F1: The Movie is exactly as advertised: big, loud, exhilarating fun.

Director Joseph Kosinski is back in the cockpit after directing the 2022 spectacle Top Gun: Maverick, and the surface-level parallels between the projects are glaringly obvious; a cocky, past-his-prime veteran played by one of the last true movie stars shows his young, hot-shot protege how it’s done, with the pair gaining perspective and respect for one another along the way.

Kosinski’s technical prowess as a director is perfectly suited to the world of F1, with every race sequence a marvellous thrill ride.

The team took full advantage of the unfastened access they were granted at nine Grand Prix’s over two F1 seasons. The groundbreaking coverage of the races comprises cameras mounted to the cars and wider shots that are a technical feat, cut together seamlessly to create an immersive and kinetic final product.

These exhilarating race sequences are underscored by true-to-life sound approved by Lewis Hamilton and a pulsating, synth-heavy electronic score by Hans Zimmer evocative of Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross’ work on 2024 hit Challengers.

As expected, the by-the-numbers story takes a backseat to the racing but does a serviceable job getting us on the track. At 2 hours and 36 minutes it does run long and is uneven, with an extended sequence away from the track in the second act that lags, however, the finale was well worth it and brought me right back in.

The four actors comprising the main cast, lead Brad Pitt and supporting stars Javier Bardem, Kerry Condon and Damson Idris all hold up their end of the bargain, earning their handsome paychecks with solid performances.

Shout out to Pitt, who reminds us why he’s a bona fide movie star, and Condon, who is a fantastic presence.

Verdict: Pitt and Kosinski deliver in this blistering blockbuster worth seeing on the biggest screen possible. I’ll be in the grandstands if Apple decides to make 2 Fast 2 F1. 3.5 stars.