Red Bull Racing’s big boss, Christian Horner, is super pumped about F1: The Movie, the Brad Pitt racing flick speeding into theaters on June 27, 2025. Chatting with reporters before the Monaco Grand Prix, the 51-year-old F1 heavyweight gave the film a big shout-out, saying it’s the perfect way for newbies to get hooked on Formula 1. After catching a special screening for drivers, Horner’s all-in on its legit vibe and heart-pounding action, making it a hot topic for fans eager to see the sport hit the big screen.
F1: The Movie, directed by Top Gun: Maverick’s Joseph Kosinski, stars Pitt as Sonny Hayes, a ‘90s F1 driver who comes back to coach a young hotshot, Joshua “Noah” Pearce (Damson Idris), for the made-up Apex Grand Prix team. Shot at real tracks like Silverstone and Abu Dhabi during the 2023 season, it’s got cameos from actual drivers like Haas’ Esteban Ocon and input from F1 legend Lewis Hamilton, who’s an executive producer. Horner, who’s steered Red Bull to six Constructors’ Championships and eight Drivers’ titles since 2005, was impressed. “We are probably the worst possible audience to watch that movie because you’re going to look and scrutinize every detail, every gear change, every pit stop,” he told PoppedNews. “It’s super authentic.”
Horner thinks it’s a slam-dunk for anyone new to F1. “You can see that they’ve really taken the time to understand the sport and I think it’s a great way of actually explaining the sport,” he said. “Watch this movie and it’s a great introduction to [F1].” With souped-up Formula 2 cars tricked out to look like F1 machines, the racing scenes put you right in the action. Ocon, who saw the same screening, raved about the “crazy” in-car shots and “epic” on-track battles, calling it the best racing movie ever. With F1’s fanbase exploding—thanks partly to Drive to Survive, where Horner’s a star—the film could pull in a whole new crowd.
The movie’s got some wild moments, like a crash between Ocon’s car and Pitt’s character in Abu Dhabi, and a big final race with a red flag and tire strategy drama, as Ocon accidentally let slip. Horner kept the spoilers under wraps but clearly loved the film’s high-energy take on F1. He probably also dug its nod to diversity, with a female mechanic shining as a key player, mirroring the sport’s push to open doors for everyone.
Horner’s no stranger to the limelight. Since taking over Red Bull in 2005, he’s led the team to dominate with drivers like Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen. Drive to Survive has made him a fan favorite, even with some 2024 drama over a misconduct probe he was cleared of. Now, with Red Bull gearing up for 2025 and their own engine program in 2026, Horner’s hyping F1: The Movie as a way to keep F1’s buzz alive.
Some fans might worry Hollywood will jazz up F1 too much, but Horner’s enthusiasm says otherwise. With its A-list cast, real-deal F1 vibes, and a release timed to the sport’s summer sizzle, this movie could be a total win. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just curious, Horner’s betting it’ll get you revved up for Formula 1. Catch F1: The Movie in theaters this June—it sounds like a ride you won’t want to miss.