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Before I start this review, let me put a disclaimer, I am not a movie reviewer, but an ardent Formula 1 lover and fan. For as long as I can remember, I have followed the pinnacle of motorsports and my excitement went through the roof after learning that Brad Pitt has partnered with Joseph Kosinski (Top Gun Director) for a new thriller-drama movie based on F1.

If you are scrolling through this article to read more about the review, I am of the opinion that you are already aware of Formula 1 racing. Nevertheless, to give a primer, F1 is an ultra high speed motorsports event managed by FIA (Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile), a governing body overlooking this sports. 

Simply put, it's a car racing series where 10 teams, with 2 drivers each race across specially designed F1 tracks across the globe. India also tasted F1 in 2011-2012, only to see a fall out between the government and organizers over high tax. But let's not go in the past, we are here to talk the Brad Pitt starrer F1. 

Also read: Mahindra Scorpio N Launched With ADAS Level 2, Prices Start From Rs 21.35 Lakhs

I went to see the movie with an open mind because I write about cars for living and love movies for as a recreational activity. The video is a full on thriller ride for someone who knows nothing, or little about Formula 1. Die-hard F1 fans would argue about the technical parts of the sport, but I would suggest for them to watch Netflix documentary Drive to Survive.

The movie is a visual feast and perfectly captures the beautiful F1 cars and racing event, with fast cars flying around the track, the paddocks, and the pit lanes. One has to see the movie on the IMAX screens for a better experience and to make you feel like you're in the driver's seat, which adds to the immersion.

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My only prolem is that there's too much of creative liberty taken to show a racing legend suddenly getting a seat in the prestigious F1 racing because his friend - Ruben Cervantesl payed by legendary Javier Bardem - owns a failing APX F1 team. That doesn't happen in real life, as there's too much competition from young F2 and F3 racers.

Further, after making a comeback in the F1 after not racing for more than 3 decades, he started calling the shots. F1 is a great team sport and more than the speed, the league is now ruled by strategies and only seasoned racers would know the in and out of how the high adrenaline motorsports work.

Also the on screen chemistry between Sony Hayes and Kate, the technical director of APX F1 is unwarranted, but then creative liberty and drama rules movies, be it Hollywood or Bollywood. The supporting cast is just as good, bringing to life the people who make F1 more than just a sport; it's a family and a community.

For me, the highlight of the movie has to be the use of authentic footage from real F1 races, where Sony Hayes stand tall with legends like Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen among others. The directors smartly added real F1 car racing video to the movie, which made it more real and exciting.

You also see small appearances from team directors like Toto Wolff among others, which is a smart move to give credit to BTS heroes of F1. Overall, the F1 movie is a fun ride that everyone should see if they want to feel the excitement of F1 on the big screen. It's a must-see for everyone who loves automobiles, racing, or just excellent stories.

Surely the movie is not as great as other motorsports movies like Ford vs Ferrari or Rush. However, it is a beautiful celebration of cinematography, engaging performances, and exciting action scenes, which makes F1 a must watch, especially on big screen.