In one of the most electrifying box office debuts of 2025, Brad Pitt’s latest racing drama, F1, has roared past industry expectations with a spectacular $144 million global opening weekend. This high-octane film, blending real Formula 1 racing action with intense drama, has not only thrilled motorsport fans but also pulled in general moviegoers from across the world.
A Roaring Start: The Numbers That Matter
The film’s box office figures have sent shockwaves across Hollywood and the global film industry. F1 grossed an estimated $55.6 million in North America (United States and Canada) during its first three days. International markets contributed another $88.4 million, pushing the total global opening weekend collection to a stunning $144 million.
This makes F1 the biggest theatrical launch for Apple Original Films to date, surpassing all their earlier projects in terms of box office performance. This is a major win for Apple, which had primarily focused on streaming and niche theatrical releases before this.
The Star Power of Brad Pitt
Brad Pitt’s presence has undeniably played a key role in drawing audiences to theaters. Playing the role of Sonny Hayes, a retired Formula 1 driver making a sensational comeback, Pitt delivers both the intensity and charisma that fans expect from him.
Pitt’s star power isn’t new to box office success. His past films like World War Z, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, and Troy have all seen massive openings. With F1, he continues this legacy, giving Hollywood one of its most successful sports drama openings ever.
Reports suggest that Pitt received a paycheck of nearly $30 million for his role, making this one of his most lucrative acting assignments in recent years.
High-Octane Production: Real Racing Meets Cinematic Excellence
What sets F1 apart from traditional sports films is its authentic connection with real-world Formula 1 racing. Director Joseph Kosinski, known for his visual spectacles like Top Gun: Maverick, shot much of the film at real Formula 1 tracks. The production used modified Formula 2 cars fitted with Formula 1-like aerodynamic packages to capture the high-speed sequences.
A special IMAX camera rig was developed to give audiences a driver’s-eye view from inside the cockpit, making race scenes feel intensely immersive. Every curve, every overtake, and every crash feels raw and real, giving cinema-goers an adrenaline rush.
The film also benefited from significant technical input from Formula 1 teams, engineers, and even current drivers. This level of detail has given F1 authenticity that resonates with die-hard racing fans.
Audience and Critical Reception
Audiences are reacting positively to the film. The movie has earned an “A” CinemaScore from viewers in the U.S., indicating high satisfaction levels.
Online forums and social media platforms are filled with glowing reviews about the race sequences, realistic sound design, and Brad Pitt’s committed performance. Many viewers have particularly praised the IMAX experience, describing it as the closest thing to actually sitting inside a Formula 1 car during a race.
Critics have also applauded the film’s combination of action, drama, and emotional storytelling. While some noted the film follows a familiar underdog comeback storyline, the technical execution and intense race footage have set it apart.
International Success: A Global Appeal
One of the biggest surprises for trade analysts was the film’s performance in international markets. The UK, where Formula 1 enjoys a massive fanbase, contributed significantly to the global total. The film also opened strongly in other European countries, Asia, and Latin America.
In India, the movie collected approximately ₹21.25 crore in its first three days, with Sunday alone bringing in ₹8 crore. This strong performance in India highlights the country’s growing interest in Formula 1, which has seen a surge in popularity over the past few years.
Other notable overseas markets included China, Mexico, Australia, and Germany, all contributing millions to the global gross.
Apple’s Theatrical Gamble Pays Off
For Apple Original Films, F1 marks a turning point. Previously, the studio had focused on streaming releases or limited theatrical runs meant to support awards campaigns. While Apple received critical acclaim with movies like CODA and Killers of the Flower Moon, neither delivered at the box office like F1.
This success shows that with the right project and marketing push, Apple can compete with traditional studios on the big screen.
Industry insiders believe that this result will encourage Apple to continue investing in large-scale theatrical releases before making films available on its streaming platform, Apple TV+.
Behind-the-Scenes Collaborations
The film was a product of collaboration between Apple Studios, Warner Bros., and Formula 1 itself. Legendary Hollywood producer Jerry Bruckheimer, along with Formula 1 superstar Lewis Hamilton, also served as producers on the film.
Their combined expertise—Hamilton bringing real-world racing insights and Bruckheimer ensuring blockbuster entertainment value—gave the film a balance between sporting authenticity and mainstream appeal.
Damson Idris, playing rookie driver Joshua Pearce, has also received widespread praise for his performance. Javier Bardem, portraying team owner Ruben Cervantes, added gravitas and humor to the storyline.
The Formula 1 Effect: Impact on the Sport
The film’s success isn’t just about movie theaters. Formula 1 itself stands to benefit from this global exposure. With many people experiencing the thrill of F1 racing for the first time via the film, sports analysts predict a bump in Formula 1 TV viewership, social media engagement, and merchandise sales.
This cross-industry collaboration shows how entertainment and sports can boost each other’s popularity when executed correctly.
Upcoming Challenges and Box Office Projections
Despite its roaring start, F1 will face competition in the coming weeks from major releases like the latest installment of the Jurassic World franchise and several summer blockbusters.
However, given its strong opening and positive word-of-mouth, trade experts believe the film has a good chance of crossing the $300 million global box office mark. Some even suggest that if international markets stay strong, it could inch closer to $400 million.
Much will depend on how well the movie performs in its second and third weekends, typically considered critical for long-term success.
Changing the Sports Drama Game
Historically, sports dramas have been a risky proposition at the global box office. Even critically acclaimed films like Rush and Ford v Ferrari had to rely heavily on international markets and awards buzz to turn a profit.
F1 seems to have broken this trend. Its massive opening shows that when combined with star power, cutting-edge filmmaking, and the right marketing strategy, even niche sports like Formula 1 can drive blockbuster success.
Final Thoughts: A Victory Lap for Cinema and Sports
Brad Pitt’s F1 isn’t just another summer movie; it’s a cinematic event that blends Hollywood glamour with the thrill of international motorsport. For moviegoers, it offers stunning visuals, compelling storytelling, and adrenaline-pumping race sequences. For Formula 1, it offers a global platform to reach new audiences.
For Apple, it marks a bold new direction—proving that streaming giants can also deliver massive theatrical hits when the project and timing are right.
As the film races into its next few weeks, fans and industry watchers alike will keep an eye on its box office trajectory. But one thing is clear: F1 has already crossed the finish line when it comes to making a lasting impact.