Brad Pitt’s F1 Movie Sequel: Jerry Bruckheimer Confirms Development

The remarkable success of 2025’s “F1 The Movie,” starring Brad Pitt, has ignited momentum for a sequel. Producer Jerry Bruckheimer confirmed they are “working on a sequel” during an interview with the BBC at the Academy Awards luncheon in Los Angeles earlier this week, though details remain scarce.

The film, a co-production with seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, became Apple Original Films’ highest-grossing theatrical release, earning $630 million worldwide. It’s also garnered four Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture, and recently won a Grammy for “Bad As I Used To Be” by Chris Stapleton, demonstrating a cultural impact extending beyond the typical sports movie audience.

“F1 The Movie” follows Sonny Hayes (Pitt), a veteran driver returning to the grid with the fictional APXGP team, partnering with rising star Joshua Pearce (Damson Idris). The production went to considerable lengths to immerse audiences in the world of Formula 1, filming extensively during the 2023 and 2024 seasons, integrating scenes into actual race weekends. This included the APXGP team having a physical presence in the pit lane and paddock, complete with functioning cars developed by Mercedes.

Bruckheimer, known for blockbuster franchises like “Top Gun” and “Pirates of the Caribbean,” hadn’t previously worked with Pitt before this project. He described the collaboration as “a thrill” and expressed surprise at the film’s widespread appeal. The journey to completion was also complicated by industry strikes, adding to the sense of accomplishment surrounding its success.

The potential for a sequel isn’t merely a Hollywood impulse. F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali expressed openness to the idea during Apple TV’s press day earlier this month, stating he could “never say never,” but emphasized the need for a sequel to be “really very good” to live up to the original’s standard. The film’s success has demonstrably broadened F1’s reach, and a follow-up could further solidify that growth.

F1 has already begun integrating the APXGP storyline into its wider ecosystem. The team features in the official F1 video game, and a Lego version of its car has been released as part of the F1 Lego range. This demonstrates a deliberate effort to capitalize on the film’s popularity and weave it into the sport’s brand identity.

Apple’s increased investment in Formula 1 also provides a strong incentive for a sequel. The streaming giant recently secured exclusive broadcast rights in the United States for five years, in a deal reportedly worth around $750 million. Eddy Cue, Apple’s senior vice president of services, highlighted the “unscripted drama” of live F1 races, suggesting a long-term commitment to the sport.

The production of the first film required significant cooperation from the entire F1 paddock. Teams allowed filming on race weekends, provided access to facilities, and even incorporated the APXGP team into the live event environment. Sources within multiple teams, speaking anonymously, indicated they haven’t yet received official communication regarding plans for a second movie, but would likely be receptive to participating again.

Lewis Hamilton, who served as a producer on the first film and worked closely with Bruckheimer and director Joseph Kosinski to ensure authenticity, cautioned against rushing into a sequel last July, suggesting the initial offering “needs to simmer for a while.” However, the film’s continued success, both at the box office and on streaming platforms, coupled with its awards recognition, has undoubtedly strengthened the case for a follow-up.

While Bruckheimer’s confirmation is the clearest indication yet of a sequel’s possibility, many details remain unknown. A timeline for production, casting decisions, and the overall storyline are all yet to be determined. However, given the commercial and cultural impact of “F1 The Movie,” and the ongoing enthusiasm from both the sport and the studio, a second dive into the high-octane world of Formula 1 appears increasingly likely.