The Brad Pitt F1 movie has now become his highest-grossing film, generating $545 million globally since its release. This new total surpasses the earnings of 2013’s World War Z, previously his top-performing movie.
Since debuting in late June, the film’s commercial success has been clear, earning $144 million in its opening week and setting a new record for an Apple Original production. As it expanded worldwide, the movie quickly crossed $500 million at the box office, confirming its status as Pitt’s most commercially successful feature to date.
Due to its strong performance and audience demand, IMAX CEO Rich Gelfond announced a re-release of the movie on IMAX screens beginning Friday, August 8, further extending its theatrical run.
Inside the Making and Story of the Brad Pitt F1 Movie
F1 stars Brad Pitt as Sonny Hayes, a veteran Formula 1 driver who makes a comeback to save his struggling team, APXGP, from folding. The film’s production spanned the last two Formula 1 seasons, with Pitt and co-star Damson Idris driving specially modified Formula 2 cars to capture authentic driving scenes.
To fully immerse himself in the role, Pitt also completed a private test with McLaren, reaching speeds up to 197 mph at the Circuit of The Americas. Discussing the experience during a BBC Radio 1 interview, he stated:
It was Lando’s ’23 [car]. I did not sleep for 36 hours afterwards. I was on such a high.
—Brad Pitt, Actor
The film benefited from the involvement of Lewis Hamilton, who served both as a producer and consultant. Hamilton ensured that the Formula 1 elements in the story stayed true to the sport’s reality. Despite the film’s success, Hamilton remained cautious about rushing a sequel, expressing a desire to carefully consider any continuation of the story to preserve its quality.
Addressing the possibility of a follow-up, he explained:
I saw someone talk about it, but we literally just finished it, so I think the last thing we want right now is a sequel,
and added,
Most sequels are way worse, so we don’t need to rush it. I think if we do a sequel, I would say let’s really, really take our time in getting it even better.
—Lewis Hamilton, Producer and Consultant
The director, Joe Kosinski, and the entire team dedicated four years to the project, facing demanding schedules away from their families to craft a film that resonates with authenticity and depth.
Impact and Future Prospects of the F1 Film
The unprecedented box office performance of the Brad Pitt F1 movie highlights a strong appetite for authentic sports dramas, particularly ones that connect with both motorsport fans and general audiences. The upcoming IMAX re-release is expected to add further momentum, attracting viewers who want to experience the film’s high-octane sequences in the premium cinematic format.
While a sequel is not currently planned, due to the creator’s focus on quality over speed, the success of this film could influence future productions centered around Formula 1 or similar sporting narratives. In the meantime, the movie’s blend of real racing elements, compelling characters, and Brad Pitt’s dedicated performance cements its place as a landmark in his career and in sports cinema.