F1 has already been featured in some of my previous posts. Most notably in the Assetto Corsa post, but for the F1 2020 pre-purchase (and the upcoming sale that we have at IndieGala) I have prepared something different. Something quite special.
An entire F1 2020 inspired post occupied entirely by F1 documentary films. Yeah. I figured since most of my posts are about feature-length movies, it’s best to shake things up a bit. And of course try something rather fun, new and exciting.
The other reason for the content of this post is the fact that documentary movies are often pushed to the side. They’re often sold to he artsy art-house people, as opposed to the ubiquitous mainstream blockbuster movies of today. Documentary movies are often ignored and downplayed as boring, but I’m here to dismiss all that.
F1 2020 and 5 distinct documentary movies
How? By offering you a great selection of documentary movies that not only will entertain you, they’ll also inform you about the world of F1. Not to mention, adding Rush, Grand Prix, The Betsy and Bobby Deerfield again seems a bit repetitive and boring. So, let’s try something new shall we? However, before I dive into the fun world of F1 documentary movies, I believe a word or two about the F1 2020 is in order.
F1 2020: What’s the game all about?
Developed and published by CodeMasters. F1 2020 is a fun and exciting F1 simulation game. It’s also one the most comprehensive F1 game yet. But the game features some awesome in-game customization items. Items such as car livery, podium celebration, helmet, race suit, gloves, boots and player badge. Just to name a few.
For the first time ever, players can create their own F1 team by creating a driver, then choosing a sponsor, an engine supplier. Next, they can hire a teammate and even compete as the 11th team on the grid. If you choose so, you can also build facilities, develop the team over time and drive to the top. But it’s all up to you.
However, the most worthy additions here are the awesome split-screen racing, a new steering assist and more accessible race experience. Not bad right? This means that you can enjoy the game with friends, no matter what’s your skill level. Ultimately you don’t have to be Michael Schumacher to play this game. In addition to all the perks and features, F1 2020 features all the official teams, drivers and 22 circuits. Including two new races: Hanoi Circuit and Circuit Zandvoort. Cool right? Indeed.
So with that in mind… Which documentary movies should fit here? Scroll down to find out.
1
Yes, that’s the title of the movie. For real. Released in 2013, 1 actually takes place in the golden era of Grand Prix Racing. But at the same time, the movie traces the history of F1 as a sport. From the early days to the most recent tragedies in the sport. One of the best actors of his generation and fan of F1 Michael Fassbender is the narrator of the documentary.
And along with fantastic archive footage in the movie, there are plenty of great interviewees as well. Even 7 years after the release of the documentary, 1 has an 8.0 score on IMDB. And furthermore is now a true classic in the world of documentary movies. Fun fact about the movie! 1 premiered just a few months before the horrific Michael Schumacher’s skiing accident. So, the former F1 champion has one of his last on-camera appearances here. Watch it if you’re fan both of the German legend and of F1. It’s really good.
Williams
An origin story about an entire F1 team? Yes, that’s what Williams is all about indeed. It tells the story about the Williams – the famous F1 team, and it’s great. From the inception, all the way to present times. Everything is in the movie. However, the documentary also focuses on the life, career and family of Sir Frank Williams. The founder of the Williams team of course. Today, the movie has 93% of acceptance on Rotten Tomatoes, but it’s a good watch if you’re not a fan of the F1 team too.
Certainly, the origin story of Frank William is a fascinating one, but you’ll find that as you watch the movie. He started his career in the sport as a driver no less. And he was not as affluent as plenty of his contemporaries were at the time. He made money in selling spare parts, buying old racing cars, refurbishing them and selling them on. Usually back to the people he bought it off from in the first place. In short, he was a bit of a hustler, but it’s also what makes him compelling and fascinating. In addition to the bad luck that proceeded him for a while, his first racing driver Piers Courage died in 1970 at the Dutch Grand Prix. This event still haunts him, however he persevered and is now considered an icon of F1.
Senna
A documentary about another great legend. Ayrton Senna. Released in 2010, Senna is a fantastic documentary about (of course) Ayrton Senna. Brazil’s pride and joy, and one of the most talented F1 drivers of all time. It’s a fascinating and insightful story about his life, career and untimely death in 1994.
A the same time, Senna is a fantastic movie, about the talent of Senna, about his struggles both on and off the track. Not to mention the rivalry with Alain Prost and his fight to change the dangerous policies in the sport itself. Fun fact about the documentary is that Senna is the first film about Ayrton Senna that had the approval and support of his family. Additionally, the organization of Formula One Management, which gave unprecedented images of Senna in order to make the movie. Senna won 2 BAFTA awards and is considered a true classic. I highly recommend this movie.
Lauda: The Untold Story
Very similar to the Senna documentary, the Lauda: The Untold Story is a story about another legend of F1. Niki Lauda. In addition to the life and career of Lauda, the documentary shines a light on that fateful day at Nurburgring. Lauda’s horrific crash in 1976 left him scarred and disfigured for the rest of his life, but it also prompted lots of safety reforms and regulations afterwards. The documentary features interviews with Lauda, his family and his colleagues. And his biggest rivals on and of the F1 circuits too. But if you’re a fan of Ron Howard’s Rush you’ll love Lauda: The Untold Story as well. In fact, it’s a lot more informative than Howard’s biopic because it’s mostly focused on Lauda. But I suppose the documentary format allows it.
Superswede
And last but certainly not least, Superswede. This is also a documentary about another tragically killed F1 driver. The Superswede. Ronnie Peterson died at the age of 34 (the same age as Ayrton Senna), in the same country as Senna (in Italy) and in the same way as the Brazilian F1 driver. Ironically he first escaped the crash with 27 fractures on his legs, but the overnight complications eventually claimed his life.
The sudden death during a car crash shocked the world, but imagine what he could have achieved in the Golden Era of F1. With his talent and determination. In addition to the tragedy of his death, Ronnie’s widow never really got over this and sadly committed suicide less than a decade after his death. One of the flaws of this movie is the fact that probably around 70% of the movie is spoken in English, with the rest of the movie in Swedish. So, you’ll need some good subtitles if you decide to watch it.
F1 2020 and some of your picks
What are some of your picks? What are some of your favorite F1 documentaries? Tell us in the comment section. We’d love to know all about them.
