The summer’s sleekest sports drama has box office momentum and star power — but does it do justice to the real-life thrill of Formula 1? Boardroom dives into the debate.
F1: The Movie finally hit the gas on June 27, racing into theaters after much anticipation.
While it’s already proving to be a commercial win, the internet isn’t exactly waving a checkered flag. For some, the adrenaline-fueled action and emotional character arcs are a welcome thrill ride. For others — especially longtime fans of the sport — the film veers too far into Hollywood dramatization. Still, between Apple’s expanding footprint in theatrical releases and Warner Bros.’ reliable box office performances, the F1 film marks another major moment for both studios and the motorsport itself.
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Apple’s Box Office Success
F1: The Movie marks another major box office win for Apple Original Films. The film joins a growing streak of critically acclaimed and commercially successful theatrical releases. Apple has already made waves with films like Killers of the Flower Moon, Napoleon, CODA, and Argylle, but the F1 film represents a key crossover moment: a mainstream blockbuster with a built-in global fan base, shot in real-time at actual Grand Prix races and backed by massive talent.
By partnering with Warner Bros. for the global rollout, Apple secured a wide release strategy that many streaming-first platforms have struggled to execute. According to Box Office Mojo data, F1: The Movie generated over $153 million globally in its first week, with $63.9 million from domestic audiences and $89.3 million from international markets. The domestic opening weekend alone delivered $57 million, underscoring just how much interest there was from both fans of the sport and curious newcomers.
The film’s hybrid strategy — blending real race footage, Hollywood spectacle, and behind-the-scenes access to actual F1 teams — gave it a unique edge in both authenticity and marketing. Apple’s ability to fund big-budget projects while partnering with trusted theatrical distributors, such as Warner Bros., has helped it carve out a rare niche as a tech company that can play — and win — in the traditional studio system.
Online Discourse
Despite its impressive box office performance, the film has sparked plenty of debate online, particularly among hardcore fans of the sport. Some viewers praised the on-track cinematography and attention to real-world detail, but others found the plot and race sequences a little too theatrical. One common complaint is that the film takes creative liberties that stretch believability, from exaggerated overtakes to the idea of a 50-something retired driver making a full-on comeback at the pinnacle of motorsport. Others have pointed out that while the film captures the energy of an F1 weekend, it glosses over the intense politics, team dynamics, and technological complexity that define the sport in reality.
Still, for general audiences, that tradeoff between realism and entertainment seems to have paid off — and for F1, the exposure is a net positive, even if the purists are rolling their eyes.
My Take
I knew I was going to support this film no matter what — I’m a true fan of the sport. Yes, I even went to a Regal theater just so I could snag one of those limited-edition helmet popcorn buckets.
While Brad Pitt brings undeniable star power, I was honestly most excited to see Damson Idris take the wheel. His performance as Joshua Pearce was magnetic — he brought depth, charm, and chemistry that meshed perfectly with Pitt’s Sonny Hayes. I was genuinely tuned in from the first minute to the last.
That said, a few creative choices didn’t land for me. The whole APXGP crash-as-a-strategy angle felt a bit off — no real team would lean on something that reckless, especially not in a sport where every race can make or break your season. And while the mentor-mentee dynamic was compelling, I would’ve much rather followed a young, upstart team entering their first season, something we’re actually going to see in real life with Cadillac’s entry into F1 next year. That story would’ve felt fresher and more reflective of where the sport is headed.
I also found myself wanting more of the full race weekend experience. F1 isn’t just about race day — it’s a three-day spectacle with practice sessions, qualifying drama, and an entire culture built around high-end brand activations, paddock club moments, and the international glamor of each circuit. A scene with the drivers out at dinner, or more behind-the-scenes tension during qualifying, could’ve added richness and authenticity.
Still, I have to give the filmmakers credit for creating a story that none of us expected. The cinematography was easily one of the film’s most significant wins — every shot felt immersive, high-stakes, and captured the speed and intensity of F1 in a way that genuinely impressed me.
And honestly, I just want more of Joshua Pearce. Idris absolutely delivered — his character arc was one of the film’s strongest elements, and I’d happily watch him lead the grid in a sequel.
Will We Get a Sequel?
While no official sequel has been confirmed yet, the groundwork is in place, both narratively and financially. The film ends with just enough ambiguity to leave the door open for more, especially as the protagonist’s career (and the fate of his fictional team) hangs in the balance. There’s also the F1 calendar itself to consider. With races in vibrant cities like Las Vegas, Miami, and Abu Dhabi offering cinematic backdrops and global appeal, there’s plenty of material to build on.
With real-world F1 interest at an all-time high thanks to Netflix’s Drive to Survive and increased U.S. presence, Apple and Warner Bros. may not want to leave this momentum on the table.
Beyond that, the cast and creative team have hinted at wanting to do more. Pitt has said he loved immersing himself in the F1 world, and director Joseph Kosinski (Top Gun: Maverick, Tron: Legacy) thrives on pushing the limits of what action can look like onscreen.
If the box office keeps climbing — and if international performance holds strong — don’t be surprised if a sequel races into development sooner than expected.
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