so, meets young prodigy Joshua Pearce (Damson Idris). The film then becomes a story of how both men race against each other, mentor one another, and ultimately work as a team to secure the greatest victory. There's a touch of romance between Hayes and APXGP's technical director, Kate McKenna (Kerry Condon), and, of course, plenty of pure racing joy - exactly what you'd expect from a good sports movie.Some of the mentoring scenes between Hayes and Pearce bring back memories of the 2006 film 'Cars', especially the bond between Doc Hudson and Lightning McQueen. It also echoes 'Driven', a 2001Sylvester Stallone film, where a similar mentor-prodigy dynamic played out. The themes may be familiar, but 'F1' brings in the unpredictability and adrenaline rush of a real Grand Prix weekend.So, what makes 'F1' familiarly unfamiliar?A ride through life in the world of Formula OneAre you a Formula One fan? Then let me say this upfront: suspend all your knowledge of the sport, and some laws of physics. That's what I was told before entering the cinema hall. Some of the demolition-derby action from Hayes in the structured world of F1? Let's just say... don't try this at Monza.The world of Formula One is not just about thrills and spills. It's also a high-pressure game where scoring even a single point can secure your seat for the next season. It's a world of politics too - internal boardroom struggles where people try to overthrow each other for control.advertisementIf you're not a regular F1 follower and are watching 'F1' because of good reviews or simply for Brad Pitt's rugged charm (he's 61 and still giving the young guys a run for their money), then bring a pen and notepad.You're going to get a deep dive into the world of motorsport that'll capture your interest and leave you wanting to know more. From team tactics and pit-stop strategies to aerodynamics - how the smallest tweak can take a car from the back of the grid to the front - these are the finer details that pull you in and make you forget the familiar sports movie tropes.The MusicIndia Today's Anisha Rao reviewed the 'F1' music album and highlighted how the film's music seamlessly "blends global sounds, heart-thumping beats, and lyrical stories that echo the spirit of racing: high-speed, high-stakes, and full of heart".In many sports movies, soundtracks can feel forced, even distracting. But, not here. The background score, composed by the legendary Hans Zimmer, is a perfect fit. And Don Toliver's 'Lose My Mind' (featuring Doja Cat) makes you feel like you're slipping into the cockpit of a Formula One car, fully suited up.advertisementThere isn't a single moment where the music feels out of place. I'm no music expert or a film critic, but for me, the score blended in seamlessly - and left me looping 'Lose My Mind' and Ed Sheeran's 'Drive' on repeat long after the end credits rolled.The ClimaxThe real payoff comes at the end. Over the years, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix has hosted some of Formula One's most dramatic moments - from nail-biters to controversies, including the infamous Max Verstappen vs Lewis Hamilton title decider.The film taps into that legacy. Hayes and Pearce put aside their differences and race. And as for what happens next - well, I'm not spoiling it. Go watch it.The theatre I was in erupted with cheers and applause as the chequered flag waved. 'F1' took me on a thrilling ride around one of my favourite circuits - where I knew every turn, every fast straight, every DRS zone. Yet, somehow, it still surprised me.That said, 'F1' didn't overstay its welcome. There was no lag, no overkill - just a story that felt both familiar and fresh, and a ride I was glad I signed up for.- Ends
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Tennis-Sinner gets out of jail to reach last eight as Dimitrov retires at Wimbledon
Tennis-Sinner gets out of jail to reach last eight as Dimitrov retires at Wimbledon

Hindustan Times

time23 minutes ago

  • Hindustan Times

Tennis-Sinner gets out of jail to reach last eight as Dimitrov retires at Wimbledon

* Tennis-Sinner gets out of jail to reach last eight as Dimitrov retires at Wimbledon Top seed through to quarter-finals after Dimitrov injury * Sinner was trailing by two sets after suffering elbow issue * Shelton and Cobolli reach Wimbledon last eight for first time * Swiatek, Andreeva move into quarter-finals in style By Shrivathsa Sridhar LONDON, - Top seed Jannik Sinner struggled with an elbow problem and was given an almighty scare before advancing to the quarter-finals of Wimbledon after a cruel twist of fate for his 19th-seeded opponent Grigor Dimitrov who retired injured while two sets up. Novak Djokovic continued his quest for Grand Slam glory at the All England Club with a battling victory over Alex de Minaur while five-times major champion Iga Swiatek found her grasscourt wings to fly past Clara Tauson. The drama was reserved for the evening clash on Centre Court as Dimitrov, who had pulled out injured in his last four majors, played exquisite tennis to go up 6-3 7-5 2-2 but then crashed to the ground after a big ace to hold serve. Sinner, who had been hampered for much of the contest by a right elbow issue after slipping and falling to the turf early on, was left feeling sorry for his opponent who threw in the towel after a short assessment by a doctor. "I don't know what to say because he's an incredible player. I think we all saw this today," said Sinner, who was by a tearful Dimitrov's side while the Bulgarian was attended to. "He's been so unlucky in the past couple of years. He's an incredible player, a good friend of mine also, and we understand each other very well off the court too. "Seeing him in this position... if there would be a chance that he could play in the next round, he would deserve it. Now I hope he has a speedy recovery. Very, very unlucky from his side. "I don't take this as a win at all... just an unfortunate moment to witness for all of us." Sinner next faces American 10th seed Ben Shelton, who beat another Italian in Lorenzo Sonego 3-6 6-1 7-6 7-5 to advance to the quarter-finals at Wimbledon for the first time, as did Flavio Cobolli, who downed Marin Cilic 6-4 6-4 6-7 7-6. ROCKY ROAD Djokovic marched into the Wimbledon last eight for the 16th time but the Serbian trod a rocky road before defeating De Minaur 1-6 6-4 6-4 6-4 to keep alive his quest for a 25th major title to surpass Margaret Court. Watched from the Royal Box by another great in Roger Federer, the man whose record eight All England Club trophies Djokovic is trying to equal, the sixth seed surrendered the first set in 31 minutes before roaring back to win. "We did catch up very shortly," Djokovic said of his meeting with Federer afterwards. "We greeted each other. He congratulated me and said it was a great match. That's all. It was a very short greeting, but it was really nice to have him around. "He's one of the greatest legends of our game. So it always is extra special when he's on the stands. I'm glad to break the curse and win in front of him. It's a big relief." Federer's fellow Swiss and former doubles partner Belinda Bencic made her first Wimbledon quarter-final in nine attempts after dismissing 18th-seeded Russian Ekaterina Alexandrova 7-6 6-4 in a little under two hours on a breezy Court One. The 28-year-old Tokyo 2020 Olympic champion shed tears of joy after she finally broke the fourth-round barrier 15 months since giving birth to her daughter Bella and she said she was surprised at her high level. "I'm really happy about it. Of course, I try not to think about it. I feel great on the practice court. When I was coming back, that's why I felt like I came back earlier than expected, than I expected for myself," Bencic said. "I'm also surprised about how fast the results are coming." She will need all her battling qualities when she takes on seventh seed Mirra Andreeva, the Russian teenager who made short work of American 10th seed Emma Navarro 6-2 6-3 on her Centre Court debut with her idol Federer still in attendance. Swiatek shrugged off a slow start to beat Danish 23rd seed Tauson 6-4 6-1 and set up a meeting with Liudmila Samsonova, who saw off Jessica Bouzas Maneiro 7-5 7-5. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.

Hulkenberg ends a 15-year wait with first F1 podium
Hulkenberg ends a 15-year wait with first F1 podium

Hindustan Times

time2 hours ago

  • Hindustan Times

Hulkenberg ends a 15-year wait with first F1 podium

Immediately after the British Grand Prix ended, a Mercedes staffer ran across the paddock carrying a large paper bag with the contents in it clinking. A few minutes later, an Aston Martin employee did the same. Both were heading to the end of the pitlane to deliver champagne bottles to Sauber. Kick Sauber's German driver Nico Hulkenberg celebrates coming third in the podium positions during the British Grand Prix. (AFP) It's customary for teams to keep the bubbly for celebration, but Sauber had last achieved a podium finish way back in 2012. Besides, Gabriel Bortoleto and Nico Hulkenberg started 17th and 19th, and that meant even the Hinwil-based outfit wasn't expecting much cheer. But against all odds, Hulkenberg surprised his team, the paddock and himself as he took the chequered flag by coming in third, ending his unwanted record in Formula 1 – 239 races, 5,593 days and eight team switches that it took the 37-year-old to finally end his wait for a podium finish, having made his debut way back in 2010. 'I don't think I can comprehend what we've just done. It feels good. It's been a long time coming, hasn't it?' said Hulkenberg after euphoric pitlane celebrations. 'I always knew we have it in us, I had it in me somewhere... it's pretty surreal, to be honest.' Around two decades back, Hulkenberg was among the promising youngsters in formula racing, having won every junior championship there was — 2005 Formula BMW, 2006-07 A1 Grand Prix, 2008 Formula 3 Euro and the 2009 GP2 (formerly Formula 2) — before finally getting an F1 seat with Williams. He immediately impressed in F1 when he became the then sixth youngest driver to claim pole at the 2010 Brazilian GP. Despite a good show in his debut season, he was left without a seat in 2011 before making an unexpected return with Force India in 2012. After racing for eight years, he lost his place in the paddock following the 2019 season as no team offered him a seat. Though he made comebacks as a substitute in four races spread across 2020 to 2022 as a substitute for Covid-19 affected drivers, the German had accepted his fate of forced retirement. As luck would have it, a change in management at Haas led to his getting a race seat in 2023, due to an emphasis on experience over youth, before he moved to Sauber earlier this year for his second stint with the Swiss team. And he hasn't disappointed. At the season opening Australian GP, he fought back from 17th on the grid to end seventh. In Spain, he climbed from 15th to fifth, in Canada, from 13th to eighth and in Austria from 20th and last to ninth. At Silverstone too 'the Hulk' started 19th but not in his wildest dreams did he think he will be on the podium, cheered on by around 168,000 people despite the German beating crowd favourite Lewis Hamilton (he was fourth) to third in a close fight after a thrilling and topsy-turvy race in rain. 'I was thinking that Lewis is going to give it all in front of his home crowd and I was like, 'sorry guys — it's also my day!' I've got to stick my neck out,' Hulkenberg said on Sunday. It was evident that Hulkenberg was out of place before his first podium ceremony as he was relaxing with championship leader Oscar Piastri in the cool down room when race winner Lando Norris brought in the German's helmet — an F1 protocol — along with his own. 'The Hulk' was surprised, asking why would he need the helmet, before a smiling Norris placed both the helmets in the slots provided. Grinning ear to ear, he emerged to acknowledge the crowd before tasting the bubbly on the podium for the first time. The celebrations continued in the Sauber garage with the champagne supplied by Mercedes and Aston Martin.

Wimbledon 2025: Ben Shelton defeats Lorenzo Sonego, Mira Andreeva thumps Navarro
Wimbledon 2025: Ben Shelton defeats Lorenzo Sonego, Mira Andreeva thumps Navarro

India Today

time2 hours ago

  • India Today

Wimbledon 2025: Ben Shelton defeats Lorenzo Sonego, Mira Andreeva thumps Navarro

American 10th seed Ben Shelton and Russian seventh seed Mirra Andreeva secured their spots in the quarterfinals of Wimbledon with impressive performances in their respective Round of 16 matches on Monday, July Wimbledon 2025, Day 7 Live UpdatesShelton battled past Italy's Lorenzo Sonego in a four-set encounter, winning 3-6, 6-1, 7-6(1), 7-5, to reach his maiden Wimbledon quarterfinal. The 22-year-old came back strongly after dropping the first set, gradually asserting control with his aggressive baseline play and powerful serving. The win marks Shelton's third straight victory over Sonego this year, having also beaten the Italian at the Australian Open and French The victory also saw Shelton surpass the Wimbledon career-best of his father and current coach, Bryan Shelton, who reached the last 16 in 1994 before losing a five-setter to Christian Bergstrom. The younger Shelton, who has already reached Grand Slam semifinals at the US and Australian Opens, delivered a composed performance to break new ground on the women's side, 18-year-old Andreeva produced a commanding display to defeat American 10th seed Emma Navarro 6-2, 6-3 on Centre Court, with tennis legend Roger Federer watching from the Royal Box. The win makes Andreeva the youngest player to reach the women's quarterfinals at Wimbledon since Maria Sharapova in dominated with her first serve and powerful groundstrokes, not dropping a single point on her first serve in the opening set. Navarro tried to mount resistance in the second, forcing some break points, but Andreeva maintained her composure and secured victory in straight after the match, Andreeva admitted she lost track of the score on match point. 'Honestly, I kept telling myself I was facing a break point... and in the end, I completely forgot the score,' she said. 'I'm happy I did, otherwise I would have been three times more nervous.'Shelton is all set to go up against the winner of the Jannik Sinner vs Grigor Dimitrov while Andreeva will now face Switzerland's Belinda Bencic in the quarterfinals.- Ends

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