F1 is now in theaters with Thursday previews, and while the Apple Original looks great behind the wheel, critics aren’t giving it the green flag. The Formula 1 racing drama is drawing mixed reactions, with most agreeing the film puts more horsepower into its visuals than its story. It might be sleek and fast, but under the hood, some say it’s missing heart.
However, fans aren’t on the same page as the audience score is much higher, showing a clear split between critics and moviegoers.
What is the F1 score?
With 188 critic reviews in, F1 sits at 84% on Rotten Tomatoes.
The fan score, however, is much more favorable, sitting at 97%, making F1 another case where audiences are clearly enjoying the ride more than the critics.
Check out what the reviews say below.
What the reviews say
The Negative
Critics who didn’t like F1 mostly point out its predictable storytelling, shallow characters, and excessive commercialism. They argue the movie relies too heavily on spectacle at the expense of emotional depth, describing it as a flashy but ultimately empty experience.
“Nobody is expecting a studio tentpole production that cost $300 million (or whatever) to be a subversive critique of late capitalism, but the movie is ultimately so deferential toward the sport and its ruling class that it comes off as kowtowing.” – The Ringer
“With Kosinski at the wheel, ‘F1’ should be Pitt’s ‘Top Gun: Maverick,’ but this land-bound racing film never takes flight, despite all the onscreen horsepower.” – Tribune News Service
“The film equivalent of a Waymo, a ride that’s all car and no human being.” – The Film Verdict
“There’s plenty of flash and engine revving, but not much going on under the hood.” – Silver Screen Riot
“Visually, it’s undeniably impressive. But strip away the carbon fibre, and what remains is a movie filled with clichés, weak character arcs, and a script that strains to be inspirational while instead delivering a lot of empty noise.” – The Jam Report
The Positive
Positive reviews emphasize the thrilling racing sequences, Brad Pitt’s charisma, and Joseph Kosinski’s impressive visual style. Critics praise F1 as an ideal summer blockbuster, delivering edge-of-your-seat action despite familiar story beats.
“Kosinski keeps the high speed action going over hundreds of laps and you’ll be on the edge of your seat waiting to see who comes out ahead. The pacing is good, plus humor, sarcasm and friendship add texture. This is one of the best Pitt stops ever.” – Movies and Shakers
“Brad Pitt’s in the driver’s seat, there are fresh camera tricks designed to put you in the car with him, and there’s definitely a formula, delivered by folks who know how to make it pop and sizzle.” – NPR
“F1 The Movie is everything! This film is for everyone, old and young, and will be remembered as one of the greatest sensations you have had at the movies.” – Just My Opinion Reviews
“Though ‘F1’ has little to say about the sport’s past, present, or future, the propulsive ride it engineers isn’t a wasted diversion.” – RogerEbert.com
“F1 is cinematic adrenaline in its purest form.” – CGMagazine
Release info
F1 is directed by Joseph Kosinski (Top Gun: Maverick) and hit theaters on June 27, 2025, ahead of its eventual Apple TV+ release. The movie stars Brad Pitt as a former Formula 1 driver pulled out of retirement to mentor a young phenom played by Damson Idris.
The synopsis teases: Racing legend Sonny Hayes is coaxed into leading a struggling Formula 1 team—and mentoring a young hotshot driver—while chasing one last chance at redemption.
