F1: The Movie hit the theatres on June 27, 2025, bringing the adrenaline rush of Formula 1 racing to the silver screens worldwide. Starring Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, Javier Bardem, Kerry Condon, among others, the sports drama is directed by Joseph Kosinski.
After experiencing a traumatic end to his blooming F1 career, Sonny Hayes (Brad Pitt) lives his life finding racing gigs, gambling, and doing small jobs. Sonny's former friend and racer, Ruben Cervantes, approaches him three decades later, requesting him to join his failing F1 team, Apex Grand Prix.
Disclaimer: The article contains spoilers for F1: The Movie. Reader's discretion is advised.
Sonny's entry into APX GP does not sit well with the team's young racer, Joshua Pearce. The film follows how the two become each other's competitors while navigating through it all to bring the team to the top. In the final race of the film, both racers come together, and Sonny Hayes wins at the end.
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Sonny Hayes wins big at the final race in F1: The Movie
The dynamics between Sonny Hayes (Brad Pitt) and Joshua Pearce (Damson Idris) keep shifting throughout the film. Their differences show at the races, making matters worse for the team. However, Sonny builds a collaborative strategy, helping Joshua reach the top. The efforts fail miserably in one of the races when Joshua ignores Sonny's call and becomes a victim of a dangerous crash.
While Sonny continues to perform well, Joshua recovers from the accident quickly, enraged to grab a top spot against Sonny. While his first race after return shows growing differences on tracks once more, Sonny meets with an accident in one of the following races, making the situation complex for the team.
Ruben learns about Sonny's injuries from his past traumatic incident at F1 racing, stopping him from further racing. Sonny's absence moves Joshua deeply as he also confronts his mother about his accident being his fault and not his teammate's.
APX GP board member approaches recovered Sonny with a deal to give him authority over a new team he plans to build, throwing Ruben out of the play. Sonny returns to APX GP at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, confronting Ruben to let him race. As he agrees, Sonny and Joshua move ahead for the final race, collaborating once more to make history for their team.
An intense sequence follows as the two race against some of the best F1 racers (with real players making cameos). In the final three laps, the two reach closer to the top, with F1 champion Lewis Hamilton being their sole competitor at the spot. A contact between Lewis and Joshua moves them off the track, leaving Sonny on the track to win the race.
Seeing his dreams unfold in front of his eyes, he experiences the thrill he has been chasing since his youth. The victory becomes historic for everyone at APX GP, and ends Peter's plans for a new team.
Why does Sonny leave after winning in F1: The Movie?
Sonny's victory becomes a happy moment for Ruben, Kate (Kerry Condon), Joshua, and all other crew members of the APX GP team. As the team rejoiced in the win, Sonny quietly exited the scene, packing up his things to leave.
Kate, the technical director of the team, develops a romantic bond with Sonny in the previous parts of the film and rushes to him as the racer is about to leave. Sonny had previously told Kate in the film about his passion for racing, which was his sole reason to return to F1.
Sonny's departure after winning was based on this feeling, as he had achieved his F1 dream and sought more adventures ahead. They promise to meet again "down the road" and bid adieu. Sonny also meets Joshua, telling him about his reason for leaving and stating that it is Joshua's team to take forward now.
Sonny moves ahead and goes to Baja California, where he becomes a Baja racer. This character growth and departure from APX GP shows Sonny's contentment after achieving his dream, while keeping his passion for racing alive through other opportunities.
Is there more to come for F1: The Movie?
F1: The Movie offers a complete conclusion, showing the former F1 racer achieving his dream. However, many parts of the story remain unresolved, suggesting there might be more for viewers to see in future installments.
Sonny's Baja journey and his life ahead could be explored in a potential sequel, highlighting his ongoing passion for racing in different forms. His promise to meet Kate again and Kate's future with the team might be addressed in future parts if they happen.
Viewers would also want to learn more about Joshua's upcoming journey and his race to the top. The victory indicated more active years for Ruben as the head of APX GP, which could be explored further.
F1: The Movie provides a realistic look at life on F1 tracks, with diverse characters and their journeys making the final victory even more memorable.
Stay tuned for more updates.
