Rewatching Rush: Why This F1 Classic Left Me Frustrated Before Monaco GP

by

In 2013, I first fell in love with Formula 1 racing, coinciding with the release of the Ron Howard-directed film “Rush.” This movie, inspired by real events, featured Chris Hemsworth as James Hunt and Daniel Brühl as Niki Lauda. Since I had been avidly following the sport for a year, I eagerly watched it on its opening weekend, and I absolutely enjoyed it.

In recent times, Formula One racing has gained significant popularity in the U.S. The hit Netflix series, “Drive To Survive,” and an upcoming movie starring Brad Pitt titled “F1” are testaments to this surge of interest. The most anticipated race of the F1 season, the Monaco Grand Prix, will take place on May 25 in the South of France. This renowned global event, known as the Monaco Grand Prix, is scheduled for Sunday and can be watched with a combined subscription package of Disney Plus, Hulu, and ESPN Plus.

Disney Plus + Hulu + ESPN Plus: From $16.99 A Month

Check out the lineup of all 2025 F1 races by combining ESPN+ with Hulu and Disney+. This app not only lets you stream soccer, NHL games, and a multitude of college sports, but also provides access to fantastic content from Disney and Hulu. It’s undeniably the most attractive streaming bundle on the market right now. Take advantage of the offer!

Ahead of the Monaco Grand Prix, I decided to re-watch the movie Rush. Although I still believe that the film features some awe-inspiring moments and excellent acting performances, I felt annoyed at its conclusion. With my current knowledge about Formula 1 – encompassing both the sport’s rich history and factors influencing wins and losses – I found several historical inaccuracies and exaggerations in the racing sequences of the movie. Let’s delve into these discrepancies.

The Rivalry Between Hunt And Lauda Was Intense, But Not Nearly So Tense

In the mid-70s, James Hunt and Niki Lauda were two prominent racers on the circuit, and for three consecutive years, from 1975 to 1977, they developed a fierce rivalry. Notably, Lauda clinched championship titles in ’75 and ’77, while Hunt emerged victorious in the year 1976. The film primarily focuses on Hunt’s winning season, as Lauda endured a devastating crash at the Nürburgring near the close of the racing season.

In my perspective, I’d rather not retell the tale of the ’76 championship since the film does an adequate job of detailing its intricacies. However, what left me aggravated was the skewed portrayal of the rivalry and friendship between Hunt and Lauda in the movie. While it’s undeniable that they were rivals, their relationship was more amicable than the film suggests. In fact, Hunt’s son recalls that they shared a room early on in their careers.

In the movie, there’s a constant tension between the two characters, a dislike that, according to all reports, was not present in real life. Though they may have exchanged harsh words and competed fiercely on the track, aiming to outperform each other, they held a mutual respect for one another and their driving abilities. This aspect of their relationship is conspicuously absent from the film. In the movie, they appear to detest each other for most of it, but grudgingly acknowledge each other’s positions in Formula 1.

That Wasn’t The Only History That Was Stretched, Either

In many films, historical facts can be bent or ignored entirely, but the film “Rush” presents an unusual annoyance due to its embellishments. In the movie, following Lauda’s first press conference after the accident, a reporter queries him about his marriage surviving his disfigurement. Hunt, understandably upset by this question, allegedly attacks the reporter following the press conference. However, there’s no proof that such an incident ever took place. This scene appears to be fictional, possibly inserted to convey that despite their rivalry, Hunt held some regard for Lauda. If the truth about their friendship had been portrayed in the movie, such a scene would have been unnecessary.

In the final scene of the film, Lauda and Hunt’s encounter at the airport, where they seem to resolve their disagreements by shaking hands, is also fictional. Such a meeting never took place in reality, and even if portrayed accurately, their interaction likely wouldn’t have been as depicted. Despite serving as a satisfying conclusion to the movie, it’s important to note that this scene was not based on actual events.

The Racing Scenes Were Off, Too

Initially, I’d like to mention that a significant number of racing scenes are impressive and contribute to the overall quality of the film. However, it’s worth noting that these races, as portrayed, don’t always align perfectly with real Formula One (F1) events. Unlike NASCAR, where collisions are part of the race, F1 drivers take great care to avoid any contact, particularly among themselves.

In certain instances, it seems as though Hunt and Lauda might have collided by touching tires. However, while such an incident may theoretically occur, it’s highly unlikely that it happened as frequently or forcefully as suggested. Formula One vehicles are potent yet fragile machines. Unlike NASCAR-style stock cars, they can’t withstand significant damage. Even minor impacts could significantly impair their performance due to their light weight. Moreover, drivers strive to avoid collisions because both parties risk losing control and crashing if they do.

I Still Like The Movie, Just A Little Less

In retrospect, if Rush was purely a work of fiction rather than being based on real events, I believe I would have found it more enjoyable. Despite its flaws, it’s an outstanding film with many compelling moments, both related to and beyond the race track. The performances, particularly by Hemsworth and Brühl, are top-notch. The action sequences are thrilling and keep you on tenterhooks. It’s a visually stunning movie that effectively captures the essence of Formula One, with its sleekness, speed, and glamour.

The story isn’t entirely factual, but rather loosely based, given my longtime fandom of the racing league and extensive knowledge of its history. Watching the film leaves me disappointed as it could have been told more effectively. Legendary figures like James Hunt and Niki Lauda, with their real-life friendship in Formula 1 being nothing short of inspiring, make the deviations from reality frustrating. At least, I’m excited about the upcoming F1 movie on the 2025 schedule, as it is a work of fiction.

Read More

2025-05-24 01:09