F1 ending explained: Real reason behind Sonny leaving the APX team

F1, also known as F1 the movie, was finally released on June 27, 2025, by Warner Bros. Pictures. The sports drama film is directed by Joseph Kosinski, best known for Top Gun: Maverick, who has written its screenplay with Ehren Kruger. Here is the official synopsis as per Letterboxd,

Racing legend Sonny Hayes is coaxed out of retirement to lead a struggling Formula 1 team—and mentor a young hotshot driver—while chasing one more chance at glory.

Since the film hit theaters, there is reportedly chatter about the way it ends. So let us explore its ending.

What is the plot of F1?

A still from F1 | Image via Warner Bros. YouTube

F1 focuses on Sonny Hayes (played by Brad Pitt), who was a successful Formula One driver when he was young. However, his career came to a halt after he suffered an injury during a race. To sustain himself, he has to work as a cab driver in New York. Hayes comes out of retirement to mentor a young racer for the championship.

How does F1 end?

As F1 races towards its end (no pun intended), we see the APX team panicking as their modified car malfunctions. But luckily, the car finally is repaired before the last race. Both Sonny and Joshua Pearce (Damson Idris) are also ready for the race, having recovered from their injuries. The race eventually takes place, and there’s a final sprint in the last lap, which also features Lewis Hamilton. Sonny manages to surpass both Joshua and Hamilton and wins the race.

It's an important moment for Sonny as he finally gets to experience victory after so long, given how his career ended abruptly. Despite the major victory, he packs his bags and leaves, probably to find another racing gig. He doesn't bask in the success and quickly moves on, hinting at his emotional maturity in handling life’s highs. It also reveals that he is passionate about racing and is not chasing success or fame. The race was a chance for him to redeem his life, and he successfully did that. Despite the injury, the character expresses his wish to die on the race track.

Because he has redeemed himself, Sonny realizes that he has nothing to achieve there. This is another reason for him to leave all the noise of the win. We also see Peter Banning's plan to take over the racing team after Ruben Cervantes is fired.

Towards the end, Sonny leaves for Baja. But there are still chances for a potential sequel if the character returns for Ruben’s team in some administrative role. Sonny also promises to see Kate in the future. There are also chances that if a sequel takes place, it might actually focus on Joshua Pearce and his journey as the up-and-coming hotshot in the Formula One world.

While the film follows the typical sports drama tropes of an underdog eventually winning, it also teaches a lesson about loving your work without thinking about the perks.

What do you think of the film's ending?