Director: Joseph Kosinski
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The early years around the turn of the century saw Malaysia being presented as one of the newest nations to host the opulent Formula 1 races. During those self-promoting years, gullible Malaysians were also led to believe that the then-iconic F1 logo, with the slanted 'F', speed marks, and the '1' in the negative space, was created by a Malaysian. In fact, it was designed by Carter Wong Design Studio, founded by Phil Carter and Phil Wong in the UK in 1994. Neither had any connections to Malaysia.
In its heyday, being the lone track in the lush tropics with high humidity and soaring temperatures, the Sepang International F1 circuit had its spills and thrills to boast. On one instance, it rained cats and dogs on one half of the circuit whilst the other half was scorching hot. The engineers had a tough time deciding on the type of tyres to use, between hard and wet tyres. In one of F1's rare histories, a race at Sepang was cancelled midway due to tropical storms. Many F1 drivers described Malaysia's circuit as the toughest one yet.
The Sepang International F1 Circuit now stands as a lonely structure, a pale comparison to its razzmatazz days where movie stars, billionaires, royalties and social climbers used it as their playground. Now, it plays host to 'go-kart’ enthusiasts and the occasional tourist. To the average Malaysian, the fever is long gone.
The problem with these types of sports movies is that, invariably, we can predict how the story will end. He would win the girl and also the race, unless there are plans for a sequel.
A down-and-out race driver, Sonny Hayes, who had a promising start early in his career, just fizzled out after a nasty crash. After spiralling down the rabbit hole of addiction and marital woes for over 30 years, he is given a call chit at the APXGP F1 team. This team is at risk of being sold out, unless they win a single race. Somehow, Hayes' former team partner, who is now the owner of APXGP, has confidence in Hayes.
After the yo-yo of uncertainty, of foes becoming friends, risk of disqualification, against all odds, the hero finally comes up tops after 30 years in an eye-wetting finale. Nevertheless, the cinematography is impressive, with much of its footage coming from real F1 races and international circuits worldwide, involving real F1 drivers. Brad Pitt looks convincing as an aged F1 driver.
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