F1: The Movie — A high-octane return to the grid
Apple Original Films’ "F1" (marketed as "F1 The Movie") is a 2025 sports drama that roars back into cultural conversation in 2026 as an Oscar-nominated blockbuster now streaming globally on Apple TV. Directed by Joseph Kosinski ("Top Gun: Maverick") and produced by Jerry Bruckheimer, the film blends authentic Grand Prix atmosphere with a classic underdog narrative, delivering a visually immersive, emotionally charged ride for racing fans and general audiences alike.
Story and characters
The plot centres on Sonny Hayes (Brad Pitt), a former 1990s Formula 1 prodigy whose career was derailed by a near-fatal crash. Thirty years on, he’s a nomadic racer-for-hire when his old teammate Ruben Cervantes (Javier Bardem), now owner of a financially struggling F1 team, lures him back for one last shot at redemption.
Sonny joins APXGP, a team reportedly $350 million in debt, and is paired with British rookie Joshua Pearce (Damson Idris), a talented but egotistical rising star. Their clash of styles and ambitions drives much of the drama, while technical director Kate McKenna (Kerry Condon) anchors the team’s operational stakes and becomes Sonny’s emotional fulcrum. As the season unfolds, Sonny must confront his past, manage a fraught teammate rivalry, and help save the team from collapse.
Cast and creative team
- Director: Joseph Kosinski
- Screenplay: Ehren Kruger (story by Kosinski & Kruger)
- Producers: Jerry Bruckheimer, Brad Pitt, Chad Oman, Dede Gardner, Jeremy Kleiner, Joseph Kosinski
- Principal cast: Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, Javier Bardem, Kerry Condon, Tobias Menzies
The film benefits from real Grand Prix footage and technical authenticity, reinforcing its credibility within the F1 ecosystem.
Release, reception and awards
"F1 The Movie" premiered in mid-June 2025, with international theatrical and IMAX releases from 25 June (globally) and 27 June (North America), before debuting on Apple TV in December 2025. It became Apple’s biggest theatrical hit to date, grossing over $630 million worldwide.
Critics praised its kinetic racing sequences and emotional core, with many likening its impact on motorsport cinema to what "Top Gun: Maverick" achieved for aviation films. At the 98th Academy Awards in early 2026, "F1" earned multiple nominations including Best Picture and won Best Sound, underscoring its technical excellence.
Why it matters for fans and brands
For F1 enthusiasts, the film offers a dramatized but respectful entry point into the sport’s high-stakes world, complete with real teams, drivers, and race-weekend texture. For marketers and content creators, it’s a case study in cross-platform storytelling: theatrical spectacle, awards momentum, and streaming longevity, all anchored by star power and authentic sporting partnerships.
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