The thrills of Formula 1 are some of the best racing action in the world. The cars are incredibly fast, and the drivers constantly make death-defying moves in search of victory. With the arrival of the F1 (2025) movie in theaters, fans are closer to the action than ever before.
However, F1 (2025) is not the only way to enjoy the greatest motorsport in the world. Sitting down and enjoying a real race weekend is always a great option, but there are plenty of other films and TV shows to enjoy the pinnacle of motorsports any time you want. Here are some of the best Formula 1 movies and TV series to help get that Formula 1 fix.
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1) Rush
The 2013 drama Rush, starring Chris Hemsworth and Daniel Brühl, follows the rivalry of James Hunt (Hemsworth) and Niki Lauda (Brühl) during the 1976 Formula 1 season. Rush features intense action and incredible drama as the two legends of the sport push themselves to the brink in search of the World Drivers’ Championship.
The primary focus is on the dramatic relationship between the two drivers with polar opposite personalities, and the way it unfolds is excellent to watch. The on-track action is still impressive, presenting some of the best on-screen racing to date. Heartbreak, excitement, and the thrill of danger, Rush is perfect for anyone looking to dip their toes further into the dramatic world of Formula 1.
Rush is available to purchase or rent wherever digital videos are sold
2) Formula 1: Drive to Survive
Formula 1: Drive to Survive is often credited with the latest viewership boom, and it’s easy to see why. The docuseries gives an inside look at how teams and drivers operate, weaving dramatic storylines alongside excellent on-track action that has helped introduce the sport and its stars to millions worldwide. It has aired for seven seasons, with an eighth coming in early 2026 that will cover the 2025 Formula 1 season.
Formula 1: Drive to Survive gives a closer look into the minds of drivers like seven-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton. Its coverage of the controversial ending to the 2021 World Championship is excellent. It also dives into the teams further down in the standings, like the decline of Williams, one of the most iconic teams in the sport’s history.
Formula 1: Drive to Survive is streaming now on Netflix
3. Senna (2010) and Senna (2024) – Tie
There are actually two different versions of Senna out there, but both deserve to be on this list. The 2010 documentary and 2024 miniseries both tell the story of Ayrton Senna, one of the greatest Formula 1 drivers in the history of the sport. Both are excellent ways to learn more about his life and career en route to three World Drivers’ Championships. Senna’s life was tragically cut short in 1994 at the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix, but his influence on the sport remains as impactful as ever.
Senna (2010) is the best way to get a general overview of Senna’s life. It condenses his career into a bite-sized approach, but it glances over or avoids the more controversial parts of his life. It over-simplifies things like his rivalry with Alain Prost, but it is still a great way to learn about his life and career.
Senna (2024) is a more dramatized approach to Senna’s story. Actor Gabriel Leone does an incredible job in the role, but there are historical inaccuracies to watch out for. It works best as a companion piece to the 2010 documentary, even if it is a more biased look into Senna’s life.
Both versions of Senna are streaming now on Netflix.
4. F1: The Academy
F1: The Academy takes its cues from Drive to Survive but focuses on the all-female feeder series, the F1 Academy. The F1 Academy was set up to get a female driver onto the Formula 1 grid, and F1: The Academy allows viewers to get to know the fifteen drivers working hard towards that goal.
Like Drive to Survive, it dives into the teams and drivers and tells a more personal tale that engages viewers in their success. The storylines might not be as juicy, and the stakes aren’t as high, but the powerful storytelling and fluid racing action make this a must-watch.
F1: The Academy is streaming now on Netflix
5. Grand Prix
The 1966 film might not be a modern story, but that doesn’t detract from its greatness. Grand Prix tells the fictional story of American driver Pete Aron as he tries to keep his Formula 1 career alive. The film features real-life racing action and appearances from some of the greatest drivers of that generation, like Juan Manuel Fangio and Jim Clark.
It focuses more on the drama than the racing, and since it is a fictional tale, it is more about the experience than the details. Aron’s story is dramatic and enticing, with just as much spectacle off the track as there is on. It is a great way for more casual fans to enjoy the world of Formula 1 while still enjoying the more Hollywood approach.
Grand Prix is available to purchase or rent wherever digital videos are sold
There is so much to love about Formula 1, and with F1 (2025) speeding its way into our hearts, it’s never been clearer how much heart and soul hides under the surface. Here are some of the best ways to fall more in love with the greatest motor racing in the world.
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