With the premiere of F1: The Movie on June 25, 2025, Formula 1 racing is once again roaring onto the big screen. Directed by Joseph Kosinski (Top Gun: Maverick) and starring Brad Pitt as veteran driver Sonny Hayes, the film delivers a full-throttle cinematic experience with real-world racing scenes shot at iconic tracks such as Silverstone and Monza.
Hollywood has long been fascinated by Formula 1. While documentaries like Senna and Drive to Survive capture the sport’s behind-the-scenes drama, it’s the fictional F1 films that bring the glamour, danger, and emotional stakes of racing to life on the big screen. With Brad Pitt’s F1 movie fueling fresh interest, here’s a look at the best F1 feature films that every racing fan should watch.
Top 5 F1 Feature Films Every Fan Should See
5. Le Mans (1971)
Steve McQueen’s Le Mans is a cult classic that speaks to the pure, unfiltered love of motorsport. The minimalist plot focuses on Michael Delaney (McQueen), a driver haunted by past tragedy as he competes in the legendary endurance race. Dialogue is sparse—letting the engines, the track, and the visuals do the storytelling.
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Filmed during the actual 1970 Le Mans, with genuine racing cars and drivers, the movie captures the essence of high-speed competition better than almost any other film. For racing purists and cinema fans alike, Le Mans offers a hypnotic and unforgettable viewing experience.
4. Ford v Ferrari (2019)
Though set in the world of endurance racing, Ford v Ferrari resonates with F1 fans thanks to its universal themes of innovation, rivalry, and raw speed. Directed by James Mangold, the film tells the true story of American car designer Carroll Shelby (Matt Damon) and fearless driver Ken Miles (Christian Bale) as they attempt to defeat Ferrari at the 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans.
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Ford v Ferrari delivers breathtaking race sequences and superb character moments. Its Oscar-winning sound design makes viewers feel every gear shift and tire squeal. Even for those loyal to single-seater racing, this film is an exhilarating experience that belongs on any list of top racing feature films.
3. Grand Prix (1966)
A pioneering masterpiece, John Frankenheimer’s Grand Prix captures the romance and danger of 1960s Formula 1. Using groundbreaking camera techniques—like mounting cameras on real F1 cars—the film immerses viewers in the white-knuckle world of classic Grand Prix racing.
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The film’s fictional plot follows four drivers as they navigate personal drama and professional rivalries during an epic season. Shot on location at legendary circuits like Monaco and Spa, Grand Prix blends visual artistry with authentic racing culture. Over 50 years later, it remains one of the most visually stunning and historically significant F1 films ever made.
2. Rush (2013)
Ron Howard’s Rush remains the gold standard for modern F1 feature films. Chronicling the bitter 1976 championship battle between British playboy James Hunt (Chris Hemsworth) and Austrian technician Niki Lauda (Daniel Brühl), the film masterfully blends adrenaline-pumping racing with a complex character study.
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Beyond its exhilarating on-track action, Rush explores the personal sacrifices, ego clashes, and philosophical differences that defined Hunt and Lauda’s rivalry. Brühl’s portrayal of Lauda earned critical acclaim, while Howard’s direction and Hans Zimmer’s soaring score add cinematic flair. If you watch just one racing drama, Rush should be high on the list.
1. F1: The Movie (2025)
Joseph Kosinski’s F1 is poised to become the definitive modern Formula 1 movie. Starring Brad Pitt as Sonny Hayes, an aging champion making a bold comeback, the film weaves a story of redemption, mentorship, and the relentless pursuit of speed. Hayes is called back to the grid to help develop a struggling rookie and shake up the team dynamics in the hyper-competitive world of Formula 1.
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Filmed during actual Grand Prix weekends with real F1 cars, F1 delivers an unmatched level of authenticity. Kosinski’s signature IMAX visuals put viewers directly into the driver’s seat, capturing the visceral speed and tension of F1 racing. Backed by an A-list cast and deep production values, this is a must-see for both hardcore motorsport fans and moviegoers.
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The Enduring Appeal of F1 Feature Films
With Brad Pitt’s F1 reigniting public interest, there’s never been a better time to explore the world of fictional Formula 1 films. From modern IMAX spectacles to vintage classics, these best F1 feature films offer something for every racing fan.
As F1: The Movie hits theaters, this evergreen list will continue to draw in audiences—both devoted followers of the sport and newcomers drawn by the glamour and thrill of Formula 1. Start your engines—cinema and F1 are once again a perfect match.