F1 Movie’s Rotten Tomatoes Reviews: What Do They Reveal About Brad Pitt’s Racing Blockbuster?

The F1 Movie’s Rotten Tomatoes reviews are speeding in, offering a vivid picture of how Brad Pitt’s Formula 1 epic, released on June 27, 2025, is resonating with critics and audiences. Directed by Joseph Kosinski of Top Gun: Maverick fame, F1 has ignited buzz with its high-octane racing sequences and Pitt’s charismatic lead performance.

With a Certified Fresh 83% Tomatometer score and a near-perfect 97% Popcornmeter rating, the reviews paint a complex but thrilling portrait of a summer blockbuster that excels in spectacle but stumbles on narrative depth.

This breakdown dives into the reviews, analyzing their insights, criticisms, and what they mean for F1’s impact on the box office after such stellar opening weekend figures already.

What Is the Overall Sentiment of F1’s Rotten Tomatoes Reviews?

The F1 Movie’s Rotten Tomatoes reviews reflect a broadly positive reception, with the film holding a Certified Fresh 83% on the Tomatometer from 269 critic reviews as of June 30, 2025. Critics praise its “vintage cool” and “kinetic direction,” with Rotten Tomatoes’ consensus stating,

“Driven by Brad Pitt’s laidback magnetism and sporting a souped-up engine courtesy of Joseph Kosinski’s kinetic direction, F1 The Movie brings vintage cool across the finish line.”

Audiences are even more enthusiastic, giving it a 97% Popcornmeter score from over 1,000 verified reviews, with fans on X like @RottenTomatoes calling it “Verified Hot” at 98% on June 27, 2025.

The sentiment splits slightly: critics admire the technical prowess but often critique the predictable plot, while audiences embrace the adrenaline-fueled escapism. This divide highlights F1 as a crowd-pleaser that doesn’t always satisfy those seeking deeper storytelling.

How Do Critics Rate Brad Pitt’s Performance in F1?

Brad Pitt’s role as Sonny Hayes, a retired F1 driver mentoring a rookie, earns consistent praise in Rotten Tomatoes reviews. Critics like Rafer Guzman of Newsday call him “an even cooler Brad Pitt,” emphasizing his “seductive” charm, while Stephanie Zacharek of TIME notes, “At 61, Pitt has finally aged into roles like these,” blending charisma with a weathered edge.

His “leathery, lived-in” performance is lauded for elevating a clichéd character, with ScreenRant’s Mae Abdulbaki arguing he adds “soul” to the role.

However, some critics, like Variety’s Owen Gleiberman, find Sonny “one-dimensionally dull” emotionally, suggesting Pitt’s raw physicality overshadows deeper complexity. Despite this, the consensus is that Pitt’s star power is a major draw, with Rotten Tomatoes audience reviews like “Brad Pitt soars here” reinforcing his appeal as the film’s anchor.

What Do Reviews Say About F1’s Racing Sequences?

The racing scenes are the undisputed highlight of F1’s Rotten Tomatoes reviews, often described as “exhilarating” and “stunning.” Shot during real Grand Prix weekends in 2023 and 2024, the sequences use modified F2 cars and innovative cameras to capture speeds up to 180 mph.

Moira MacDonald of the Seattle Times says, “This movie is entirely about the driving, and the speed,” while Michael Phillips of the Chicago Tribune calls the pit stops “purely cinematic blurs of speed, noise and collaborative purpose.” Claudio Miranda’s cinematography and Hans Zimmer’s “adrenalized” score amplify the immersion, with Jazz Tangcay of Variety praising Miranda’s “awe-inspiring” work.

Audience reviews on Rotten Tomatoes echo this, with comments like “Racing sequences were amazing! GO WATCH IT ON BIG SCREEN!!!” urging IMAX viewings. However, some F1 fans on Reddit and X note inaccuracies, like unrealistic car upgrades, with one IMDb reviewer stating, “If you follow F1, you simply can’t enjoy this dumb portrayal of the sport.” Despite these gripes, the sequences are a universal strength.

How Is the Supporting Cast Received in F1?

Rotten Tomatoes reviews highlight the supporting cast as a key asset, though some roles shine brighter than others. Damson Idris, as rookie Joshua Pearce, earns praise for his “compelling” and “electric” performance, with Ann Hornaday of the Washington Post noting the cast’s “exceptional appeal.”

Kerry Condon’s Kate McKenna is a standout, with Peter Bradshaw of The Guardian calling her “a vital fuel ingredient,” though some criticize her role’s romantic cliché.

Javier Bardem’s Ruben Cervantes brings humor and depth, with audience reviews like “Brad Pitt and Damson Idris really carried out the movie kudos to both of them” also nodding to Bardem’s presence.

Cameos from F1 drivers like Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton add authenticity but draw mixed reactions, with some critics like Lovia Gyarkye of The Hollywood Reporter praising their integration, while others find them “stiff.”

Overall, the ensemble bolsters the film’s energy, per Rotten Tomatoes’ positive fan feedback.

What Are the Main Criticisms of F1’s Story and Themes?

The F1 Movie’s Rotten Tomatoes reviews frequently cite its predictable, clichéd narrative as a weakness. Critics like Donald Clarke of the Irish Times call it “too thuddingly familiar,” comparing its underdog arc to a “bowling ball dropped off a cliff.”

Frank Swietek of One Guy’s Opinion labels it a “compendium of clichés and commercialism,” pointing to shallow characters and excessive brand placements.

The Ringer notes the film’s deference to F1’s corporate world, calling it “kowtowing” to the sport’s elite.

Audience reviews are more forgiving, with comments like “Great story. One of the most realistic auto racing movies I’ve ever seen,” but even fans acknowledge the 2-hour-35-minute runtime feels long.

Critics like Nicholas Barber of the BBC argue it lacks the emotional depth of Top Gun: Maverick, with Giovanni Lago of Next Best Picture noting an “emotionality that feels absent.” These critiques suggest F1 prioritizes spectacle over substance.

How Does F1 Compare to Other Racing Films?

Rotten Tomatoes reviews often place F1 in the context of racing films like Ford v Ferrari and Rush. Lovia Gyarkye of The Hollywood Reporter calls it “a deft addition to a sturdy lineage of motorsport flicks,” but others, like Stephen Romei of The Australian, argue “there have been better motor racing movies,” citing Ferrari.

Critics note F1’s similarities to Top Gun: Maverick in its “old-school” blockbuster style, with Jake Cole of Slant Magazine saying it “elevates familiar material with filmmaking swagger.”

However, some reviews, like Eric Marchen’s on Rogers TV, claim “F1 eats Top Gun: Maverick’s dust,” and Peter Sobczynski of Auteurist Class says it’s barely better than Days of Thunder.

Audience reviews are more positive, with one stating, “I usually don’t care for racing movies but this was a masterpiece,” suggesting F1 holds its own for casual viewers despite not surpassing genre greats.

What Impact Do Reviews Suggest F1 Will Have?

The F1 Movie’s Rotten Tomatoes reviews indicate a strong potential to boost Formula 1’s popularity, especially in the U.S., much like Drive to Survive. Mae Abdulbaki of ScreenRant argues it “will change your mind about F1 racing if you weren’t already a fan,” and audience reviews like “As a F1 fan I must say that this film was made with love” suggest it resonates with enthusiasts.

Produced with input from Lewis Hamilton, the film’s authenticity, despite some inaccuracies, is a draw.

Critics like Danny Leigh of the Financial Times note its synergy with F1’s spectacle, calling it reliant on “teamwork, rare talents and a vast stack of cash.” With a $165 million global box office against a $200–300 million budget, the reviews’ enthusiasm could drive further success, though competition from films like Jurassic World may challenge its legs.

Highlights of F1 Movie:

• Tomatometer Score: 83% Certified Fresh from 269 critics.

• Popcornmeter Score: 97% from over 1,000 audience reviews.

• Key Praise: Thrilling racing scenes, Brad Pitt’s charisma, strong supporting cast.

• Key Criticism: Predictable plot, shallow characters, long runtime.

• Release Date: June 27, 2025, in theaters and IMAX.

• Cast: Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, Kerry Condon, Javier Bardem.

• Rating: PG-13, 2 hours 35 minutes.

Some Closing Thoughts:

The F1 Movie’s Rotten Tomatoes reviews paint a picture of a thrilling, visually spectacular blockbuster that races ahead with Brad Pitt’s star power and Joseph Kosinski’s dynamic direction, even if it stalls on a clichéd story.

With an 83% Tomatometer and 97% Popcornmeter, F1 is a crowd-pleasing hit that could steer new fans toward Formula 1. Whether you’re drawn to heart-pounding races or Pitt’s cool charisma, this film demands the biggest screen possible.

Join the buzz on X and catch F1 in theaters on June 27, 2025, for a high-speed summer escape!