Brad Pitt’s highly anticipated F1 movie, a high-octane sports drama backed by Apple Studios, hits cinemas worldwide on June 27, 2025. With a mega-budget and an A-list cast, the film is aiming to make a big splash at the global box office. Directed by Top Gun: Maverick filmmaker Joseph Kosinski, this motorsport saga puts Formula One under the cinematic spotlight like never before.
The F1 Movie Showcases Brad Pitt as a Retired Formula One Driver Thrust Back Into the High-Speed World of Racing
The F1 movie revolves around Sonny Hayes, played by Brad Pitt, a legendary Formula One driver pulled out of retirement. He returns to the track to mentor a talented young rookie named Joshua Pearce, portrayed by Damson Idris. Together, they aim to revive the fortunes of the underperforming APX GP racing team and tackle fierce competition from elite F1 teams across iconic tracks.
Joining the cast are Kerry Condon as the team’s head engineer, Javier Bardem as the team principal, and Tobias Menzies in a pivotal role. The script delivers adrenaline-pumping race sequences and emotional depth, as the characters fight personal and professional battles in the ruthless world of Formula One.
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Real F1 Tracks, Authentic Racing Scenes, and High-Speed Action Deliver Unparalleled Visuals for Motorsports Fans
To ensure authenticity, the filmmakers used real Formula 2 cars upgraded with F1 parts. Brad Pitt himself drove the modified vehicles, reaching speeds of over 200 mph on genuine F1 tracks like Silverstone, Spa, Las Vegas, and Yas Marina in Abu Dhabi.
Legendary F1 champion Lewis Hamilton, who serves as a producer, guided the racing sequences to maintain accuracy. The crew filmed during actual Grand Prix weekends to capture the electric atmosphere of live racing events, making the F1 movie feel like you’re sitting in the cockpit.
With a Massive Budget Exceeding $300 Million, Apple Studios Is Banking Big on the Success of the F1 Movie
Originally expected to cost around $200 million, the F1 movie budget has ballooned to over $300 million due to production delays, strike-related shutdowns, and global shoots. Some estimates even suggest it may have touched $400 million, making it one of the most expensive non-franchise films in recent years.
Apple Studios, which previously released big-screen projects like Napoleon and Killers of the Flower Moon, is making another theatrical push. Unlike traditional studios, Apple’s $3 trillion valuation gives it more flexibility in balancing box office results with streaming value. But make no mistake—the studio still needs the film to perform well to justify such an investment.
Early Box Office Predictions Suggest a Strong Start, but F1 Movie Must Maintain Momentum Worldwide to Break Even
According to industry tracking services, the F1 movie is projected to earn $50–60 million in its opening weekend in North America. However, more cautious forecasts place the domestic debut around $35–40 million. Globally, the film aims for a $75 million+ start across 77 territories.
But considering its high production and marketing costs, analysts believe it needs to gross $600–900 million worldwide to break even. That’s a tall order for an original sports drama, especially when it’s not tied to a proven franchise.
Brad Pitt’s Star Power, Combined With Global F1 Fandom, Could Give the Movie an Edge Over Its Competition
The global popularity of Formula One could help the F1 movie succeed beyond the U.S. Audiences in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East—regions with deep F1 roots—are expected to turn out in large numbers.
Brad Pitt’s enduring box office draw, combined with Kosinski’s sleek direction and Jerry Bruckheimer’s production oversight (as he did with Top Gun: Maverick), could be the secret formula to help the movie outperform expectations.
Apple’s Marketing Strategy Includes Smart Theatrical Discounts to Encourage Viewers to Watch the F1 Movie on the Big Screen
Apple is leveraging its ecosystem to boost attendance. For example, U.S. moviegoers using Apple Pay on Fandango can receive a 10% discount when buying two or more tickets. This move incentivizes group viewing and promotes theatrical turnout—especially for fans eager to experience the sound and scale of F1 on the big screen.
The studio hopes this multi-channel strategy—combining Hollywood spectacle with Apple’s tech-savvy promotion—will draw in more than just racing fans.
Early Reviews Praise the Visuals and Performances, Though Some Critics Point Out Predictable Plotlines
The first wave of reviews praises the F1 movie for its immersive cinematography, practical racing sequences, and thrilling pacing. Critics applaud Brad Pitt and Damson Idris for their compelling mentor-protégé dynamic.
However, some reviews note that while the visuals are groundbreaking, the film’s narrative falls into familiar sports-movie territory. Still, the sheer spectacle and realism of the racing make it worth a watch for audiences of all kinds.
F1 Movie Faces Competition From M3GAN 2.0 and Live-Action How to Train Your Dragon at the Box Office
Opening the same weekend is M3GAN 2.0, the sequel to the 2023 horror hit. It’s expected to earn about $20 million, significantly less than the original’s $30.4 million debut. Another competitor is the live-action remake of How to Train Your Dragon, also eyeing the #2 box office slot.
Despite this, industry experts predict that the F1 movie will race to the top of the domestic and international charts this weekend, barring any major surprises.
Can the F1 Movie Become a Global Blockbuster or Will It Stall at the Finish Line?
The F1 movie arrives with roaring engines and high expectations. It brings together cinematic excellence, real motorsport action, and global star power. But with an astronomical budget, the film must perform exceptionally well both in the U.S. and overseas markets.
If audiences embrace its authenticity and emotional storytelling, it could set a new standard for sports dramas and theatrical streaming hybrids. If not, it may go down as an ambitious but costly misfire.
