The F1 movie faced a conundrum from the outset: Aim for hyper-realism and alienate those new to motorsport, or pursue a dramatised, cartoony portrayal of Grand Prix racing and frustrate the hardcore fans? In the end, they went down the middle, and the result was an interesting one.

Firstly, if you haven’t seen the film, here is my message to you: Text a friend, grab some tickets and popcorn, and experience this on the big screen. This is a true summer blockbuster, the likes of which are becoming rarer and rarer as Hollywood pumps out threadbare superhero movies at the expense of mid-budget bangers.

Now, let’s start with the positives. This movie, while underpinned by jaw-dropping action and unrivalled access to the F1 paddock, shines in its performances. The team-mate dynamic between Sonny Hayes (Brad Pitt) and Joshua Pearce (Damson Idris) is, for me, where the film’s true hook lies.

The grizzly veteran and cocky rookie dynamic has been done before, and I went in expecting nothing but cliche. However, there was no shortage of depth and heart as Pearce and Hayes battled not just on track, but with their own internal struggles. Props must also go to Javier Bardem and Kerry Condon, who injected plenty of life into the pit wall.

Then there is the movie’s bread and butter, the action. I’ll keep it brief: if you loved Top Gun: Maverick, you will love this. Knowing the work that Pitt and Idris put into learning the handling of the cars, which are actually modified Formula Two chassis, only makes the experience richer, and I could feel my palms sweating throughout several of the on-track scenes.

That said, the racing is far from perfect. APX GP’s approach to Grand Prix weekends ranges from over-aggression to borderline race manipulation, and there is no shortage of eye-roll moments as Pitt and Pearce scythe through multiple cars at a time.

One particular plot point hinges on a driver coming to terms, slowly, with the idea that the outside of the Parabolica might not be the best overtaking spot at Monza. Raced three laps of the track on Gran Turismo? Congratulations, you most likely have better racecraft than our fictional F1 driver.

That said, if you can ship your inner F1 analyst off for a day at the beach and head to the cinema with an open mind, you will have plenty of fun, even if the constant commentary exposition from David Croft and Martin Brundle does outstay its welcome. This movie, for better or worse, wants to hold your hand through every scene. Trust your viewers! If the action is good enough, they’ll understand what’s going on.

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There are, ultimately, many criticisms that can be levelled against F1: The Movie, from the half-baked villain plotline to the intra-team romance, and the film’s polished and corporate feel. At its core, though, this is a fine action blockbuster and a love letter to motorsport.

It’s no Rush, but I couldn’t help but break a smile watching our sport get the big screen treatment.