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