Why underdog F1 has a real case for best picture at the 2026 Oscars
There’s an expression in Formula One racing: “outperforming the car.” It refers to a scenario in which a driver delivers outstanding results despite the questionable pedigree of the vehicle itself. You might apply that maxim to F1, the sports drama that has been nominated for four Oscars including, somewhat bafflingly, best picture – despite receiving perfectly average notices across the board and no buzz for its top-line talent. Directed by Joseph Kosinski and starring Brad Pitt, the film combines a “one last chance” narrative with the kind of high-speed car races that only a (reported) $200 million-plus budget can buy. Pitt, who also co-produces, plays Sonny Hayes, an ex-F1 driver whose career stalled after an on-track accident 30 years ago. He’s given a chance to prove he’s still got it when an old friend (Javier Bardem) invites him to race for his new team. It’s an inoffensive throwback to the kind of sports films that Hollywood used to make on the regular. The expected beats all play out in slick, unsurprising fashion (“visceral but corny,” …
