‹ All movies

Younger-driver victory

Bill Simmons: An early hottest take argues the highly publicized relationship with Angelina Jolie diverted the career from additional substantial leading roles.

Van Lathan: That career critique is challenged by successful or interesting work including World War Z, The Big Short, Inglourious Basterds and Burn After Reading.

Redeem missed potential

Bill Simmons: Life lessons are that a missed sporting destiny can still be redeemed and that one should create one’s own breaks.

The film

F1 (2025)

Directed by Joseph Kosinski · Sports

Cast

Selected cast credits · Film reference

Everything from the episode

In the order the hosts got to it. Open a row for the discussion.

20:52

The Stephen A. Smith Hottest Take Award

Younger-driver victory; distrust of card throwers; racing films over racing; diverted star career

Younger-driver victory; distrust of card throwers; racing films over racing; diverted star career

In the discussion (8)
Approx. transcript time · 00:20:52Read transcript
  • An early hottest take argues the highly publicized relationship with Angelina Jolie diverted the career from additional substantial leading roles. — Bill Simmons
  • That career critique is challenged by successful or interesting work including World War Z, The Big Short, Inglourious Basterds and Burn After Reading. — Van Lathan
  • A hottest take argues the younger driver should win, both for the story and to let younger stars inherit leading roles. — Chris Ryan
  • The counterargument says the film develops Sonny far more fully, making his victory more satisfying within the existing script; a reversed ending might still be more interesting. — Van Lathan
  • Creed and Any Given Sunday are raised as examples of transferring sporting focus to younger leads. — Van Lathan
  • An alternative ending makes Sonny a mentor on the radio after the crash; objections emphasize audience interest in the veteran and possible sequel directions.
  • The hottest take distrusts people who throw playing cards recreationally, calling it obsessive and useless; Gambit is the lone exception. — Van Lathan
  • Another hottest take prefers racing films to real racing. — Van Lathan
39:07

Casting What-Ifs

Unnamed driving-test rivals; deleted Simone Ashley role; unrealized Go Like Hell

Unnamed driving-test rivals; deleted Simone Ashley role; unrealized Go Like Hell

In the discussion (3)
Approx. transcript time · 00:39:07Read transcript
  • Reported production facts include the season model, bidding package, star salary, driving training and additional script contributors; named alternative casting is unavailable. — Bill Simmons
  • The younger lead reportedly passed a driving test; unknown rival actors are not invented, and Simone Ashley’s deleted romance is discussed.
  • The director and star reportedly had an earlier unrealized racing project with Tom Cruise, called Go Like Hell. — Bill Simmons
39:07

Half-Assed Internet Research

Race access; crash model; editing; engineer inspiration; sponsorships; cameras

Race access; crash model; editing; engineer inspiration; sponsorships; cameras

In the discussion (5)
Approx. transcript time · 00:39:07Read transcript
  • Reported production facts include the season model, bidding package, star salary, driving training and additional script contributors; named alternative casting is unavailable. — Bill Simmons
  • The director’s action filmmaking and earlier Mad World game commercial are praised, after the song is initially misidentified.
  • The reported budget and worldwide gross support a case that the film strengthened Apple’s theatrical credibility; classification of Cars 2 as a sports film is questioned. — Bill Simmons
  • Research covers negotiating race-weekend access without villainizing teams, the trailer’s Fleetwood Mac song, the historical crash model, a large editing pool and the engineer character’s inspiration. — Van Lathan
  • The soundtrack, sponsorship financing and small remotely controlled cameras are discussed; real driving was intended to produce authentic facial intensity. — Bill Simmons
45:26

Most Rewatchable Scene

The flying finish (two choices); Monza (one choice)

The flying finish (two choices); Monza (one choice)

In the discussion (9)
Approx. transcript time · 00:45:26Read transcript
  • The trailer, Whole Lotta Love, ice bath and Daytona opening efficiently establish Sonny’s character and are scene candidates. — Bill Simmons
  • The audition challenge and car flip are enjoyable, although the successful timing seems hard to reconcile with the driving errors.
  • The pub conversation and old-school/new-school training montage are scene candidates, with the canal setting and romantic chemistry praised. — Bill Simmons
  • The rain crash is praised for genuine uncertainty about whether the younger driver might die, unlike protected franchise characters. — Bill Simmons
  • The recovery montage, poker game and balcony monologue are scene candidates; the speech earns the later flying sensation.
  • Sonny insisting on racing despite medical objections and the final sprint are additional scene candidates; an Anton Chigurh coin toss is jokingly imagined. — Bill Simmons
  • Monza is one explicit scene choice, especially the rain, safety car, slingshot move and emergency response; the delayed British start is another favorite. — Bill Simmons
  • The flying finish is the next choice and receives agreement; Monza is the fallback. — Chris Ryan
  • The diner reunion between old friends is another beloved scene. — Chris Ryan
50:39

Picking Nits

Race eligibility; age and injury; jogging; pit mistakes; flashback; poker; van logistics

Race eligibility; age and injury; jogging; pit mistakes; flashback; poker; van logistics

In the discussion (8)
Approx. transcript time · 00:50:39Read transcript
  • The strategic minor crashes are entertaining exposition but their legality and plausibility are questioned, with intentional fouling offered as an analogy.
  • Sonny’s age and spinal history are another weak-link choice, although others classify that implausibility as a nitpick they happily accept. — Bill Simmons
  • Sonny arriving after a long economy-class flight and racing without qualifying is criticized, especially given his injured back.
  • The jogging looks awkward; a counterargument says the movement may be character acting for an injured driver.
  • The pit-crew mistakes are said to merit immediate firing, with that judgment acknowledged as opinion rather than verified team policy.
  • The 1993 flashback wig and de-aging are criticized as unconvincing despite the budget. — Bill Simmons
  • The poker scene could be stronger, and the presence of Sonny’s van in Las Vegas is unexplained after international travel. — Bill Simmons
  • Long-haul travel, a metal rod in the back and double vision make safe elite racing seem implausible. — Bill Simmons
1:01:06

The most 2025 thing

Drive to Survive; Las Vegas; YouTube; global celebrity fandom

Drive to Survive; Las Vegas; YouTube; global celebrity fandom

In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 01:01:06Read transcript
  • Drive to Survive, the Las Vegas race, YouTube archival footage and celebrity-heavy global popularity define the period.
  • Formula One fandom is compared with fashionable American soccer fandom, followed by a sports tangent and discussion of supporting teams versus drivers.
1:04:01

What’s Aged the Best?

Trailer persona; soundtrack; Kerry Condon; race graphics; diner waitress; morning runs; opening credits; pit-crew red...

Trailer persona; soundtrack; Kerry Condon; race graphics; diner waitress; morning runs; opening credits; pit-crew redemption

In the discussion (7)
Approx. transcript time · 01:04:01Read transcript
  • The star’s trailer-dwelling persona is praised, with favorite earlier roles including Floyd, Fight Club and Burn After Reading.
  • An expensive licensed soundtrack and a new-song album are aged-best selections. — Chris Ryan
  • Kerry Condon’s presence and the car-insult line are praised; the pit call box, box becomes a running joke. — Bill Simmons
  • The laundromat, radio and Led Zeppelin establish Sonny as out of step with modern life. — Van Lathan
  • Technical graphics make race positions and strategy legible, while the glamorous setting works as an unusually effective advertisement for the sport. — Van Lathan
  • The wise diner waitress, morning runs and old-fashioned opening credits are praised. — Bill Simmons
  • The nervous pit-crew member’s eventual redemption is enjoyed as an effective sports-film convention. — Chris Ryan
1:09:20

The Big Kahuna Burger Award for Best Use of Food and Drink

The beer date

The beer date

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 01:09:20Read transcript
  • The beer date wins food and drink; the diner scene receives an honorable mention. — Bill Simmons
1:09:36

The Great Shot Gordo Award for Most Cinematic Shot

Joshua’s slow-motion crash; checkered flag and fireworks

Joshua’s slow-motion crash; checkered flag and fireworks

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 01:09:36Read transcript
  • The slow-motion crash is the clear great-shot choice, with the checkered flag and fireworks praised separately. — Bill Simmons
1:09:54

The Slow Ride / Kid Cudi – Pursuit of Happiness Award for Best Needle Drop

Whole Lotta Love

Whole Lotta Love

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 01:09:54Read transcript
  • Whole Lotta Love wins needle drop; the Chris Stapleton practice-race song is also liked.
1:10:08

Chest Rockwell / Brock Landers Award for Best Character Name

Sonny Hayes; Don Cavendish

Sonny Hayes; Don Cavendish

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 01:10:08Read transcript
  • Sonny Hayes and Don Cavendish are best-name choices; a proposed category asks what role a podcast host could play. — Chris Ryan
1:10:31

When I Would Have Died

Clearing gravel from the track

Clearing gravel from the track

Flex pick · Chris Ryan

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 01:10:31Read transcript
  • The death flex imagines being distracted while clearing gravel from the track rather than dying as a driver. — Bill Simmons
1:10:55

The Butch’s Girlfriend Award for the Weakest Link in the Film

Joshua’s manager; Sonny’s age

Joshua’s manager; Sonny’s age

In the discussion (3)
Approx. transcript time · 01:10:55Read transcript
  • The manager is the initial weak-link choice despite praise for the performer, because the role is thin. — Chris Ryan
  • The manager needs a clearer comic or self-interested motive; his mild response to the athlete rejecting social media leaves the character underdeveloped.
  • Sonny’s age and spinal history are another weak-link choice, although others classify that implausibility as a nitpick they happily accept. — Bill Simmons
1:12:35

Is There a Better Title for This Movie?

No agreed replacement

No agreed replacement

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 01:12:35Read transcript
  • The reported working title Apex is rejected, while F1 is criticized as hard to search and excessively promotional; no replacement wins. — Bill Simmons
1:13:49

What’s Aged the Worst?

Roscoe’s death; multiple endings; limited driver interaction

Roscoe’s death; multiple endings; limited driver interaction

In the discussion (3)
Approx. transcript time · 01:13:49Read transcript
  • The death of Lewis Hamilton’s dog Roscoe makes its appearance newly sad.
  • The multiple farewells and Baja ending are considered excessive; a defense says the final destination confirms Sonny’s commitment to driving rather than money. — Van Lathan
  • More interaction with actual drivers is wanted; the aggressive British reporter is the overacting selection. — Chris Ryan
1:15:20

The Ruffalo / Hanna / Rubinek / Partridge Overacting Award

Don Cavendish

Don Cavendish

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 01:15:20Read transcript
  • More interaction with actual drivers is wanted; the aggressive British reporter is the overacting selection. — Chris Ryan
1:16:06

Top Five List

Old guys schooling young guys scenes: 5 Joe Clark to Sams on the roof (Lean on Me); 4 Rocky beats up Tommy Gunn (Rock...

Flex pick · Bill Simmons

In the discussion (5)
Approx. transcript time · 01:16:06Read transcript
  • The invited top-five flex ranks Joe Clark confronting Sams on the Lean on Me roof fifth, with the dangerous method questioned.
  • Fourth is Rocky beating Tommy Gunn, whose provocation is said to justify the confrontation. — Van Lathan
  • Third is Shep beating Kyle Watson one-on-one in Above the Rim; the deceased-friend subplot prompts a tangent. — Van Lathan
  • Second is a tie between Yoda teaching Luke at Dagobah and Obi-Wan defeating Anakin in Revenge of the Sith. — Van Lathan
  • After the rank is clarified as second rather than first, the top slot goes to the park-bench speech in Good Will Hunting, contrasting experience with intelligence. — Van Lathan
1:22:45

The Joey Pants “That Guy” Award

Kim Bodnia; Will Merrick; Shea Whigham disputed

Kim Bodnia; Will Merrick; Shea Whigham disputed

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 01:22:45Read transcript
1:23:24

The Dion Waiters Award for Best Heat Check Performance

Shea Whigham; Don Cavendish; Tobias Menzies

Shea Whigham; Don Cavendish; Tobias Menzies

In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 01:23:24Read transcript
1:24:22

Recasting Couch

No change

No change

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 01:24:22Read transcript
  • No director or city recasting is wanted; the absent producer’s flex is explicitly skipped. — Van Lathan
1:26:43

Apex Mountain

Formula One; Joseph Kosinski; possibly Kerry Condon

Formula One; Joseph Kosinski; possibly Kerry Condon

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 01:26:43Read transcript
  • Apex is initially qualified because the film is new, then advanced for Formula One, the director’s consecutive successes and possibly Kerry Condon.
1:30:07

Cruise or Hanks?

Cruise

Cruise

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 01:30:07Read transcript
  • Cruise is the immediate star choice; a possible Days of Thunder crossover and an aging-driver-license comedy are imagined. — Van Lathan
1:30:50

Scorsese or Spielberg?

Scorsese; Spielberg

Scorsese; Spielberg

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 01:30:50Read transcript
  • The filmmaker choice splits between Scorsese and Spielberg, with the latter defended through the spectacle of Jurassic Park. — Chris Ryan
1:31:03

What role would Philip Seymour Hoffman play?

Peter Banning

Peter Banning

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 01:31:03Read transcript
1:33:06

Michael Rooker in Cliffhanger: What Are You Mad About?

Joshua’s mother blaming Sonny

Joshua’s mother blaming Sonny

The panel proposes a new category here.

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 01:33:06Read transcript
  • A proposed Michael Rooker in Cliffhanger award asks why Joshua’s mother blames Sonny; others defend her because she initially lacks the radio information. — Van Lathan
1:36:11

Sequel, Prequel, Limited Series, or All-Black Remake

Sequel; Sonny-and-Ruben prequel

Sequel; Sonny-and-Ruben prequel

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 01:36:11Read transcript
  • A sequel is welcome, while an earlier Sonny-and-Ruben prequel with Austin Butler is proposed as F Minus One. — Bill Simmons
1:36:28

Is This Movie Better With…?

Kirk Herbstreit; Mad Dog Russo

Kirk Herbstreit; Mad Dog Russo

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 01:36:28Read transcript
  • Hypothetical additions include a belated Kirk Herbstreit race call and Mad Dog Russo complaining about rain and tire changes.
1:38:13

Just One Oscar

Cinematography

Cinematography

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 01:38:13Read transcript
  • Editing is initially suggested for the Oscar, then cinematography is preferred for the camera work.
1:38:31

Probably Unanswerable Questions

Anton Chigurh wardrobe; whether Sonny shows prejudice

Anton Chigurh wardrobe; whether Sonny shows prejudice

In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 01:38:31Read transcript
  • A recurring hypothetical asks whether the team owner should dress like Anton Chigurh throughout. — Bill Simmons
  • A suggestion that Sonny shows a trace of racism through the participation-trophy line is rejected by another response. — Bill Simmons
1:39:30

What Piece of Memorabilia Would You Want From This Movie?

Helmet; wreckage; watch; trailer; racing magazine

Helmet; wreckage; watch; trailer; racing magazine

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 01:39:30Read transcript
  • Memorabilia choices include a helmet, wreckage, Sonny’s watch, trailer and fabricated racing magazine; the playing cards are unwanted. — Bill Simmons
1:40:03

The Coach Finstock Award for Best Life Lesson

Redeem missed potential; create breaks; workplace romance can work

Redeem missed potential; create breaks; workplace romance can work

In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 01:40:03Read transcript
  • Life lessons are that a missed sporting destiny can still be redeemed and that one should create one’s own breaks. — Bill Simmons
  • The successful workplace romance is offered as an additional life lesson.
1:40:17

Best Double Feature

Grand Prix; Days of Thunder
In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 01:40:17Read transcript
  • Grand Prix is a double-feature choice. — Van Lathan
  • Days of Thunder receives two double-feature preferences. — Van Lathan
1:40:45

Who Won the Movie?

Joseph Kosinski (two choices); Brad Pitt (one choice)

Joseph Kosinski (two choices); Brad Pitt (one choice)

In the discussion (3)
Approx. transcript time · 01:40:45Read transcript
Podcast choices
Speaker not identified
Joseph Kosinski
Speaker not identified
Joseph Kosinski

More from the conversation

The final movie episode of 2025 follows a production whose long schedule, cost reports and technical demands had suggested a potential failure.
Approx. transcript time · 00:01:28Read transcript
The technical spectacle is praised as advancing filmmaking and delivering an exhilarating theatrical experience, while remaining enjoyable at home.
Approx. transcript time · 00:03:47Read transcript
The film is valued as a revival of the entertaining star-driven sports movie, alongside a broad history of racing films.
Approx. transcript time · 00:04:58Read transcript
Enjoyment of racing movies is distinguished from limited interest in watching actual races.
Approx. transcript time · 00:06:39Read transcript
Cooking, billiards and table tennis illustrate activities whose screen dramatization may be more appealing than routine viewing.
Approx. transcript time · 00:07:28Read transcript
The major crash and camera technology are praised as physical, emotional spectacle, with the director compared to Tony Scott.
Approx. transcript time · 00:09:41Read transcript
The final flying sequence, stripped-down sound and reaction shot of the team owner are praised as difficult emotional effects successfully earned.
Approx. transcript time · 00:10:44Read transcript
Celebrating spectators prompt a sports-movie tangent, followed by recollection of The Best That Never Was and Marcus Dupree footage.
Approx. transcript time · 00:11:41Read transcript
Effective sports tropes include the lost great talent, old-versus-young pairing, teammates overcoming differences, endangered team, inspirational speech, accident and climactic contest.
Approx. transcript time · 00:13:05Read transcript
The strategic underdog element is compared with Moneyball, especially winning through marginal gains rather than raw speed.
Approx. transcript time · 00:14:22Read transcript
Recruiting a retired specialist is another effective trope; the romantic lead refreshingly avoids simply opposing the dangerous pursuit.
Approx. transcript time · 00:15:02Read transcript
The engineer is praised as a credible professional and romantic partner; a claim that the romance develops too quickly is challenged by the season’s elapsed months.
Approx. transcript time · 00:15:29Read transcript
Sonny’s casual departure seems emotionally abrupt, while the casting and believable technical ambition strengthen the relationship.
Approx. transcript time · 00:16:57Read transcript
Moneyball and F1 establish a sports-film contribution within a long career; the late-career iconic phase is compared with Paul Newman.
Approx. transcript time · 00:17:44Read transcript
An explicitly invited response argues that the star’s eclectic choices and lack of a long-running action franchise distinguish him from contemporaries.
Approx. transcript time · 00:19:19Read transcript
The career is characterized as following interesting scripts rather than a fixed director or franchise strategy.
Approx. transcript time · 00:20:21Read transcript
Late-career transitions are compared with Redford, Newman, Cruise and Damon, with differing routes through a wilderness period.
Approx. transcript time · 00:23:15Read transcript
A comparison of seven durable films prompts disagreement over whether Damon is a true peer; cultural stature is offered as a different measure from filmography.
Approx. transcript time · 00:24:25Read transcript
Acting range and movie-star presence are distinguished, then disputed through role examples and the impact of public relationships.
Approx. transcript time · 00:26:12Read transcript
An affair-era scenario is jokingly proposed for the How Would Van Get Out category without a worked-out answer.
Approx. transcript time · 00:28:14Read transcript
An informal decade-by-decade athlete list names the North Dallas Forty lead, Ivan Drago, Tidwell or Beamen, the Friday Night Lights archetype, Adonis Creed and Joshua Pearce; the television character name and film title are confused and corrected during the 2000s slot.
Approx. transcript time · 00:28:33Read transcript
Sports speeches from Friday Night Lights, Any Given Sunday and Miracle enter the decade-list digression.
Approx. transcript time · 00:30:02Read transcript
The younger lead is praised for conveying a recognizable distracted rising-athlete archetype despite limited screen time and a cut love story.
Approx. transcript time · 00:31:54Read transcript
The partnership avoids a simple savior-mentor arc, and the growing morning jogging group communicates teamwork economically.
Approx. transcript time · 00:33:16Read transcript
The runtime feels justified by character beats and unhurried pacing.
Approx. transcript time · 00:34:25Read transcript
Sixteen covered films are attributed to Jerry Bruckheimer, illustrating five decades of popular filmmaking and a recent revival.
Approx. transcript time · 00:34:40Read transcript
The producer is praised for solving the film’s financial, logistical and technological challenges so that the expense appears on screen rather than visible compromises.
Approx. transcript time · 00:35:39Read transcript
A future Black Hawk Down episode prompts a suggestion to invite a special-operations commentator.
Approx. transcript time · 00:38:16Read transcript
Limited drinking and the absence of villainous real teams prompt discussion of the film as a Formula One promotional vehicle and of mixed reactions from insiders.
Approx. transcript time · 00:49:03Read transcript
A related Kerry Condon film prompts an extended villain-monologue tangent.
Approx. transcript time · 01:05:51Read transcript
A first-time family viewing of The Shawshank Redemption is recalled as a powerful surprise.
Approx. transcript time · 01:19:17Read transcript
A claim that a colleague participates in an offensive catchphrase is explicitly retracted: the colleague never said it and refused the proposed joke.
Approx. transcript time · 01:27:43Read transcript
A supposed athlete request to appear on another podcast is admitted as an intoxicated prank.
Approx. transcript time · 01:30:01Read transcript
Old televised racing footage is recalled as lacking enough cameras to capture major incidents.
Approx. transcript time · 01:34:22Read transcript
A joking podcast idea would assess prejudice in familiar film characters.
Approx. transcript time · 01:39:04Read transcript
Future roles, a sequel built around the younger driver and the prevalence of British casting in American roles are discussed.
Approx. transcript time · 01:41:23Read transcript
Closing thanks identify producers only by short or unclear names, then the hosts recall favorite episodes of the year.
Approx. transcript time · 01:43:37Read transcript