Non-F1 fans are the ones blown away by the “F1” movie – Here’s why

It’s been a long time coming, but the F1 movie is finally in cinemas. And with a Rotten Tomatoes audience score of 98%, it’s safe to say it’s being well received by those who have seen it. Even the critics are over the moon, with them awarding the film an 86% score. But this divide isn’t what we should be focussing on.

Instead, we should be looking at the divide between motorsport enthusiasts and general audience. You’ve already read Motorsport.com’s review of F1, but what about non-F1 enthusiasts? Let’s cover that now.

Peter Bradshaw of The Guardian gave it four-out-of-five stars. As a self-proclaimed “non-fan”, he was impressed by the real-life action. 

“Motor racing is a sport in which constituent team members seem to be competing against each other as much as against the opposition, and so it ought to be an ideal subject for a movie treatment. There’s a fair bit of macho silliness here, but the panache with which director Joseph Kosinski puts it together is very entertaining. Condon is a vital fuel ingredient and to a F1 non-believer like me, the result is surreal and spectacular.”

There’s a general consensus that the plot is predictable, but the incredible visual and auditory experience this film gives you more than makes up for such shortcomings. One IMDB user outlined their opinions.

Brad Pitt at the World Premiere of F1 The Movie

Photo by: Getty Images

“If you’re a hardcore F1 fan, the movie might feel a bit underwhelming. But if you’re someone with a casual interest in cars and racing, you’ll probably enjoy it. And if you know nothing about the sport at all, you’re in for the best experience with stunning cinematography, a twist-filled story, and one of the best soundtracks produced for a film.”

What is clear when you read these reviews is the appreciation of the innovation behind the film. The racing sequences, shot on prototype cameras developed in partnership with Sony and Apple, create an experience never seen before on the silver screen. With unprecedented access to Grand Prix weekends, the results are unparalleled. 

“Switch off your brain and F1 will overwhelm your senses with spectacle, sonics and just enough human drama to hold it all together,” Philip De Semlyen from Time Out wrote. 

Original Cin’s Ki Hughes was equally enthusiastic.

“F1: The Movie is genuinely thrilling from start to end, and that’s all anyone seeking a movie in late June really needs to know. Audiences feel like they’re inside the cars as those highly skilled drivers tear around tracks in Japan, Mexico, Vegas and beyond.

“Heck, even the pitstops are exhilarating as balletic crews descend on vehicles to change tires with seemingly superhuman speed.”

For those who are booking tickets to see F1 without any prior knowledge of the championship, the film seems to deliver. But if you really want to make the most of what it has to offer, then enjoy it in IMAX format.