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Man of Many
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Man of Many
11 Best Formula 1 Movies To Watch After Checking Out ‘F1: The Movie'
You've seen Brad Pitt's latest triumph – the surprisingly-good love letter to the race track, F1: The Movie – and you've decided you want more. Or maybe you've watched everything Drive to Survive has to offer, and your thirst has not been sated. I have good news: you've come to the right place, because not only do we have a list of incredible F1 documentaries and biopics for you to dive into, you're going to understand the history of the sport far better at the end of this binge. Here, we've pulled together 11 high-octane films to showcase the best of the best: from the founding of track favourite Ferrari, to deep dives into some of the most famous moments in the sport's history. We've got a need for speed, so lets cut to the chase: here's the 11 Best Formula 1 Movies to Watch. The Best Formula 1 Movies 1. Senna Release Date: October 8, 2010 Genre: Documentary Runtime: 1h 46m IMDb Rating: 8.5 Director: Asif Kapadia Telling the story of one of the greats of the game, Senna follows the life and 10-year career of Brazilian world champion Ayrton Senna. During his decade on the track, Senna won the world championship three times, fostered a heated rivalry with France's Alain Prost, and made waves in the sport due to his outspoken frustrations with the mechanisms of the Formula 1 racing league. Senna tragically died on the track in what has become known as one of the bleakest races in F1 history, after a mechanical failure led his car to hit a concrete barrier while he was leading the 2004 San Marino Grand Prix. It's an awful story, but one that led to significant safety revisions in the sport which has made it far safer for every racer that trailed in his wake. The film is entirely made up of archival footage, with no interviews or talking heads: instead, you're simply seeing the reality of what happened through Senna's career, as well as footage of the man himself talking through his thought process and approach to racing. 2. Truth in 24 Release Date: October 25, 2008 Genre: Documentary Runtime: 1h 35m IMDb Rating: 8.1 Director: Keith Crossrow, Bennett Viseltear Narrated by The Transporter himself Jason Stratham, Truth in 24 chronicles Audi Sport's efforts to take its fifth W at famous endurance race '24 Hours of Le Mans' in 2008 – a race in which victory is assumed by driving the longest distance in a single car during a 24-hour period. The film follows Audi racers Tom Kristensen, Allan McNish and Dindo Capello as they prepare for the race, as well as their time in the drivers seat. Each driver takes charge of the car for over two hours before swapping out to a teammate, meaning the trio behind the wheel need to be in perfect sync to avoid any delay getting the vehicle back on the track. You'd think a film about a hot, sweaty endurance race would be a slog, but it's actually an incredibly interesting and poignant look at the lives of the men on the track, as well as the sheer hell they regularly put their bodies through. 3. Rush Release Date: September 13, 2013 Genre: Docudrama Runtime: 2h 3m IMDb Rating: 8.1 Director: Ron Howard Focusing on star drivers James Hunt (Chris Hemsworth) and Niki Lauda (Daniel Brühl), Rush is a mile-a-minute dramatisation of one of the sports' most heated on-track rivalries. The pair operated throughout the 70's, and were championed as two of the most impressive drivers on the track: if not one another's complete opposite. The deeply focused Lauda, racing for Ferrari, and the brash and confident Hunt, racing for McLaren, dominate the screen, and Rush delivers a very human tale in what can sometimes be a very mechanical sport. Hemsworth and Brühl are incredible in their respective roles, and obviously the racing is stellar. If you're after something closely mirroring the recent F1 film, but a bit more grounded in reality (it's still dramatised, after all), Rush is it. If you want a more accurate historical retelling of the relationship between the pair of drivers, check out number seven on the list. 4. Williams Release Date: August 4, 2017 Genre: Documentary Runtime: 1h 49m IMDb Rating: 7.6 Director: Morgan Matthews Williams Racing has been an integral part of the F1 grid for decades, and Williams charts the beginning of its story. The film follows the rise of Williams' founder and namesake, Frank Williams, as he builds the team around himself before, tragically, a near-fatal crash leaves him wheelchair bound. Rather than collapse, the Williams family rallies around Frank and cements the team as a force to be reckoned with. Using a mix of archival footage—in some cases never before seen—and interviews with key players in the Williams story, Williams shows a candid and honest portrait of the namesake family's guts, tenacity, and sheer willpower. It's inspiring in all the right ways. 5. Weekend of a Champion Release Date: December 18, 2013 Genre: Documentary Runtime: 1h 33m IMDb Rating: 7.5 Director: Frank Simon A re-edited version of the 1972 original (which was never publicly released save for a brief theatrical release in Europe), Weekend of a Champion follows controversial filmmaker Roman Polanski as he spends a weekend with world champion racer Jackie Stewart. Not just any weekend, though: the weekend of the 1971 Monaco Grand Prix. What emerges is a touching, incredibly rare look behind the scenes of one of the biggest races in the world—especially at a time before the sport opened up its doors to the likes of Netflix's Drive to Survive. While the original was already captivating, the 2013 version adds a post-script conversation between Polanski and Stewart filmed in 2011, wherein the pair discuss the original film, as well as the work Stewart went to do in the sport to further the safety of other drivers. 6. 1: Life on the Limit Release Date: January 10, 2014 Genre: Documentary Runtime: 1h 52m IMDb Rating: 7.9 Director: Paul Crowder While most F1-related films feature warnings around the danger of the sport, 1: Life on the Limit goes all in on highlighting the drivers that lost their lives throughout the sport's nascent growth period, and the men that took pains to make F1 a far safer sport. Narrated by Michael Fassbender, 1 charts the path from the 60's through to the present day as rapid changes within the sport lead to faster and faster cars and, as can be expected, a rising number of on-track fatalities. You'd think every driver would want things to be as safe as possible, but there's a surprising amount of pushback from many of the men behind-the-wheel as new safety initiatives are brought in. It all amounts to a fascinating watch—one that hyper focuses on one aspect of the sport that is both incredibly important and largely unseen. 7. Hunt vs. Lauda: F1's Greatest Racing Rivals Release Date: July 14, 2013 Genre: Documentary Runtime: 59m IMDb Rating: 7.8 Director: Matthew Whiteman A TV Movie documenting the on-track rivalry between Niki Lauda and James Hunt, Hunt vs Lauda takes a decidedly more archival approach to the story when compared to the dramatised Rush. Using a mix of on-the-track footage and new interviews, Hunt vs Lauda tracks the events of the 1976 F1 Championship: a season more intense than most, with Lauda suffering a near-fatal crash that saw him out of action for six weeks before returning to the track wearing a respirator in order to race. While the pair had incredibly different approaches—both on the track and off—Hunt and Lauda actually stayed pretty close friends throughout their careers, despite the fact they were often fighting for pole position. Another fantastic behind-the-scenes look at the sport, as well as the characters that make it as exciting as it is. 8. McLaren Release Date: May 25, 2017 Genre: Documentary Runtime: 1h 32m IMDb Rating: 7.3 Director: Roger Donaldson If there ever was an underdog story in F1, it'd be the story of Bruce McLaren: a humble New Zealander who kickstarted the eponymous dynasty. A prodigious racer, McLaren entered the sport a nobody and left it with a team named after him, and while the film showcases the journey of how McLaren gets to that point, it doesn't dive particularly deep into what kind of man he was. It's a missed opportunity, as when McLaren inevitably meets his end on the track, there is little room for reflection. Still, if you're more interested in some fantastic archival footage of F1's heyday (as well as some jarring dramatisations, most likely used to plug holes where the filmmakers couldn't secure footage), McLaren provides. 9. The 24 Hour War Release Date: November 22, 2016 Genre: Documentary Runtime: 1h 39m IMDb Rating: 7.2 Director: Nate Adams, Adam Carolla Another look at the infamous Le Mans race, though this time delving back to the early 1960s, when Ford and Ferrari were locked in a battle for supremacy. Funnily enough, Ford decided to take Ferrari on after the Italian Stallion rejected the American automaker's bid to partner up, making this movie something of. a revenge tale. While it focuses on the infamous 1966 Le Mans race, The 24 Hour War also intersperses its archival footage with interviews with many of the still-living racers, mechanics, and team staff, leading to an incredibly insightful look back at the events surrounding the race as told by the people that were there. Make no mistake, though, the movie is made by gear-heads, for gear-heads. 10. Ferrari: Race to Immortality Release Date: November 3, 2017 Genre: Documentary Runtime: 1h 31m IMDb Rating: 6.9 Director: Daryl Goodrich Following on from The 24 Hour War, you might want to know a bit more about how the great Ferrari got started. 2017's Ferrari: Race to Immortality takes us back to the 1950's, where Enzo Ferrari – namesake of the brand – led the team in red to supremacy. Race to Immortality tends to focus on the drivers, specifically Peter Collins and Mike Hawthorne, detailing what it was like for the men behind-the-wheel during a time the sport was arguably at its most dangerous: if you're one of those people that pine for a time where the sport was more rough-and-ready, you'll get some kicks here. While the film is ostensibly about Ferrari, it also details the wider context of F1 in the 1950s, as well as the kind of man Enzo was – pushing his drivers in ways that would probably see him removed from the sport today. 11. Truth in 24 II: Every Second Counts Release Date: March 26, 2012 Genre: Documentary Runtime: 1h 23m IMDb Rating: 7.4 Director: Rob Gehring Again narrated by Jason Statham, Truth in 24 II takes a look at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and follows Audi's preparation and efforts to take the victory in 2011. It's rare to get a sequel in the world of racing documentaries, but this isn't exactly a traditional sequel—rather, Part II follows a different team, featuring entirely different drivers, and was made by a different production team. There's definitely something lost in the process of moving on from that original team, even if the drivers on show here—Marcel Fässler, André Lotterer, and Benoît Tréluyer—are all fascinating in their own rights. Even so, Part II follows in the footsteps of the original, showcasing the mental and physical torture drivers put themselves through in order to get their team, and car, to cover as much ground as possible within the 24-hour time limit. It's not glamorous, but it is inspiring. Want More F1? We've Got You Covered
The Hindu
15-06-2025
- Sport
- The Hindu
Rise of the White Wolves — A tale Uzbekistan and its journey to FIFA World Cup 2026
On June 5, a celebratory mood reverberated across a landlocked country of merely 3.57 crore people. A nation plagued by several vices — a lack of human rights, environmental degradation, and economic vulnerabilities — united to celebrate a historic moment. As the referee blew the full-time whistle at the Al Nahyan stadium in Abu Dhabi, roughly 4000 kilometres away, the people of Uzbekistan witnessed their men's football team qualify for the FIFA World Cup for the first time. A goalless draw against the United Arab Emirates was enough for the Uzbeks to secure a ticket for the 2026 World Cup, which the USA, Canada, and Mexico will co-host. Never before would the nation have celebrated a goalless draw like it did on that fabled night. Uzbekistan's rise as a football nation has all the ingredients that would make popular filmmaker Asif Kapadia rush to write his next sports documentary or give Amazon Prime Video the perfect topic for their next 'All or Nothing' series. Glass ceiling broken: Uzbekistan fans cheer after their team qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. | Photo Credit: REUTERS However, all these celebrations surrounding World Cup qualification would be laced with a fair amount of pain and bitterness, making the Uzbeks reminisce about a tragic incident that looms over their nation, where the beautiful game was first played over a century ago. Rising from the ashes – from Asia to the World In August 1979, the mighty Uzbek team Pakhtakor was back in the Soviet Top League and was en route to play Dinamo Minsk. As the aircraft was over the city of Dniprodzerzhynsk (now Kamianske, modern-day Ukraine), it suffered a mid-air collision, killing all 178 people inside the two aircraft, including 17 players and staff members of Pakhtakor. Such a tragedy could have sounded the death knell for Uzbekistan's future as a footballing nation. However, it rose from the ashes and poured in vast resources to resuscitate the spirit of a devastated country. State-of-the-art youth facilities have been built across the country to improve football at the grassroots level. Since that tragedy, Uzbekistan has reached the U-17 World Cup quarterfinals, made it to the last 16 at the previous U-20 World Cup, and its Olympic team participated in Paris last year. The senior team has also qualified for every Asian Cup since 1996 and progressed to the knockout phase in each appearance since 2004, including a semifinal run in 2011. Surrounded by heavyweight countries such as Russia and China PR, Uzbekistan has forged its destiny that would see it play at the biggest stage football has to offer. Dominance in Asia: The senior team has also qualified for every Asian Cup since 1996 and progressed to the knockout phase in each appearance since 2004, including a semifinal run in 2011. | Photo Credit: AP At the World Cup, it will also carry the honour of being the first Central Asian team to have qualified for the World Cup. Rise of the wolves; fall of the Tigers If one looks at this ascendency from the perspective of Indian football, the Blue Tigers have a lot to take from Uzbekistan's systematic approach and long-term vision that has taken it to new heights. In August 2018, both teams were just within the top 100 of the FIFA rankings, with Uzbekistan at 95th and India ranked 96th. However, from there, both teams took different routes. While India plummeted in the rankings, the Uzbeks climbed the ladder. Currently, it is ranked 57th, while India, currently ranked 127th, never broke into the top 100 after 2018. The two teams clashed for the first time in the 1987 Nehru Gold Cup, which finished in a 2-2 draw. Since then, both teams have faced each other seven times, with their last meeting coming in the 2023 AFC Asian Cup, where Uzbekistan registered a thumping 3-0 win against India in the group stages. The Blue Tigers failed to make it to the knockouts, while the Uzbeks reached the quarterfinals, losing to eventual champion Qatar. Gulf in class: In August 2018, Uzbekistan (in white) was ranked 95th and India (in blue), 96th. Nearly seven years later, Uzbeks are 57th while India is 127th and expected to fall lower. | Photo Credit: Getty Images Overall, Uzbekistan has the advantage over India in head-to-head clashes. Out of the seven matches, the Uzbeks have won five, while two matches have ended in a draw. As Uzbekistan gears up for the World Cup next year, India has yet to win a competitive match since November 16, 2023, when it defeated Kuwait 1-0 in the second round of the World Cup qualifiers. RELATED: Late penalty hands India defeat against Hong Kong in AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers If friendlies are taken into account, India has won just one match out of the 16 it has played since the win against Kuwait. Mission 2026 Odil Ahmedov, Ignatiy Nesterov, Maxim Shatskikh, Server Djeparov and many other icons of Uzbekistan football failed to achieve what the current generation has – qualify for a World Cup. Another legendary Uzbek player, Timur Kapadze, didn't have the honour of representing his country on the pitch at the World Cup during his international career, which spanned from 2002-2015 (also when Uzbekistan reached its highest-ever ranking of 45). Cut to 2025, Kapadze, now head coach of the Uzbekistan men's national team, was on the sidelines as he watched his country make history. 'We have achieved an important result after a long and difficult journey. A lot of work was done for this result, I sincerely congratulate our people,' Kapadze told Uzbekistan's online publication Zamin after qualifying. Success in the second innings: Timur Kapadze, who couldn't represent Uzbekistan at the World Cup during his playing days, will do so now as the head coach of the men's national team. | Photo Credit: REUTERS 'This is not only our victory but the victory of our entire people. Our players showed determination in every match, worked with all their might, and we achieved the result,' added Kapadze, who also received a congratulatory telephone call from Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. During his time, Kapadze has played with many talented players on the pitch. Now, he has to operate off it and has a difficult job of nurturing a young and talented generation, which can become a fairytale story on the grand stage next year. ALSO READ: Qatar, Saudi Arabia to host Asian FIFA World Cup 2026 fourth round qualifiers Twenty-one-year-old Manchester City defender Abdukodir Khusanov, CSKA Moscow winger Abbosbek Fayzullaev (20), Torpedo Moscow midfielder Khojimat Erkinov (24) and the domestic-based trio of Zafarmurod Abdurakhmatov (20), Diyor Kholmatov (21), and Mukhammadkodir Khamraliev (22) are some of the talented youngsters the White Wolves have at their disposal. Trailblazer: Abdukodir Khusanov (right) became the first player from Uzbekistan and Central Asia to play in the Premier League last season. | Photo Credit: Getty Images Kapade also has the luxury of balancing youth with experience, with players such as Esteghlal winger Jaloliddin Masharipov (31), captain Eldor Shomurodov (29-year-old Roma forward) and the 30-year-old Azizbek Turgunboev who plies his trade for Süper Lig club Sivasspor. Against expectations The World Cup has historical proof of 'underdog excellence' — Morocco in 2025, Costa Rica in 2014 and Cameroon in 1990. Whether Uzbekistan manages to enter that category next year remains to be seen. Abbosbek Fayzullaev dreamed of playing at #FIFAWorldCup 26 during the 2023 #U20WC. Now, Uzbekistan's dream has come true. 🥹🇺🇿 — FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) June 5, 2025 There were major arguments for and against FIFA's decision to expand the World Cup to a 48-team affair from 36. While the footballing body justified its decision, saying more teams would get the exposure of playing at the biggest stage, many argued that it would dilute the competitiveness of qualifying for football's premium tournament. Uzbekistan is a major beneficiary of this expansion, which will see eight Asian teams play in the finals next year. History-makers: Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev felicitates the men's national contingent for securing a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. | Photo Credit: REUTERS Its previous coach, Srecko Katanec, disagreed with FIFA's decision – 'If you are good, you will qualify. If you are not good, then you look for chances like this, increasing the teams,' the Slovenian told Reuters last November. The reality, however, is that Uzbekistan has defied the odds to qualify for the World Cup, and a simple rule change should not be a metric to judge its historic achievement. The World Cup is fast approaching. Will the White Wolves be able to hunt efficiently in a pack? Only time will tell.
