The 2025 sports drama F1, starring Brad Pitt, has resonated far beyond the box office, earning four Academy Award nominations, including a nod for Best Picture. The film, directed by Joseph Kosinski and co-produced by seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, has become a cultural touchstone, capping a surge in Formula 1’s global popularity.
Pitt, 62, portrays Sonny Hayes, a veteran Formula 1 driver making an unexpected return to the grid with the fictional APXGP team after a lengthy absence. The narrative centers on Hayes’ attempt to revitalize the struggling team and mentor a rising talent, Joshua Pearce, played by Damson Idris. The film’s success, grossing $633.1 million worldwide, marks Pitt’s highest-grossing film to date and the highest-grossing sports movie of all time.
The project, which began development in December 2021, reunited Kosinski, screenwriter Ehren Kruger, and producer Jerry Bruckheimer – the creative team behind Top Gun: Maverick. Principal photography commenced at Silverstone in July 2023, with filming continuing throughout the 2023 and 2024 World Championship Grand Prix weekends. This unprecedented access, facilitated by the FIA, allowed filmmakers to integrate real-life racing sequences and feature actual F1 teams and drivers, adding a layer of authenticity that captivated audiences.
The commitment to realism extended to the driving sequences themselves. Pitt and Idris underwent intensive training to operate Formula 1 cars, a key element in Kosinski’s vision to deliver “the most authentic, realistic, and grounded racing movie ever made.” The filmmakers developed specialized cameras to capture the visceral experience of being in the cockpit, immersing viewers in the speed and intensity of the sport.
The film’s impact extends beyond critical acclaim and box office numbers. It has become a significant release for Apple Studios, representing their most successful film to date. The soundtrack has also garnered recognition, with Chris Stapleton’s “Bad As I Used To Be” winning a Grammy Award for Best Country Solo Performance earlier this month.
The success of F1 has naturally sparked discussions about a potential sequel. Jerry Bruckheimer recently confirmed that work is underway on a follow-up film, though details regarding a timeline or casting remain undisclosed. The initial film’s narrative, focusing on a veteran driver’s comeback and the mentorship of a young racer, provided a compelling storyline that resonated with both motorsport enthusiasts and general audiences.
The film’s narrative mirrors, in some ways, the broader trajectory of Formula 1 itself. The sport has experienced a significant surge in global popularity in recent years, fueled by increased media coverage, a growing fanbase, and the success of the Netflix docuseries Drive to Survive. F1 the movie capitalized on this momentum, introducing the sport to a wider audience and solidifying its position as a major cultural force.
The involvement of Lewis Hamilton, both as a producer and a prominent figure within the sport, added further credibility and appeal to the project. Hamilton’s influence helped ensure the film’s accuracy and authenticity, appealing to the dedicated F1 fanbase. His presence also underscored the sport’s growing diversity and inclusivity.
The film’s success is particularly noteworthy given its $200-300 million budget. The financial return demonstrates the potential for high-quality sports dramas to attract a broad audience and generate significant revenue. The combination of a compelling story, stunning visuals, and the star power of Brad Pitt proved to be a winning formula.
The Academy Award nominations – including Best Picture – represent a significant achievement for the film and for the sport of Formula 1. It elevates the profile of motorsport within the entertainment industry and signals a growing appreciation for the athleticism, strategy, and drama inherent in the sport. The nominations also highlight the film’s artistic merit, recognizing the contributions of Kosinski, Kruger, and the entire production team.
As Bruckheimer and his team begin work on a sequel, the challenge will be to recapture the magic of the original while exploring new storylines and characters. The success of F1 has set a high bar, but the potential for further exploration of the world of Formula 1 remains vast. The film’s legacy will likely extend beyond the awards season, inspiring a new generation of fans and solidifying Formula 1’s place in popular culture.
