Apple Original Films is shifting gears once again, accelerating plans for a sequel to its high-octane Formula One hit F1: The Movie, starring Brad Pitt. After the film’s unexpectedly strong box-office performance, the tech giant is now exploring ways to expand the racing saga into a full-scale franchise. This signals a bold ambition to move beyond streaming exclusives and establish itself as a theatrical blockbuster contender.
The decision follows months of hints that Apple sees the F1: The Movie sequel not just as a continuation, but as a foundation for a long-term cinematic universe rooted in the adrenaline, spectacle, and real-world prestige of Formula One.
Racing Into the Record Books: The Success of F1: The Movie
“F1” uses custom-built cars based on F2 chassis | Photo: Getty Images/Ryan Pierse
When Apple Original Films first announced its venture into the fiercely competitive world of Formula 1, many fans were intrigued. But few foresaw the scale that the film would ultimately achieve. Released globally in theaters and IMAX in June 2025 and distributed by Warner Bros., F1: The Movie (stylized simply as F1) quickly defied expectations.
Directed by Top Gun: Maverick veteran Joseph Kosinski and backed by an impressive production team—including Jerry Bruckheimer, Brad Pitt (via Plan B), and seven-time F1 world champion Lewis Hamilton—the film embraced real-world risk. Rather than relying on controlled studio sets, the production embedded itself within actual Grand Prix weekends, capturing the visceral roar of engines and the raw energy of live competition.
On screen, Pitt stars as Sonny Hayes, a brilliant rising driver of the 1990s whose career was cut short by a devastating accident. Decades later, he’s pulled out of retirement by former teammate Ruben Cervantes (Javier Bardem) to rescue the struggling APXGP team. His reluctant partnership with rookie Joshua Pearce (Damson Idris) sets the stage for a redemptive, emotionally charged comeback story.
Pitt later described the experience as “one of the most extraordinary” of his career, praising F1 teams and drivers for their authenticity and openness. Apple’s head of worldwide video, Zack Van Amburg, echoed that sentiment, calling the film “deeply emotional and entertaining” thanks to the collective craftsmanship behind the project.
Box Office Triumph & Cultural Impact
Brad Pitt (playing Sonny Hayes) greets Damson Idris (playing Joshua Pearce) after the Abu Dhabi GP | Photo: Sipa USA
Publicly available box-office figures paint a staggering picture: F1: The Movie earned $631 million worldwide against a reported budget of $200–300 million. It became Apple Studios’ first major box-office hit, the highest-grossing auto-racing film in history, and Brad Pitt’s biggest theatrical performer to date.
Its domestic opening weekend—$55.6 million—marked the largest debut for any Apple Original Films release, demonstrating not only strong fan interest but also Apple’s growing influence in theatrical distribution. Audiences and critics alike praised the film’s blend of visceral racing sequences, grounded emotional stakes, and a rare authenticity made possible by its unprecedented access to the real Formula 1 world.
From Podium Finish to Sequel Strategy: Apple’s Ambitions with F1: The Movie
Brad Pitt, Tim Cook, and Lewis Hamilton behind the scenes of F1: The Movie | Photo: Brooks Kraft
As momentum grew, so did speculation—and now Apple appears ready to shift into a higher gear. CEO Tim Cook acknowledged that a sequel is “definitely something that is being talked about,” citing the creative team’s exceptional work and calling the film “next-level.”
The comments align with Apple’s evolving theatrical strategy. Increasingly, the company appears comfortable playing in blockbuster territory: releasing prestige tentpoles in cinemas globally before bringing them home to Apple TV+. F1 proved Apple can dominate the global box office and then drive viewers back to its own ecosystem—a powerful strategy for long-term growth.
Executive Producers Weigh In: Building a Franchise With Purpose
“F1” uses custom-built cars based on F2 chassis | Photo: Getty Images/Ryan Pierse
Jerry Bruckheimer, with decades of franchise-building expertise, recently confirmed that he is “developing another F1,” hinting that Apple might already be laying groundwork for a trilogy or more. Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton—whose insights shaped the first film’s realism—remains a steadying force behind the scenes. Through his Dawn Apollo Films banner, he ensured authenticity on everything from driver psychology to on-track dynamics.
Brad Pitt converse with Lewis Hamilton on the set of F1: The Movie
But Hamilton also urged restraint. Ahead of a Grand Prix weekend, he cautioned: “The worst thing we probably could do is rush into doing a sequel… let’s really, really take our time in getting it even better.”
Drawing a parallel to race-team strategy, he called for a careful “debrief”—a full evaluation of what worked and what could improve. His insistence on a methodical approach ensures the next film won’t sacrifice quality for speed.
What Could a Sequel Explore?
Joseph Kosinski on the set of “F1: The Movie”
While no storyline is confirmed, early creative discussions hint at exciting possibilities. According to Collider, Kosinski once floated a bold crossover: a meeting between Sonny Hayes and NASCAR legend Cole Trickle—the fictional driver from Days of Thunder. Such a crossover would broaden the film’s world beyond F1 circuits and introduce new forms of rivalry and adrenaline.
Beyond spectacle, a sequel could deepen Sonny Hayes’s emotional journey: shifting from personal redemption to legacy-building. His dynamic with Joshua Pearce could evolve into mentorship, rivalry, or something far more complex. Ruben Cervantes (Bardem) could see his alliance with Sonny strain under new pressures. And with F1 teams eager to collaborate again, real-world circuits, new champions, and fresh conflicts could anchor the narrative.
Bigger Picture: What This Means for Apple, Formula 1, and Brad Pitt
Brad Pitt as Sonny Hayes in F1 | Photo: Apple Studios
If Apple officially moves forward, it won’t simply be producing another movie. It will be constructing a Formula 1 cinematic universe. With Hamilton’s real-world expertise, Bruckheimer’s blockbuster instincts, and Kosinski’s technical precision, the franchise could redefine how motorsport is portrayed on screen.
For Apple, the stakes are transformative. A racing saga could fuel subscriber growth, strengthen Apple TV+, bring cinematic spectacle into its larger ecosystem, and solidify Apple Original Films as a studio capable of delivering global hits—not just prestige titles.
For Pitt, F1 already represents a standout moment—both creatively and commercially. A sequel to F1: The Movie would allow him to expand Sonny Hayes’s journey and potentially cement one of his most memorable late-career roles.
As engines begin to warm for a possible second lap, all eyes are on Apple. If F1: The Movie was the company’s podium finish, the sequel just might be the checkered flag.
Featured image: Apple
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John Edegbai
A passionate contributor at Style Rave, focused on men’s style, health, entertainment, and art, with a great eye for spotting money-saving deals. At Style Rave, we aim to inspire our readers by providing engaging content to not just entertain but to inform and empower you as you ASPIRE to become more stylish, live smarter and be healthier. Follow us on Instagram @StyleRave_ ♥
