The Queen of Motorsport throughout the over 70 years of racing delivered many seasons, races and characters, which were worth the big screen. F1Blast team voted, and selected the TOP 6 movies and TV series for any F1 fan to watch, during the winter break.
1. Rush (2013)
2. Drive to Survive (2019-present)
3. Senna (2010)
4. Schumacher (2021)
5. Grand Prix (1966)
6. Brawn: The Impossible Formula 1 Story (2023)
1. Rush (2013)
Directed by Ron Howard, Rush is a compelling dramatization of one of Formula 1’s most riveting rivalries: the battle between Niki Lauda and James Hunt during the 1976 racing season. Unlike many sports dramas that rely heavily on fictionalized elements, Rush stands out for its meticulous attention to detail and historical accuracy, immersing viewers in the high-octane world of F1 racing with a focus on the personal and professional dynamics between its two main characters.
Chris Hemsworth stars as the charismatic British playboy James Hunt, whose flamboyant lifestyle contrasts sharply with the disciplined and methodical approach of his Austrian rival, Niki Lauda, portrayed with intense precision by Daniel Brühl. The film delves deep into their contrasting personalities, backgrounds, and driving styles, setting the stage for an epic showdown that transcends the sport itself.
Rush excels in capturing the essence of Formula 1’s golden era, with breathtaking racing sequences that convey the sheer danger and exhilaration of the sport. Howard’s direction ensures that the film is not just about the rivalry on the track but also about the profound respect between Hunt and Lauda, highlighting their mutual acknowledgment of each other’s talents and the life-altering events that define their careers.
The movie’s emotional core is Lauda’s remarkable comeback from a near-fatal accident at the Nürburgring, showcasing his unyielding determination and resilience. This incident, coupled with the portrayal of the 1976 season’s dramatic climax, offers a poignant exploration of the physical and psychological demands placed on F1 drivers.
Key Details
- Directed By: Ron Howard
- Starring: Chris Hemsworth (James Hunt), Daniel Brühl (Niki Lauda)
- Release Year: 2013
- Length: 2 hours 3 minutes
2. Drive to Survive (2019-Present)
No list of Formula 1 movies and series would be complete without the sensation that is Drive to Survive. This Netflix docuseries, first released in 2019, offers viewers an unprecedented behind-the-scenes look at the cutthroat world of Formula 1 racing. Across multiple seasons, it immerses audiences into the lives of drivers, team principals, mechanics, and others at the heart of this fierce sport.
Drive to Survive stands out for its raw authenticity. Utilizing exclusive access to various teams and leveraging hundreds of hours of interviews, it captures the real-life drama, tensions, tears, and triumphs that characterize the F1 circus. It peels back the glossy veneer to reveal the blood, sweat, and tears that go into making it at motorsport’s highest level.
From bitter rivalries between teammates to financial struggles faced by historic teams, Drive to Survive unpacks it all. The latest season explores the fierce 2021 title fight between Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen, culminating in the controversial Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Across 40+ episodes, this series dissects pivotal storylines that defined recent F1 history.
For long-time Formula 1 fans, Drive to Survive offers rare insights that take their knowledge to the next level. But its human-centric approach also captivates casual viewers and newcomers, translating technical intricacies into compelling human stories full of triumph and adversity.
Key Details
- Created By: Box to Box Films
- Original Network: Netflix
- Number of Seasons: 5
- Release Years: 2019-Present
3. Senna (2010)
Senna is a 2010 British documentary from director Asif Kapadia. It chronicles the life and career of Brazilian racing legend Ayrton Senna, a three-time Formula 1 world champion whose mastery behind the wheel and charismatic personality captivated global audiences.
Senna follows Ayrton’s journey, starting from his formative years in karting to his dominant period with McLaren in the late 80s and early 90s. It provides an intimate look into his fierce rivalry with French great Alain Prost and the sheer dedication with which Ayrton approached his craft.
Unlike most sports documentaries, Senna smartly avoids talking heads and expert perspectives. Instead, it constructs its narrative solely using archival race footage and behind-the-scenes home videos. This approach situates viewers in Ayrton’s shoes, conveying the exhilaration and danger of F1 racing with visceral flair.
Beyond the racetrack, Senna movingly depicts Ayrton’s deep spirituality, his love for his native Brazil, and Ayrton’s tragic death during the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix. This profoundly heartbreaking moment, captured live on global television, is handled with sensitivity and grace.
Senna transcends the racing genre. At its core, this is a universal story of human ambition, passion, and the pursuit of excellence. For Formula 1 enthusiasts and casual viewers alike, it remains an enthralling portrait of one of history’s most captivating racing icons.
Key Details
- Directed By: Asif Kapadia
- Produced By: Working Title Films, Midfield Films
- Release Year: 2010
- Length: 1 hour 46 minutes
- Awards: BAFTA for Best Documentary, Best Editing; Sundance Film Festival Audience Award
4. Schumacher (2021)
The 2021 Netflix documentary Schumacher offers an intimate look at the life and achievements of legendary Formula 1 driver Michael Schumacher. Considered by many as the greatest F1 driver in history, Schumacher’s record-shattering career spanned over two decades.
Directed by Hanns-Bruno Kammertöns, Vanessa Nöcker, and Michael Wech, this documentary chronicles Schumacher’s journey from humble beginnings to his unprecedented success with multiple teams like Benetton and Ferrari. It features a wealth of archival race footage and interviews with family, friends, and rivals.
Key themes explored include Schumacher’s sheer dedication to his craft, his pursuit of perfection, and the enormous risks he took in chasing glory. The film also spotlights his close-knit family life away from the track with wife Corinna and their two children, offering rare personal insights.
Importantly, while celebrating Schumacher’s stellar achievements, the documentary does not shy away from the tragic brain injury he suffered in a 2013 skiing accident that left him in a medically induced coma. This life-altering event is handled delicately but underscores the extreme highs and lows faced by racing icons.
For Formula 1 fans, Schumacher presents a treasure trove of unseen archival clips and interviews commemorating one of the sport’s true titans. It provides a profound look into the psyche of an elite athlete who redefined excellence in his field.
Key Details
- Directed By: Hanns-Bruno Kammertöns, Vanessa Nöcker, Michael Wech
- Produced By: B|14 Film, Rocket Science
- Release Year: 2021
- Length: 1 hour 52 minutes
5. Grand Prix (1966)
Considered by many critics and fans as the greatest Formula 1 film of all time, Grand Prix is a 1966 American drama directed by John Frankenheimer. It was acclaimed upon release for its technical craft, visceral racing scenes, and behind-the-scenes look at the world of professional motorsport.
Starring James Garner, Yves Montand, and Eva Marie Saint, Grand Prix follows the intertwining lives of four Formula 1 drivers during the 1966 racing season. It takes audiences on a globe-trotting journey, depicting actual Grand Prix races in locations like Monaco, Spa-Francorchamps, and the Nürburgring.
Renowned for its groundbreaking cinematography, the film captured racing action by mounting cameras onto actual F1 vehicles. This pioneering approach offered fans an unparalleled driver’s seat perspective of the nail-biting speed, adrenaline, and danger associated with the sport.
Although fictional, Grand Prix boasted cameos from racing icons like Juan Manuel Fangio, Phil Hill, Graham Hill, and Jack Brabham, adding to its authenticity. Its combination of high-stakes drama on and off the track makes it a definitive snapshot of Formula 1’s golden age.
Key Details
- Directed By: John Frankenheimer
- Produced By: Edward Lewis
- Release Year: 1966
- Length: 2 hours 57 minutes
- Awards: 3 Academy Awards – Best Sound, Best Film Editing, Best Sound Effects
6. Brawn: The Impossible Formula 1 Story (2023)
Brawn: The Impossible Formula 1 Story is the latest addition to the cinematic canon for motorsport enthusiasts. Airing on Disney+, this 2023 documentary focuses on F1 underdogs Brawn GP and Jenson Button’s extraordinary 2009 season.
On the precipice of complete collapse, the newly formed Brawn GP team arose from the ashes of the Honda Racing F1 outfit after they exited the sport at the end of 2008. But veterans Nick Fry, Ross Brawn, and star driver Jenson Button defied the odds and embarked on one of F1’s most miraculous title campaigns.
Directed by Siavash Zandi, Brawn: The Impossible Formula 1 Story chronicles this unique underdog tale. It depicts the impossible challenge of preparing a competitive F1 car with only 100 employees and almost zero budget, and how meticulous planning enabled them to topple powerhouse teams like McLaren, Ferrari, and Red Bull.
Beyond the races, the documentary also explores the team’s challenges with F1 governance and the eventual shift in Brawn GP’s management as the season progressed. The film serves as a testament to human resilience and how groups united by passion can achieve the seemingly impossible.
Key Details
- Directed By: Siavash Zandi
- Produced By: Box to Box Films
- Release Year: 2023
- Length: 1 hour 52 minutes
- Original Network: Disney+