By Kratika Agarwal
The pinnacle of motor car engineering, driver’s skill, and seconds gap in reaching 0 to 100 km/h – Yes, that’s F1 we’re talking about! From legendary drivers like Ayrton Senna and Michael Schumacher to current champions like Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen, F1 has never disappointed hearts in building a golden list, reminding us of the sheer spectacle at the iconic circuits worldwide. Ahead of the Hungarian Grand Prix happening from July 19 – 21 July, this list of cinematic tributes to the game is for every enthusiast who proudly displays posters on their walls or hides Formula 1 car sketches behind every available piece of paper.
1. Schumacher (2021)
An Ode to Michael Schumacher, Schumacher is a 2021 German documentary film to mark 30 thrilling years in Formula 1. Co-directed by Hanns-Bruno Kammertöns, Vanessa Nöcker, and Michael Wech, the feature film gets insights on his life from his family and other big Formula One racers. The film pays homage to Schumacher’s career in Formula One and the dominance of Scuderia Ferrari’s return in 2000–2004. Find interviews, his rise to becoming a seven-time world champion, and a skiing accident that turned his life upside down.
Where to watch: Netflix
2. Gran Turismo: Based on a true story (2023)
Directed by Neill Blomkamp, Gran Turismo is an American biological sports drama film reflecting Jann Mardenborough’s rise. Actor Archie Madekwe, known for his role in the Apple+ TV series, SEE, played the character of Jann Mardenborough well. The movie tells us how a young retail worker fond of Gran Turismo video games embarks on to become a pro racer. The movie will keep the same thrill of the track alive with truly shocking moments and music right on time.
Where to watch: Netflix
3. Drive to Survive (2019-)
A television documentary series that is loved by all Formula One enthusiasts worldwide. If you want to have a glimpse of all the behind-the-scenes players and races of the F1 World Championships, this series might be the perfect one to push the play button on. The thrill of the track is featured in all six seasons. Winning over the hearts of fans and building a new fan base worldwide, the docuseries gave the sport a new definition in 2019.
Where to watch: Netflix
4. Rush (2013)
It’s one of the few movie adaptations of Formula 1. Written by Peter Morgan and directed by Ron Howard, this 123-minute-long movie stars Chris Hemsworth as Briton James Hunt and Daniel Brühl as the Austrian Niki Lauda. The two titans of this sport pushed it to the mainstream during the 1976 racing season after they raced against each other. The movie won several accolades for its outstanding performance.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
5. Ferrari: Race to Immortality (2017)
This documentary tells us a story from the 1950s, the golden age of motorsport, that was also filled with tragedies around the Ferrari Team. The film is based on the best-selling biography titled ‘Mon Ami Mate’ by Chris Nixon. It sheds light on how motorsport can turn deadly to the humans associated with it, retelling the tales of loves, losses, triumphs, and tragedy that the motorsport world can’t forget.
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video
6. Life on the Limit (2014)
This documentary film, directed by Paul Crowder, features the archives of glamour, danger, tragedies, and excitement. It opens up chapters of Formula One history where racers risked their lives to make the sport what it is today. The stories of that time are told through interviews with famous F1 racers Mario Andretti, Niki Lauda, and others. Michael Fassbender narrates it to take you throughout the film.
Where to watch: Apple TV
7. McLaren (2017)
Founder of the McLaren Motor Team, McLaren showed the world how a man from humble beginnings can impact the motor racing world with his determination. Directed by Roger Donaldson, McLaren is a New Zealand-based sports documentary that is an ode to the life of this legend. The film stars Dwayne Cameron in the role of Bruce McLaren and takes you through his childhood to the making of Star Racer, as depicted through interviews and archival videos taken over time.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
8. Senna (2010)
A tragedy at the racing track took away the life that held millions together. This documentary sheds light on the life of Ayrton Senna and his death on track. Director Asif Kapadia has framed the journey of the Brazilian motor-racing champion through a collage of family videos, press appearances, and clips from races. The movie is a must-watch for all the fans of motorsport to take a look at the life of one of the greatest drivers Formula One ever had.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
9. Grand Prix (1966)
The film from the 1960s is known for its unique racing cinematography of its time. To attain the same level of thrill, director John Frankenheimer shot the film at the real Grand Prix. The movie chronicles the lives of four drivers as they participate in the Formula 1 season, highlighting the fierce competition, inner turmoil, and sheer risk involved in the sport. It’s a unique combination of exhilarating action, a cast that includes James Garner, Yves Montand, and Eva Marie Saint, and the spirit of motorsport that makes it an epic even after decades of its premieres.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
10. Le’ Man 66: Ford vs Ferrari (2019)
The incredible portrayal of the true story from the direction of James Mangold tells us about two rivals who come together to build a revolutionary vehicle for Ford Motor Co. The two-and-a-half-hour film stars Matt Damon and Christian Bale as Carroll Shelby and Ken Miles, who portray the main characters and take part in the Le Mans 24-hour endurance race to promote their cars.
Where to watch: Hotstar
