Sonny Hayes, portrayed by Brad Pitt, is a former Formula One driver whose career came to an abrupt halt in the 1990s after a devastating crash. Following his retirement from Formula One, Hayes transitioned into competing in other racing disciplines, continuing his passion for motorsport in a different capacity. 

Years later, Ruben, a Formula One team owner and long-time friend of Hayes, played by Javier Bardem, approaches him with an intriguing proposition. Ruben seeks Hayes' expertise and experience to mentor Joshua "Noah" Pearce, a young and exceptionally talented rookie driver, portrayed by Damson Idris. Pearce is set to race for the Apex Grand Prix team (APXGP), and Ruben believes that Hayes' guidance could be pivotal in shaping the prodigy’s career and helping him navigate the challenges of professional racing at the highest level.

This collaboration marks a significant moment for Hayes, as it not only pulls him back into the world of Formula One but also presents an opportunity to impart his hard-earned wisdom to the next generation of drivers.