Brad Pitt’s latest film, "F1," has not only captured the thrill of Formula One racing but also made history as the highest-grossing live-action sports movie ever. Directed by Joseph Kosinski and written by Ehren Kruger, the film premiered on June 16, 2025, and has since amassed a staggering global box office total exceeding $460 million, a remarkable feat for a sports drama centered on a sport still gaining traction in the United States.
"F1" tells the story of Sonny Hayes, a former Formula One driver portrayed by Brad Pitt, who returns to the racing world after nearly three decades. Hayes is a racer-for-hire with a complicated past, including a gambling addiction and a career cut short by an accident. His friend Reuben, played by Javier Bardem, invites him to mentor a promising young driver, Joshua Pearce, played by Damson Idris. Together, they strive to revive Reuben’s struggling F1 team, APXGP, navigating intense rivalries, personal demons, and the high-octane world of Formula One racing.
The film’s narrative follows a classic sports movie arc, reminiscent of Martin Scorsese’s "The Color of Money," focusing on mentorship and redemption. Yet, Kosinski and Kruger inject fresh energy by capturing the high-speed spectacle of F1 racing with breathtaking cinematography. Claudio Miranda, the film’s cinematographer, employs techniques similar to those used in Kosinski’s previous hit, "Top Gun: Maverick," placing viewers in the driver’s seat to experience the adrenaline rush of racing at breakneck speeds.
One of the film’s standout features is its commitment to authenticity. Brad Pitt and Damson Idris underwent rigorous training for three months to handle the physically demanding experience of driving Formula One cars. Producer Jerry Bruckheimer revealed in an interview with Today.com’s Becca Wood that the actors endured the brutal forces of up to 5 Gs in corners, highlighting the intense physicality of the sport. This dedication adds a palpable realism to the racing sequences, which were filmed during nine Grand Prix weekends, and features appearances by real F1 stars like Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton, the latter also serving as one of the film’s producers.
Despite its thrilling racing scenes and star-studded cast, including Kerry Condon and Tobias Menzies, the film has drawn some criticism for its storytelling. Reviews note that while the racing sequences are electrifying, the film leans heavily on familiar sports movie tropes and sometimes feels overlong at 156 minutes. The romantic subplot involving Pitt and Condon’s characters lacks the chemistry seen between Pitt and Idris, leading to moments that feel padded and detract from the film’s momentum.
Moreover, "F1" prioritizes the exhilaration of the sport over a deep dive into the intricate mechanics and strategies that define Formula One racing. This approach makes the film accessible to newcomers but may leave die-hard fans wanting more detailed exploration of the sport’s complexities. Still, the movie’s palpable passion for Formula One shines through, evident in its meticulous recreation of historic moments and crashes, thanks to the involvement of experts and insiders from the F1 world.
The film’s box office performance in India has been particularly impressive. As of July 25, 2025, "F1" completed 29 days in theaters, earning a total net of 86.58 crores in India alone. On that day, it grossed approximately 0.70 crore, with the majority coming from English-language screenings, but also notable contributions from Hindi, Telugu, and Tamil versions. Apple Studios and Warner Bros. distributed the film across multiple languages in India, broadening its reach and appeal.
Globally, the film’s total collection has reached 4100.78 crores, a testament to its widespread popularity. This success places "F1" just behind Pixar’s "Cars 2," which remains the highest-grossing sports movie overall, animated or live-action, with $559.9 million worldwide. The film’s impressive commercial success is all the more remarkable given its high production budget, reported to be between $200 and $300 million.
"F1" also stands out for its emotional depth, weaving themes of passion, friendship, and second chances into its high-speed narrative. The relationship between Sonny Hayes and Joshua Pearce forms the emotional core of the film, with their conflicting views on racing and fame providing compelling drama. Their dynamic drives much of the film’s tension and ultimately its resolution, culminating in a climactic race in Abu Dhabi where both characters must overcome adversity to secure a major victory.
While there has been no official confirmation about a sequel, many viewers and critics have interpreted the film’s ending as setting the stage for future installments, potentially continuing the story of the APXGP team and its drivers. Given the film’s success and the growing global interest in Formula One, a follow-up seems not only possible but probable.
In the end, "F1" is a film that balances spectacle with heartfelt storytelling, celebrating the sport’s speed and drama while introducing audiences to its rich history and culture. It may not satisfy every Formula One aficionado seeking technical depth, but it succeeds brilliantly as a thrilling, emotionally charged sports drama that brings the excitement of racing to life on the big screen.
With its record-breaking box office performance, star power, and breathtaking racing sequences, "F1" has firmly established itself as a landmark film in the sports genre, inviting new fans to experience the rush of Formula One and reminding longtime enthusiasts why the sport continues to captivate millions worldwide.
