Why Joshua Lets [Spoiler] Win the Race in F1

Fans of F1 are thrilled to witness what goes on inside and around the pit, and Brad Pitt’s latest movie delivers exactly that. But just like any other curiosity about what goes on inside a driver’s head, viewers want to know: why does Joshua let his teammate win?

Why does Joshua Pearce let Sonny Hayes win F1’s final race for APX GP?

During the final race of the season, both APX GP drivers push their limits in a wild three-way battle against F1 legend Lewis Hamilton. Sonny, fully aware this might be his last race, chooses to support Joshua. He clears the track ahead, hoping Joshua can hold the lead and take the team to victory. This marks a shift in Sonny’s mindset from his earlier, glory-chasing days.

Joshua holds the lead, but Hamilton keeps attacking from behind. The seven-time world champion forces Joshua to defend aggressively. During this battle, Joshua and Hamilton make incidental contact, causing both cars to lose control and skid out of position. Suddenly, Sonny finds himself alone in front.

At that moment, Joshua could have made a risky move to retake the lead, but he doesn’t. Instead, he lets Sonny keep it. Whether it’s instinct, respect, or a team-first mindset, Joshua backs off. He knows how much this win means to Sonny. More importantly, he understands his own time will come. That’s why Joshua lets Sonny Hayes win F1’s final race for APX GP.

With the track clear, Sonny charges through the final lap like a man reborn. He rediscovers the passion that pulled him into racing decades ago. As the checkered flag waves and APX GP celebrates a shocking win, Sonny quietly packs up, skips the spotlight, and drives off, fulfilled at last in F1.

Joshua lets Sonny have the moment—not because he has to, but because he believes he should. In doing so, both drivers leave the track as champions.