Cover Brad Pitt’s latest film, F1 The Movie, pulls in impressive numbers at the box office during its opening weekend (photo: Clive Mason)
Brad Pitt’s latest film, F1 The Movie, pulls in impressive numbers at the box office during its opening weekend (photo: Clive Mason)
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Brad Pitt’s latest film, F1 The Movie, pulls in impressive numbers at the box office during its opening weekend (photo: Clive Mason)
According to an announcement from Apple Original Films, F1 The Movie, starring Brad Pitt, has enjoyed a strong debut, earning US$55.6 million at the North American box office and reaching $144 million globally in its first week.
With a production budget exceeding $200 million, F1 The Movie still faces a considerable journey to break even. Nevertheless, its initial earnings are promising, suggesting potential for continued success in the weeks to come.
Brad Pitt’s portrayal of Sonny Hayes has also drawn praise. At 61, the actor proves he has lost none of his screen magnetism in the role of a legendary F1 driver from the 1990s. While the character may not demand a transformative performance, Pitt’s presence holds the audience’s attention throughout. The storyline is relatively straightforward, following Hayes as he tackles personal challenges and inspires a new generation of racers.
The film’s strong first-week performance highlights an encouraging truth: with a fresh creative approach and serious execution, even niche subjects can resonate at the box office, territory many in Hollywood have previously been hesitant to explore.
‘F1 The Movie’: When a high-octane adventure delivers rare box office results for racing dramas
Before the arrival of F1 The Movie, racing-themed stories had a limited track record in mainstream cinema. Films such as Rush (2013) and Ferrari (2023) were met with critical acclaim, yet they struggled commercially. So when news broke of this new project, especially with Brad Pitt in the lead and Joseph Kosinski, director of Top Gun: Maverick, at the helm, many were intrigued, though few expected it to perform strongly at the box office. This was especially true given the current downturn in cinema attendance and the industry's wider challenges in delivering standout results.
Another ongoing trend in Hollywood is the preference for familiar material over new storytelling. Rather than investing in original concepts, studios often return to well-worn formulas: live-action remakes of animated hits (How to Train Your Dragon, Lilo & Stitch) or sequels to proven franchises (M3GAN 2.0, Jurassic World Rebirth), to name a few. In contrast, F1 The Movie represents a more daring move as a big-budget project that veers away from formula and towards fresh terrain.
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However, buoyed by a strong box office debut, F1 The Movie proves that a well-crafted and authentic script, a perfectly cast ensemble delivering compelling performances, and sharp storytelling can propel a fresh and carefully chosen subject to unexpected success.
Collaboration with Rosé (Blackpink) and the vital role of music in cinema
Beyond script, effects and acting, the F1 The Movie team placed significant emphasis on its musical elements.
In early May 2025, Rosé of Blackpink released Messy, a single and music video from F1: The Album, which includes 17 tracks. The video features Brad Pitt and Kerry Condon, the film’s leads. Remarkably, Rosé stands as the sole Asian artist contributing to the album, joining established names in the US-UK scene such as Ed Sheeran, Doja Cat, Tate McRae and Madison Beer.
Above ROSÉ - Messy (From F1® The Movie) [Official Music Video]
Despite modest promotion, the union of two global stars—Rosé and Brad Pitt—quickly caught public attention. This collaboration signals the filmmakers’ intention to reach K-pop fans, a global community with a vast and devoted following.
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Upon the film’s release, F1: The Album became available across all major streaming platforms, earning acclaim from audiences and critics alike. This album sets the film apart in a landscape where many recent releases rely on existing songs or minimal music investment. All 17 tracks were composed by Hans Zimmer, whose vibrant yet emotive score complements the highs and lows of Sonny Hayes’s journey. The album skilfully blends various genres, heightening emotional resonance during the film’s key moments.
Above Ed Sheeran - Drive (From F1® The Movie) [Official Music Video]
Moreover, unlike a movie, listeners tend to revisit their favourite songs repeatedly. Soundtracks thus serve as lasting reminders of the film, extending its impact beyond the screen.
Looking ahead, F1 The Movie will face stiff competition from blockbusters like Jurassic World Rebirth, Superman and The Fantastic Four: First Steps. Still, with its unique strengths, it stands a good chance of maintaining global appeal, especially once it launches on the Apple TV platform. Its success may well encourage Hollywood to take more creative risks, favouring original genres over endless sequels and remakes.
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