Best Formula 1 Movies and TV Shows to Watch

With Formula 1 taking a pause during April 2026, fans have a variety of cinematic and documentary options to maintain their connection to the sport. The current gap in the racing calendar provides an opportunity to explore both fictional dramas and historical accounts of the sport’s most iconic figures and rivalries.

F1 The Movie and Modern Cinematic Achievements

One of the most prominent recent additions to the genre is F1 The Movie. The film stars Brad Pitt as Sonny Hayes, a charismatic driver, and Damson Idris as Joshua Pearce, an ambitious rookie. The plot centers on APXGP, a struggling team fighting for points.

The production involved significant collaboration with the actual sport. Seven-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton served as a producer. Filming took place during race weekends in 2023 and 2024 at several major circuits, including Silverstone, Suzuka, and the Yas Marina Circuit. To enhance authenticity, the McLaren Technology Centre served as the headquarters for the fictional APXGP team.

The film has received critical acclaim for its technical execution. Led by Claudio Miranda, the cinematography was highlighted as a masterpiece, and the production won the Oscar for Best Sound in 2026. It also earned BAFTA and Academy Award recognition.

Exploring Historic Rivalries and Biopics

For those interested in the historical tension of the sport, the 2013 film Rush remains a primary recommendation. The movie depicts the intense rivalry between Niki Lauda of Ferrari and James Hunt of McLaren. The year 2026 marks the 50th anniversary of the season immortalized in the film.

Other highly regarded films and documentaries focus on the individual brilliance and tragedies of the track. Senna, released on October 8, 2010, is a documentary directed by Asif Kapadia that examines the life and ten-year career of the Brazilian world champion Ayrton Senna. The film holds an IMDb rating of 8.5.

Recommended Viewing List for F1 Enthusiasts

Beyond the major blockbusters, several other documentaries and biopics provide deep dives into the founding of teams and specific racing eras. Recommended titles include:

• Truth in 24 and Truth in 24 II: Every Second Counts
• Williams
• Weekend of a Champion
• 1: Life on the Limit
• Hunt vs. Lauda: F1’s Greatest Racing Rivals
• McLaren
• The 24 Hour War
• Ferrari: Race to Immortality

there are ten-part documentary series available that explore dramatic title races, maiden wins, and the most significant races in the history of Formula 1.

These options, ranging from the stylized action of the APXGP narrative to the factual accounts of the Ferrari and McLaren legacies, offer a comprehensive way for fans to engage with motorsport during the April hiatus.