F1 is unfortunately not presented with the IMAX frame in its home version. It’s a shame since filming the races in IMAX was a draw and Kosinski’s Top Gun: Maverick and Tron: Legacy retained the IMAX scenes at home.
But even in the widescreen frame you can tell F1 is all real. They filmed on real tracks and it is captured in 4K, from the pit crews to the stands to the nature behind the sharp turns.
Most of the races are in bright, vivid daylight. Even the night races are so lit that you’re not going to miss any detail.
There may not be IMAX but the sound certainly envelops you. You’ll hear the cars vroom past you and even some of the announcer talking in the rear speakers.
A series of 5 minute bonus features cover training, practical crashes, a modified electric vehicle, sound recording tech, the various tracks and more. The last few go 10 minutes, and while they’re all on message about the accuracy and collaboration, they get to the point and share the innovations of the movie.