The passion, the intrigue, the competitiveness, the great rivalries and the legends of the “big top” do not remain in the circuits and the teams, many of them have transcended to the seventh art.
Here we recommend some films that are worth watching to learn more of the best stories around motor sports.
Weekend of a Champion (1972)
Taking advantage of his friendship with Sir Jackie Stewart, renowned director Roman Polanski entered the world of Formula 1 to closely follow the driver during one of the most emblematic weekends on the calendar: the Monaco Grand Prix. With no prior documentary experience, Polanski produced the project and brought in Frank Simon to write and co-direct it.
In this gem appear: Graham Hill, François Cevert, Ringo Starr, Ken Tyrrell and Juan Manuel Fangio, among others, provide a unique presence. The film remained archived for four decades, but thanks to the Technicolor restoration, the original material was given new life. In addition, Polanski and Stewart filmed an unprecedented 15-minute introduction, giving context to this cinematic gem that today we can enjoy as an invaluable testimony to a golden era of motorsport.
Senna (2010)
Winner of the BAFTA and Sundance awards, this documentary directed by Asif Kapadia offers an intimate and revealing portrait of Ayrton Senna through never-before-seen footage. More than a biography, it is a historical testimony that explores both the competitive and extraordinary side of the Brazilian driver as well as unknown aspects of his personal life.
With impeccable editing by Chris King and Gregers Sall, Senna It transports us to Formula 1 of the 80s and 90s, one of the most iconic and exciting stages of world motorsport.
Rush: Passion and Glory (2013)
Directed by Ron Howard and featuring outstanding performances by Chris Hemsworth and Daniel Brühl, Rush It has established itself as a cult film among Formula 1 fans. The film intensely portrays the mythical rivalry between James Hunt and Niki Lauda during the 1976 season, a confrontation that pushed both drivers to the limit and deeply marked the life of the Austrian, who was on the brink of death after a tragic accident.
The film is distinguished by its spectacular racing scenes, recreated with great precision. The iconic Ferrari and McLaren cars, driven by Lauda and Hunt, come to life on screen, making the story an essential experience for any motorsport lover.
Fangio: The Man Who Tamed the Machines (2020)
The Argentine Juan Manuel Fangio is undoubtedly one of the greatest legends in the history of Formula 1. Known as “Chueco”, he was the first great global star of motorsports and a five-time champion who marked a before and after in the sport. Despite the passage of time, many of their records still remain as references in the category.
This documentary, directed by Francisco Macri, offers an essential tour of the origins of Formula 1 and Fangio’s overwhelming dominance in its glory years. Figures such as Fernando Alonso, Jackie Stewart, Mika Häkkinen, Alain Prost and Carlos Reutemann contribute their vision and experience to give even more depth to the legacy of a simply incomparable driver.
Schumacher (2021)
This documentary is an intimate and powerful portrait of seven-time Formula 1 world champion Michael Schumacher. Through valuable family recordings, unpublished archive material and interviews with key motorsport figures, this work offers a close look at the life and career of the legendary German driver. The visual and emotional narrative is impressive enough to captivate both sports fans and those who discover its story for the first time, the pilot’s successful path to his tragic ski accident.
Grand Prix (1966)
For many Formula 1 fans, this is the film that has best captured the spirit of the championship. Directed by John Frankenheimer, Grand Prix It combines real Grand Prix images with an intense cinematographic narrative, managing to convey the passion, drama and emotion that define the premier category of motorsport.
The film stars Toshiro Mifune as a Soichiro Honda-inspired motorsports magnate, and features legends such as Juan Manuel Fangio, John Surtees, Jim Clark and Jack Brabham, filmed in glorious Super Panavision. Awarded three Oscars (Best Editing, Best Sound and Best Sound Effects), Grand Prix It remains a must-see reference for lovers of cinema and speed.
This article was originally published in the special print F1 edition of Forbes Mexico for October 2025.
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