In the buzzing anticipation of the F1 Singapore Grand Prix, we love a quick motorsport fix to get us in the mood. Here are 10 films and documentaries about F1 to hype you up for the big event!
Since the very beginning of Formula 1, we have long loved the powerful machines that blaze the racetracks, and of course, the people who make them. It’s no surprise that the excitement has been translated into many films and documentaries over the years, baring for us the real inside scoop on the dangerous sport and the many stories that it has created. Here’s a collection of 10 movies and documentaries that embody the essence of this epic racing sport!
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1. Formula 1: Drive to Survive
Image credits: IMDb
You’ve probably seen this docudrama on your Netflix recommendations at least once. Since 2019, Drive to Survive gives an unrivalled behind-the-scenes look into the F1 racing season. With exhilarating cinematography, D2S also sheds light on many of the unheard people who make the races, instead of the big names that usually saturate the media. While there has been some pique in the fans for exaggerated interpretations of some elements within the show, D2S is perfect for the newbie to immerse into the high-octane world of F1.
Films To Watch This F1 Season: Stream Formula 1: Drive to Survive on Netflix now!
2. A Life of Speed: The Juan Manuel Fangio Story
Image credits: IMDb
Arguably one of the best and most authentic documentaries of motorsport, A Life of Speed retells the life of racing icon Juan Manuel Fangio. The Formula 1 King of the early 1950s won five World Championships in a time when very limited safety measures were used. Weaving his life together through archival footage and interviews with competitors and contemporaries, the film justifies why Fangio has earned his title of legend.
Films To Watch This F1 Season: Stream A Life of Speed: The Juan Manuel Fangio Story on Netflix now!
3. McLaren
Image credits: IMDb
Ever had a gorgeous orange McLaren whoosh past you? Here’s its history: McLaren celebrates the life and time of New Zealander, Bruce McLaren — the founder of the McLaren Moto Racing Team. In his journey from New Zealand to Britain, the film charts how McLaren’s seemingly ordinary life becomes one of the most significant names in the industry and unmasks the potential that McLaren carried before his life was tragically cut short. For non-petrolheads, McLaren might be a bit nerdy, so it’ll be useful to have a motorsport dictionary (person or book) handy!
Films To Watch This F1 Season: Rent McLaren on Google Play now!
4. Rush
Image credits: IMDb
When Thor himself comes to the race! It’s bound to get divine. Rush, directed by Ron Howard, is the cinematic memory of the 1976 F1 season. The film captures the cut-throat rivalry of the engine-revving alphas, James Hunt and Niki Lauda, for the title, To this day, it remains unforgiving as it goes on to decide who the real winner was. Giving a good look into the glam 1970s world of racing, stars like Chris Hemsworth and Daniel Bruhl make Rush an adrenaline-fuelled lap for fans and non-fans alike.
Films To Watch This F1 Season: Stream Rush on Amazon Prime now!
5. Grand Prix
Image credits: IMDb
Here is a classic for all F1 fans, going all the way back to 1966. This Oscar-winning film by John Frankenheimer is one among the few fiction films about F1, creating a classic entertainer with melodramatic love stories mingled with action sequences. The racing, however, remains paramount. Filmed partially on tracks during actual F1 weekends, the film mixes authenticity with nostalgia for a golden age of motorsports.
Films To Watch This F1 Season: Rent Grand Prix on Apple TV now!
6. Uppity — The Willy T. Ribbs Story
Image credits: IMDb
While a little tangential to F1, this film remains highly important. Uppity charts the life of Willy T. Ribbs — an African American racing driver who creates a magnificent career in motorsport while battling and enduring systemic racism. From his start in the British FF1600 series to being the first African-American to test and qualify for the Indy 500, Uppity inspires you with grit, resilience, and the unstoppable drive and love of motorsport.
Films To Watch This F1 Season: Rent Uppity: The Willy T. Ribbs Story on Amazon.com now!
7. Senna
Image credits: IMDb
An absolute masterpiece: Senna by Asif Kapadia relays the deeply touching story of Ayrton Senna, three times F1 World Champion from Brazil, and his life and career in F1. While refraining from using conventional documentary devices like interviews and commentaries, the film is constructed passionately through the public and private video archives of the late racecar driver. A favourite among all F1 fans, Senna’s thoughtful production depicts not through narration, but through real moments he lived.
Films To Watch This F1 Season: Rent Senna on Google Play now!
8. Schumacher
Image credits: Paramount Movies
A Schumacher fan? Well, then you know what to do. Schumacher is a touching tribute to the F1 eponymous legend’s career. And as the film boasts and prides on the achievements of the wonderboy, you brace yourself for the tragedy to come. A mix of Schumacher’s home videos and public clips, the film embraces you one more time with the impressive life of the unforgettable racecar driver.
Films To Watch This F1 Season: Stream Schumacher on Netflix now!
9. The Art of Racing in the Rain
Image credits: IMDb
Here’s a pitstop from the speed: a film about racing from the mind of an adorable pup! Enzo, a golden retriever voiced by Kevin Costner, takes us through his life as a racecar driver’s dog learning about human life and relationships. Brought by the studio that made Marley and Me, The Art of Racing in the Rain shows how techniques of racing can also be applied to life. Want a compromise between racing and a heart-warming rom-com? This one’s for you!
Films To Watch This F1 Season: Stream The Art of Racing in the Rain on Disney+ now!
10. 1: Life on the Limit
Image credits: IMDb
With massive stars coming in interviews ranging from John Surtees to Lewis Hamilton with food for thought on the thrills and dangers of motorsport, Life on the Limit is thrilling as well as glamorous. Looking at the long history of F1 by combining archival footage and actual interviews, Life on the Limit discusses the thin life of safety in an inherently dangerous sport, and what it means to those who participate in them.
Films To Watch This F1 Season: Play 1: Life on the Limit on Google Play now!
Bonus: Cars
Image credits: GOD TV
KACHOW! We cannot leave this one out, come on! Something for the kids (and your inner child), Cars by Disney is a fun-filled animation film featuring the all-time favourite Lightning McQueen and his charming life. All is disrupted when he gets stranded in a small town, and of course, finds true meaning in life. You’ve probably watched it before, but this one’s definitely worth multiple repeats and has a killer soundtrack!
Films To Watch This F1 Season: Stream Cars on Netflix now!
Stocked Up On Popcorn For Your Need-For-Speed Weekend?
Movie-time! Be it Netflix or your old-school movie theatre, while renting these catches, don’t forget to make use of your YouTrip Card to lock in those wholesale exchange rates and skip those pesky bank fees.
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