Latest news with #ApexGP
Top Gear
07-07-2025
- Automotive
- Top Gear
Hamilton on an F1 movie sequel: 'the worst thing we could do is to rush into it'
Movies Despite good reviews and box office success, Lewis is in no hurry to make F1 Two Skip 1 photos in the image carousel and continue reading Lewis Hamilton has thrown the brakes on a sequel to the F1 movie – at least for the immediate future – after rumours of a follow-up film bubbled up last week. Directed by Joseph Kosinski, the film has been broadly well received and took $140m at the box office in its opening weekend, leading to speculation that work had already started on a second instalment. Advertisement - Page continues below But the Ferrari driver, who worked as a producer on F1: The Movie , thinks it's too soon to think about what's next for Brad Pitt's Sonny Hayes and Apex GP. 'We literally just finished it,' said Lewis in the build-up to the British Grand Prix at Silverstone. 'I think the last thing we want right now is a sequel. You might like 'It's been four years in the making, it was a lot of work, particularly for Joe [Kosinski]. It's time away from your family, it's time away from the kids. You need this to just simmer for a while, you know? Let's enjoy it. 'I think the worst thing we could do is to rush into doing a sequel. Most sequels are way worse. I think if we do do a sequel, I would say let's really, really take our time in getting it even better.' Advertisement - Page continues below And it turns out he has a plan for that too. 'I've asked them to do a debrief. Let's review what we did, what we could've done better. I don't know if they do that in the movie business, but it's something obviously I've learned from [F1]. So I want to try to apply that to future programmes.' Anyone got any good ideas for the sequel? Tom Cruise signing for Red Bull? Samuel L Jackson made team principal of Alpine? Jennifer Lawrence elected FIA president? Come one, we know you can do better… Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. Look out for your regular round-up of news, reviews and offers in your inbox. Get all the latest news, reviews and exclusives, direct to your inbox.
TimesLIVE
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- TimesLIVE
The race problem behind the racy ‘F1' movie
Everybody loves a good sports movie, especially as streamers feed the insatiable hunger binge watchers have for documentaries. With the likes of David Beckham and Usain Bolt pulling back the veils from their misunderstood lives, the cinema of fast-paced flicks is slowly taking over. Coming into the fold is Joseph Kosinski's F1, which follows his winning trajectory of fast-paced dramas. Starring Brad Pitt, who plays the fictional Sonny Hayes, F1 follows a former American Formula One driver on the verge of a career comeback late in life. After a horrific crash earlier in his career, Sonny's life spiralled out of the limelight and into destructive behaviours and career changes. His former teammate Ruben Cervantes (played by Javier Bardem) pulls him from the chaotic world of NASCAR and back into Formula One racing in the hope of reviving fictional motor racing company Apex. Each cast member shines in what is a definitive movie that has pulled audiences back to the cinema, hitting $146m in its first week. While the movie successfully scores, directs and costumes Pitt into what could easily be an Oscar favourite, it runs into a snag with its supporting cast. Its most glaring issues can be seen with Apex GP's rising talent, Joshua Pearce, played by Snowfall star Damson Idris. With barely enough wins to save the company from a troubled reputation, the pressure is on Joshua to make the right moves on the track to secure a much-needed win. However, with Sonny looking to make a comeback, the story creates a conflict between the two, which makes for great tension. While Idris shines alongside Pitt, it does seem he may be miscast in this role — not due to a lack of talent, but because of issues left bare in the writing room. While Sonny is framed as a recluse loose cannon brimming at the helmet with talent, Joshua is framed as a template for a fame-obsessed rookie. However, with Idris being black and quite talented at showcasing the pain in Joshua's training, the storyline falls flat as a judgmental gaze at the pressures of success. The initial scenes on meeting Joshua showcase a number of these elements. He exposits about a former teammate who has been benched (in favour of Sonny) and racially discriminated against, with Apex GP's marketing team forcing Joshua to suck it up and fake it for the press. This is the same expectation thrust on Joshua when he meets Sonny, who makes an aloof entrance and does not co-operate with the Apex GP team. So much so that it costs him and Joshua multiple wins. Joshua confronts Sonny's insubordination but is met with little support from senior members of Apex GP, leading to a blow-up between him and Sonny, where cameras catch them in a heated exchange. Joshua reverts to his signature pose and a wide smile, playing nice for the camera and an impenitent Sonny who shames him for keeping a good face in light of the conflict. These moments go on to define Joshua's experiences, where there's very little understanding of the racial context to what he is experiencing. Joshua's experiences in F1 echo studies into black fatigue and code switching, which are efforts made by black people in workplaces where they have to work twice as hard as white counterparts to fit in to the professional environment. Joshua is the only other person of colour in the Apex GP team and with a lot of chatter from the corporate members around him looking to have him axed, it becomes increasingly difficult to trust his standing in his workplace. As a solution, Joshua and his manager cut outside deals through club appearances, brand-sponsored social media posts and an intense workout regimen that constantly gets contrasted with the detached world Sonny lives in. Rather than alleviate this pressure, we see Joshua struggle to secure his living due to not feeling as secure as Sonny or the benched colleague. This is also echoed in the many mistakes Sonny makes while Joshua is lambasted for one slip that the story continues to bring up until he accounts for it. As part of the flubbed attempt at making Joshua seem like an arrogant, fame-hungry member of the team, the movie constantly displays a dislike for technology. Whether it's Joshua's use of social media or the hi-tech training equipment he painstakingly uses to keep up with the high standards placed on him, the movie makes him the poster boy for a future that conflicts with a past it can't seem to fully define. In its poor attempt at stereotyping Joshua's character, it creates a supporting cast filled with uninteresting roleplayers who fall into tired tropes we've seen too many times before. It is especially glaring with Kerry Condon (Banshees of Inisherin), who is underutilised as a trope often mocked by TikTokers and today's leading ladies. A scientist whose place in the team is questioned based on gender and becomes defined by becoming the lead character's love interest. Rather than celebrating differences and allowing its main character to shine as an impulsive leader, F1 takes a wrong turn from a thrilling redemption story that's oversteered into a movie that longs for but can't quite give meaning to nostalgia.
Top Gear
04-07-2025
- Automotive
- Top Gear
F1 movie sequel confirmed, 'ultra realistic' plot to follow predictable one-team domination
Satire F1 Two will see Apex GP easily winning every race after hiring Adrian Newey Skip 1 photos in the image carousel and continue reading Here's roving correspondent, Cory Spondent, with his mostly incorrect exclusives from the world of motoring A sequel to the hotly anticipated F1 movie starring Brad Pitt and Damson Idris has been confirmed, with F1 Two set to feature an 'ultra realistic' plot in which one team runs away with the championship. Advertisement - Page continues below Set in the 2026 season, Apex GP will emerge as the dominant force in F1 after acquiring Mercedes' new rocket-powered V6 hybrid engine and hiring Sir Adrian Newey to instantly smash the sport's new aerodynamic regulations. That devastating combo will hand the team an unbeatable, one-second-per-lap advantage that will be obvious after an hour of pre-season testing and immediately kill off any hope of a competitive spectacle. You might like Drivers Sonny Hayes and Joshua Pearce will therefore be tossed into a two horse championship battle, but the chief scriptwriter has insisted that Hayes should suffer two early DNFs due to gearbox problems and an inhibiting, age-related muscular strain, with a lack of rear-end grip for his aggressive driving style effectively ending his title bid by May. With little jeopardy on track, the second and third acts of the film will be presented as a gripping political drama that will cover the FIA banning laughter, the drivers attempting to book a paddle court in their spare time, and F1 controversially replacing Monza with a street race in Venice. Advertisement - Page continues below ' F1 Two will be just like F1 One , except all the Hollywood stuff that makes it work for a mainstream audience will be replaced with the gritty realism that often makes the pinnacle of motorsport a bit boring, actually,' said an insider. 'Think Joker or The Batman , but with sillier costumes. 'We can't wait to bring the intricacies of tyre management, edge-of-your-seat track limits violations, and Alpine's ability to repeatedly shoot itself in the foot to theatres worldwide. 'And you're not going to believe what's in store for F1 Three . It's a musical, and let me tell you Charles Leclerc can sing .' Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. Look out for your regular round-up of news, reviews and offers in your inbox. Get all the latest news, reviews and exclusives, direct to your inbox.
Time of India
27-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
'Maa' and 'F1: The Movie' Review and Release Live Updates: Kajol's horror thriller clashes with Brad Pitt's sports drama
It's a great day for film lovers, as two very different but exciting movies have hit the big screens today, 27 June 2025. Kajol's horror thriller 'Maa' and Brad Pitt's sports drama 'F1: The Movie' are now playing in cinemas, offering something for everyone. Maa is Kajol's first full horror film, and it's more than just scares—it's a supernatural story rooted in mythology. Directed by Vishal Furia, Kajol plays Ambika, a brave mother trying to protect her daughter from a deadly curse. After her husband's strange death, she travels to his village, Chandarpur, searching for answers. But what starts as a simple trip turns chilling when her daughter vanishes near a haunted forest, leading to tense events and growing suspicion. If horror's not your thing, Brad Pitt's F1: The Movie brings speed, emotion, and drama. Directed by Joseph Kosinski, the film stars Pitt as Sonny Hayes, a former Formula 1 star who left racing after a major crash in the 1990s. Now, he's called back by his old teammate Reuben to save a failing team, Apex GP. Sonny teams up with a fiery young driver, Joshua Pearce (Damson Idris), and faces the challenge of proving himself again in a new racing world. Maa promises emotional horror, while F1 brings action and heart. Both are gripping and worth a watch. Stay tuned here for reviews and updates as these films light up the big screen! 07:13 (IST) Jun 27 Brad Pitt 'blown away' by driving McLaren F1 car for 'F1: The Movie' Brad Pitt called driving a Formula One car an "extraordinary" experience as his film, 'F1: The Movie', opened in UK cinemas. Pitt, who plays F1 driver Sonny Hayes, recently drove McLaren's 2023 car at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin. Despite having driven modified F2 cars during filming, the 61-year-old was "blown away" by the F1 car. "Oh my God, what a rush," he said in a video on McLaren's social media. "A lot bigger horse than I've been on." On the Beyond the Grid podcast, Pitt shared the thrill: "I got to hit 197mph this week. I really wanted to hit 200. You know, it hurts me a little bit – three miles per hour short on the straight." He added, "You're so focused, but you're not white knuckling. You're just in this sublime groove. It is really extraordinary." 06:57 (IST) Jun 27 Ajay Devgn revealed why Kajol is the perfect fit for 'Maa's powerful mother role Ajay Devgn is returning to the world of horror, not as an actor this time, but as a producer. He's co-producing the upcoming mythological horror film 'Maa', which stars his wife Kajol in the lead role. At the trailer launch, Ajay joked, 'Who could he imagine in a horror role besides me?' Kajol burst out laughing while sharing the stage with him. Ajay added with a smile, 'Any husband would cast his wife,' prompting chuckles from the audience. 'Maa' follows the story of a mother who uses supernatural powers to protect her daughter from dark forces in a haunted haveli. Speaking about why he chose Kajol for the role, Ajay said, 'The character of the mother was so strong, who else could we imagine in the role but her.' 06:56 (IST) Jun 27 Is 'F1: The Movie' based on a true story? Sonny Hayes, the main character in 'F1: The Movie', is fictional and not based on any real F1 driver. His story is inspired by the classic tale of a fallen hero seeking redemption. Hayes is shown as a tough, rootless veteran who has spent years racing in smaller competitions. His return to Formula 1 is both a personal and professional challenge. Although the story is made up, the film was shot on real Grand Prix tracks and includes footage of actual F1 drivers and team bosses, giving it a realistic feel. Brad Pitt, who plays Hayes, mentioned the film draws from real events in F1 history, like the 2008 'Crashgate' scandal, but the character himself is not based on a real person. The film captures the spirit and drama of F1 racing while telling a fictional story 06:56 (IST) Jun 27 'Maa' gets UA 16+ rating and a 2-hour 15-minute runtime The CBFC (Central Board of Film Certification) has given 'Maa' a UA 16+ rating. This means the film is suitable for viewers aged 16 and above, and parental guidance is advised for those younger. The movie has a total runtime of 2 hours and 15 minutes (135 minutes), promising a gripping watch for horror fans. 'Maa' stars Kajol in the lead, along with Ronit Roy, Indraneil Sengupta, Kherin Sharma, and Jitin Gulati. It is directed by Vishal Furia. The film is set in the same universe as 'Shaitaan', which featured Ajay Devgn, Jyotika, and R. Madhavan. 06:55 (IST) Jun 27 'F1: The Movie' – Cast, crew and runtime Directed by Joseph Kosinski, 'F1: The Movie' has a runtime of 2 hours and 35 minutes (155 minutes). The Brad Pitt-starrer follows the story of Sonny Hayes, a former racing driver returning to the F1 world. The film is set to be an exciting watch for both regular viewers and Formula 1 fans. Brad Pitt plays the lead role of Sonny Hayes, while Damson Idris stars as Joshua Pearce. Javier Bardem and Kerry Condon play Ruben Cervantes and Kate, respectively. The movie also features Tobias Menzies, Sarah Niles, Kim Bodnia, Samson Kayo, and more in supporting roles. With its high-speed drama and strong cast, 'F1: The Movie' promises a thrilling ride for all motorsport lovers. 06:55 (IST) Jun 27 Kajol calls horror film 'Maa' an emotionally exhausting experience This isn't the first time Kajol is playing a mother on screen. She first played the role in 'Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham…' back in 2001, and later appeared in films like 'We Are Family', 'Helicopter Eela', 'Tribhanga' and 'Salaam Venky'. But 'Maa' was different, Kajol said. It took a much heavier emotional toll on her compared to her earlier roles. In a chat with IANS, she said, 'It took a lot from me because of the fact that it's a horror film.' She added that she doesn't watch horror movies herself, so she wasn't fully ready for what the role demanded. 'I didn't realise that when I would be doing a horror film, there would be such a pitch to the entire film because I am not a horror watcher... there's an emotional pitch... there's so much happening. And yes, it was very, very draining as an actor also. Very emotionally draining as an actor to constantly keep that pitch 24x7 all the time in every shot.' It's a great day for film fans! Whether you enjoy a good scare or prefer the rush of a sports drama, two exciting films have released today, 27 June 2025. Kajol's horror thriller 'Maa' and Brad Pitt's racing film 'F1: The Movie' are now showing in cinemas. Both movies bring completely different worlds to the big screen, and viewers are in for a thrilling movie experience. Kajol steps into horror with 'Maa' 'Maa' marks Kajol's first full horror film, and it's not just any horror—it's a mythological supernatural thriller directed by Vishal Furia. She plays the lead role of Ambika, a strong mother who must protect her daughter from a deadly curse. The story begins after Ambika's husband dies in a mysterious, otherworldly incident. In search of answers, Ambika and her daughter visit his hometown, where they uncover a dangerous legend. The film takes place in the fictional village of Chandarpur. Their simple road trip quickly turns into a nightmare when they make a stop at a lonely hotel near a dark forest. Things go from bad to worse when a local girl named Dipu offers to take the daughter to a haunted place—and then disappears. This sets off a tense chain of events, and suspicion begins to fall on the mother and daughter. Brad Pitt returns to the track in 'F1:The Movie' If you prefer action and drama over horror, 'F1: The Movie' offers an entirely different experience. Directed by Joseph Kosinski, the film stars Brad Pitt as Sonny Hayes, a former Formula 1 driver who once had a promising career. But after a serious crash in the 1990s, he disappeared from the racing scene. Years later, he's asked to return by his former teammate Reuben Cervantes, who now runs the struggling Apex GP team. The team is in trouble—they haven't scored any points in two whole seasons. Desperate for results, Reuben brings Sonny back and pairs him with a young, talented, and hot-headed rookie, Joshua Pearce, played by Damson Idris. The film follows Sonny as he tries to make a comeback, not just in racing, but in life. The team is counting on him to help turn things around. At the same time, he must work with a new generation of racers, including Joshua, who brings both speed and drama to the story. Which one will you watch? Both 'Maa' and 'F1: The Movie' offer strong stories and powerful performances. If you're in the mood for spooky horror with a deep emotional bond between a mother and daughter, 'Maa' is the perfect pick. If you want adrenaline-pumping racing scenes, second chances, and action with a heart, then 'F1 The Movie' is your go-to. Both 'Maa' and 'F1: The Movie' are now showing in cinemas across the country. Stay tuned here for live updates and reviews as these two exciting films hit the big screen!
Top Gear
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Top Gear
Sergio Perez is back... in this new F1 movie trailer
Sergio Perez is back... in this new F1 movie trailer Things are heating up in the world of Apex GP… Skip 10 photos in the image carousel and continue reading Turn on Javascript to see all the available pictures. 1 / 10 Well, it's faster than a Ferrari… at one point at least. A new trailer for Brad Pitt's Formula One movie has just landed, and it shows things heating up at the fictional Apex GP F1 team. The new F1 movie – called… F1 The Movie – follows Pitt and co-star Damon Idris's exploits as they navigate a season full of ups, downs, upside downs and a bit of sideways. Advertisement - Page continues below Pitt's the old-timer brought back in from the cold. Idris is the hot shot looking to upend the pecking order. Bardem is… Bardem. He doesn't really need to do anything other than be Javier Bardem. There's a tale about redemption and the past catching up and an F1 team on the verge of collapse, but it certainly looks like all of that has the potential to be overshadowed by the brilliant action sequences. Directed by the same chap who did Top Gun: Maverick (Joseph Kosinski), these on-track shots were captured during the 2024 season. So, welcome back, Sergio Perez! All is forgiven. Watch the new trailer here. Advertisement - Page continues below Top Gear Newsletter Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. Look out for your regular round-up of news, reviews and offers in your inbox. Get all the latest news, reviews and exclusives, direct to your inbox. Success Your Email*
