Five years ago, “F1” meant nothing to me.
Today, I hear it more often than I can count.
Thanks to an increased push on social media, the creation of the Las Vegas and Miami Grands Prix, and a popular Netflix documentary, Formula 1 is quickly approaching NASCAR’s level of recognition here at home. America, it seems, has joined Europe and much of the rest of the world in their love for this highly intense form of racing.
“F1: The Movie,” an official collaboration between F1 and its 10 teams, is built to accelerate that trend–boosted by Brad Pitt, the “Top Gun: Maverick” team, and a $200 million budget.
“F1: The Movie,” is a classic underdog story set in the high-tech modern racing world of Formula 1. Though everything on screen is shiny and sleek, there’s not a lot of “new” here from a plot standpoint. In fact, Apple Studios seems to have taken notes from its number one franchise – “Ted Lasso.”
If you’ve seen that show, “F1: The Movie” will feel oddly familiar at times. Like in “Ted Lasso,” the worst team in Europe chooses a carefree, borderline-joyful American facing problems at home (Pitt) to give the program a longshot chance at victory. (We later learn, like in “Ted Lasso,” that the choice was only approved because the powers that be thought the team would fail with the American on board.) To my surprise, “F1: The Movie” even shares, at times, the lighthearted and kind sentimentality of “Ted Lasso.”
Paired with the film’s nine (yes, nine!) incredible racing scenes – all shot to make the audience feel like you are on the track, in the car, and being pulled by the G-forces in each turn, “F1: The Movie” really worked for me – regardless of the formulaic storyline.
In fact, I’d argue the movie works in part due to its formulaic storyline. Because the truth is that you’re not watching “F1” for twists and turns or an insightful, unpredictable message about life. No, you’re watching for the cars. You’re watching to see Formula One racing in all its glory. And you get it.
That’s not to say that there aren’t twists in this film. There are. It’s also not to say there aren’t underlying messages, because it has those, too.
Particularly, “F1: The Movie” leans heavily on the idea that obsession creates success. When Pitt’s character, Sonny Hayes, arrives on the team, the other, younger driver, makes it clear that his motivations are money and fame. Hayes, on the other hand, is obsessed with driving for its own sake.
“Sometimes,” Hayes says about his ultimate motivation for driving, “it’s peaceful. I can see everything and no one can touch me. I am chasing that moment every time I get in the car.”
And while his life is marked with failure – he lives in his car and is twice divorced – the movie is intent on making Hayes' obsession – his drive, energy, and determination – the model for success.
While there are hints at teamwork – we repeatedly hear that F1 is a team sport – that “teamwork” strangely amounts to everyone realizing altogether that Hayes is right about everything. Whether it’s his rule-skirting methods, suggestions to improve the car’s design, or even outdated training methods, each character eventually realizes that Hayes always knows best. To succeed, the movie suggests, we need to be just as obsessed.
Toward the end of the film, an injured Hayes, trying to convince the team’s owner to let him drive with pre-existing life threatening injuries, declares “If the last thing I do is drive that car, I will take that life. A thousand times.”
Without spoiling the ending, let’s just say the movie continues to honor Hayes’ obsession with driving, in spite of an obviously wiser decision.
It’s funny, in a way. When I think of some of my friends who are really into Formula 1, the word “obsession” does cross my mind. Because just as F1 demands obsession from its drivers, it wants it from us, too.
For “F1: The Movie,” life is not best when lived in balance. No – obsession is the answer, and perhaps the only means, to success. And to peace.
Some might suggest that such an ethic is needed in our culture – that we could use a little more drive, a heavier push toward productivity. And while I’m sure some could benefit from that message, we must remember this idea is completely false advertising.
Because, in real life, success is not a natural product of obsession. And peace certainly is not either – just ask anyone who’s made it to the top of their field. We would do well to remind ourselves that this is a false narrative as we ride through the twists and turns of 'F1: The Movie.'
Parker Snider is a minister and writer based in Birmingham. Before entering ministry, he worked in policy and communications at both the state and national level. A lifelong movie fan, Snider writes here about film, exploring what on-screen stories reveal about the off-screen world.
This culture article was made possible by The Fred & Rheta Skelton Center for Cultural Renewal, a project of 1819 News. To comment on this article, please email [email protected]. The views and opinions expressed here are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the policy or position of 1819 News.
Don’t miss out! Subscribe to our newsletter and get our top stories every weekday morning.
