Apple has shifted into top gear at the global box office with the release of F1, its adrenaline-fueled Formula 1 blockbuster starring Brad Pitt. The film, which premiered at New York’s Radio City Music Hall on June 16, 2025, and rolled out in theaters worldwide from June 25, has quickly become a cinematic and commercial phenomenon, solidifying Apple’s ambitions in high-profile original filmmaking.
Directed by Joseph Kosinski (Top Gun: Maverick) and produced by Jerry Bruckheimer, F1 follows Pitt as Sonny Hayes, a retired racing legend making a dramatic return to the track to mentor rookie Joshua Pearce (Damson Idris) at the fictional APXGP team. The film’s cast also features Oscar-winner Javier Bardem, Emmy-winner Tobias Menzies, and Kerry Condon, with seven-time F1 champion Lewis Hamilton serving as executive producer and appearing alongside real-life F1 drivers.
What sets F1 apart is its unprecedented collaboration with Formula 1, the FIA, and all ten teams. Filming took place during actual Grand Prix weekends in 2023 and 2024, including Silverstone and Abu Dhabi, blending scripted drama with real racing action and cameos from motorsport’s elite.
Backed by a reported $200 million budget, F1 has raced to impressive box office numbers, grossing $293 million globally within days of release. The film set a new opening record for both a Brad Pitt feature and an Apple-backed production in the UAE, with a $2.7 million debut. Early reviews praise its pulse-pounding race sequences, emotional depth, and immersive IMAX visuals, making it a must-see for motorsport fans and general audiences alike.
While F1 continues its high-speed run in theaters, fans are already eyeing its digital and streaming debut. Following Apple’s established release strategy, industry experts anticipate the film will be available for digital purchase or rental between August 10 and September 1, 2025. Exclusive streaming on Apple TV+ is expected to follow in late August or early September, giving the film a robust theatrical window before it becomes a tentpole for Apple’s streaming platform.
F1 represents Apple’s most ambitious push yet into blockbuster filmmaking, leveraging star power, real-world sports partnerships, and cinematic spectacle. The film’s success demonstrates Apple’s ability to compete with Hollywood’s biggest studios, while also enriching its Apple TV+ content library with event-style releases.
The project’s innovative production—filming during live races, integrating real F1 teams, and using IMAX technology—sets a new benchmark for authenticity in sports cinema. It’s a model that could influence future collaborations between tech giants, sports leagues, and filmmakers.
