Why underdog F1 has a real case to argue for a best picture win at the 2026 Oscars

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In Formula One racing, drivers sometimes “outperform the car,” meaning they achieve great results even with a less-than-stellar vehicle. This phrase also applies to the movie F1, which has surprisingly earned four Oscar nominations – including Best Picture – despite receiving only average reviews and lacking significant attention for its actors.

Joseph Kosinski directs this film, starring Brad Pitt in a story about a final shot at glory and featuring thrilling, high-budget car races. Pitt also produces and plays Sonny Hayes, a former Formula 1 driver whose career was cut short by a crash three decades ago. He gets a chance to revive his racing days when an old friend, played by Javier Bardem, asks him to drive for his team.

This movie feels like a classic sports film from Hollywood’s golden age. It follows a predictable but polished story – as one of our reviewers put it, it’s exciting but a little cheesy – about a driver named Sonny who’s trying to rebuild his life, one race at a time.

It’s no surprise the film received three Oscar nominations for its technical aspects. The sound, editing, and visual effects work together brilliantly to recreate the intense noise and speed of a Formula One race. The racing scenes, created with help from Formula One itself, are truly thrilling, even if the main character bends the rules so much he’d likely be disqualified in a real competition.

So, the technical nods feel warranted — but best picture? That’s a stretch.

What makes the film F1 so special, putting it in the same league as movies like Sentimental Value, Sinners, and Marty Supreme? Those films are truly artistic, feeling both important and original. They tackle big themes – forgiveness, the impact of music, and the dangers of unchecked ambition – with compelling stories and exciting action.

When it comes to storytelling, the Formula 1 movie simply doesn’t compare. The screenwriter, who previously worked on Top Gun: Maverick, seems unable to create drama as exciting as an actual Grand Prix race. Instead, the film uses predictable storylines – like a romantic subplot and team conflicts – to pad out the time between races.

It’s disappointing that Hans Zimmer’s powerful music score wasn’t nominated for an Oscar, despite being considered among the top 20 by Academy members. His score is what truly elevates the film, adding much-needed tension and excitement to what is otherwise a predictable story about Formula 1 racing.

Honestly, I’m wondering if Ferrari actually has a real shot at Best Picture. Looking back, the Academy hasn’t exactly embraced racing movies with the top prize. Remember Ford v Ferrari? It racked up a ton of technical nominations, just like Ferrari is now, and even got a Best Picture nod. But Parasite swept in and took the win that year. And then there’s Top Gun: Maverick, directed by the same team and produced by Jerry Bruckheimer. It also landed a Best Picture nomination, got six nominations total, but only won for sound. It makes you think – can a technically brilliant, crowd-pleasing movie like Ferrari break through and win the big one?

Predicting what the Academy will do is always difficult. Perhaps the success of the Netflix show “Drive to Survive” is influencing Hollywood. That show has significantly boosted Formula One viewership by offering an inside look at the sport and its drivers, creating a much more personal connection with fans.

With the Oscars themselves facing declining viewership, are voters trying to show they’re still connected to what’s popular by choosing a movie about Formula 1? Will the impressive technical skills displayed in this fast-paced film earn it the top prize?

Authors

Josh Winning
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2026-03-10 20:36