The first reactions to the highly anticipated Formula 1 movie, officially titled Apex, have arrived from press screenings, and the verdict is overwhelmingly positive. Directed by Top Gun: Maverick’s Joseph Kosinski, the film is being lauded by critics as an “old school summer blockbuster” with breathtaking race sequences and surprising emotional depth, shaking off earlier fan skepticism that followed its first trailer.
The film, which stars Brad Pitt and Damson Idris as rival drivers on the same team, owned by a character played by Javier Bardem, is now positioned to be one of the biggest hits of the summer ahead of its worldwide release.
“An Old School Summer Blockbuster”: What Critics Are Saying
Early social media posts from critics have been electric, praising nearly every aspect of the production, from the performances to the stunning technical achievements. The consensus points to a thrilling and satisfying cinematic experience.
- Erik Davis of Fandango & Rotten Tomatoes called it an “epic” ride, noting: “Joseph Kosinski’s #F1TheMovie hits the gas and doesn’t stop. The races are epic, the sound design, editing, cinematography, performances and music are all top notch. You definitely feel shades of TOP GUN MAVERICK in that it plays like an old school summer blockbuster.”
- Drew Taylor from The Wrap wrote that the film is “absolutely incredible,” adding: “It’s one of the coolest, most entertaining movies you’ll probably ever see, but none of that sizzle takes away from its soul… an eye-popping, edge of your seat pop epic.”
- The Nerds of Color podcast described it as a “fun, fast-paced thrill ride with a ton of heart! Brad Pitt and Damson Idris are electric! But the star of the show are the exhilarating race sequences that truly put you in the driver’s seat!”
- Nerdist contributor Maude Garrett called the film “so freaking good,” and said it might even convert non-F1 fans: “It has all the adrenaline, heart, pacing, story and character that completely fleshes out this movie into excellence. I can only imagine how much MORE I would love this movie if I was a fan of F1 racing! Maybe I am now?”
Overcoming Early Skepticism from Fans
This wave of universal acclaim stands in stark contrast to the mixed public response following the film’s first teaser trailer in July of last year. At the time, many Formula 1 enthusiasts criticized a line of dialogue from Brad Pitt’s character—”Who said anything about safe?”—as hypocritical and tone-deaf.
Fans pointed out that the line undermined the immense effort the sport and its governing body, the FIA, have put into safety over the decades. “That opening line is awful on so many levels,” one fan commented at the time, while others joked about removing essential safety devices like the halo and brakes.
Authenticity on Track: Praise from a Real F1 Driver
Adding a layer of credibility to the film’s production, Haas F1 driver Oliver Bearman recently commented on Brad Pitt’s real-world driving during filming, noting his impressive commitment to authenticity.
“Honestly, he did an impressive job. He was pushing the car, that’s for sure,” Bearman said. “I know he was training in the background… and he said he was taking some risks and doing a good job. He did his homework, so it’s cool.”
Bearman believes the movie will successfully achieve its primary goal. “It is going to be a huge hit and it is going to make people want to watch F1, which is really the goal of it,” he added. “The onboard shots and the work that they did was incredible.”
Release Dates and Details
Apex is set to be released by Warner Bros. Pictures just days before the 2025 Austrian Grand Prix. The film will premiere in the UK on June 25, 2025, followed by a release in the United States and Canada on June 27, 2025.
