Apple Original Films has launched its most ambitious project to date with F1: The Movie, a high-octane drama starring Brad Pitt as veteran driver Sonny Hayes. Directed by Joseph Kosinski and produced by Jerry Bruckheimer, the film boasts a substantial budget of approximately $300 million, positioning it alongside major blockbusters like Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning and Star Wars: The Last Jedi.
Plot and Production
F1: The Movie follows Sonny Hayes, a seasoned Formula One driver who returns from retirement to mentor a promising rookie, Joshua Pearce, portrayed by Damson Idris. The narrative delves into their efforts to rejuvenate a struggling racing team. The film is noted for its authentic portrayal of the racing world, featuring real-life F1 drivers such as Max Verstappen, Fernando Alonso, Carlos Sainz, and Lando Norris, adding a layer of realism to the cinematic experience. ([as.com](https://as.com/meristation/cine/pilotos-reales-planos-imposibles-y-accion-a-borbotones-asi-es-f1-la-pelicula-n/?utm_source=openai))
Box Office Expectations
Given its hefty production costs, F1: The Movie faces significant pressure to perform at the box office. Industry analysts suggest that for the film to break even, it would need to generate between $600 million and $750 million globally, considering the typical requirement for a movie to earn 2 to 2.5 times its budget to cover production and marketing expenses. ([f1i.com](https://f1i.com/news/507706-brad-pitt-f1-movie-sees-budget-balloon-profitability-in-doubt.html?utm_source=openai))
Projections for the opening weekend vary. Some estimates predict a domestic debut between $45 million and $55 million, with global earnings potentially reaching $115 million. ([boxofficepro.com](https://www.boxofficepro.com/weekend-preview-f1-in-pole-position-for-first-place-finish/?utm_source=openai)) However, other forecasts are more conservative, suggesting a domestic opening as low as $35 million to $40 million. ([macdailynews.com](https://macdailynews.com/2025/06/26/apples-f1-starring-brad-pitt-expected-to-top-box-office-but-projections-are-all-over-the-map/?utm_source=openai))
Critical Reception
Early reviews have been largely positive. The film holds an 88% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics praising its thrilling race sequences and compelling performances. ([livetradingnews.com](https://www.livetradingnews.com/f1-movie-cast-budget-box-office-and-filming-locations-226298.html?utm_source=openai)) Notably, F1 drivers who attended a private screening during the Monaco Grand Prix lauded the film’s authenticity and high-quality footage. ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/formula1/drivers-hail-pitts-f1-movie-hit-after-monaco-screening-2025-05-22/?utm_source=openai))
Challenges and Competition
Despite the favorable reviews, F1: The Movie enters a competitive summer box office landscape. It faces direct competition from other major releases, including M3GAN 2.0, Jurassic World: Rebirth, and a rebooted Superman film. ([boxofficepro.com](https://www.boxofficepro.com/weekend-preview-f1-in-pole-position-for-first-place-finish/?utm_source=openai)) Additionally, the film’s success hinges on its ability to attract not only Formula One enthusiasts but also a broader audience unfamiliar with the sport.
Apple’s Strategic Move
For Apple, F1: The Movie represents a significant investment in original content and a strategic push into the theatrical market. The tech giant has previously ventured into film production with titles like Killers of the Flower Moon and Napoleon, but has yet to achieve a major box office success. ([macdailynews.com](https://macdailynews.com/2025/06/26/apples-f1-starring-brad-pitt-expected-to-top-box-office-but-projections-are-all-over-the-map/?utm_source=openai)) The performance of F1: The Movie could influence Apple’s future endeavors in the entertainment industry.
Conclusion
As F1: The Movie accelerates into theaters, its box office performance will be closely monitored. The film’s blend of star power, authentic racing action, and high production values positions it as a potential summer blockbuster. However, it must navigate the challenges of a crowded release schedule and high financial expectations to cross the finish line as a commercial success.
