Formula 1, increasingly embraced by American audiences, has now conquered Hollywood. Just weeks after its release, “F1: The Movie” has become the highest-grossing sports-themed film ever. With over 570 million dollars earned since June 25, the project, which counts seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton among its producers, has established itself as an unprecedented success.
Directed by Joseph Kosinski and starring Brad Pitt and Damson Idris, the film tells the story of a backmarker team fighting for survival, which, thanks to the experience and intuition of a veteran driver, manages to turn its fortunes around and achieve victory. The plot is objectively improbable and filled with seemingly impossible events, yet it remains highly enjoyable and engaging. Fully and officially supported by Formula 1, the production had direct access to the paddock in 2024, including a motorhome and a dedicated garage for the fictional APX GP team. Using innovative filming techniques, it brought a level of realism to the big screen never seen before, at least for the racing sequences—a detail that may be crucial when compared to classic films such as “Grand Prix” (1967) or more recent productions like “Rush” (2013).
Lewis Hamilton’s contribution was also decisive. Not only did he serve as a producer, but he also acted as a technical and narrative consultant. Director Joseph Kosinski explained to F1.com: Lewis was crucial not just in technical matters, but also in shaping the story. The film follows the journey of Sonny Hayes, a veteran driver, and Joshua Pearce, a rookie. Lewis embodied both roles: the young driver who almost won on his debut and the seven-time world champion. His perspective was essential in lending authenticity to the plot and characters, and the film could not have been made without him.
The success has been so significant that the movie has also become the highest-grossing film in Brad Pitt’s career, surpassing “World War Z” from 2013. Currently, “F1: The Movie” holds the eighth position in the global box office rankings of 2025, trailing the new “Superman” but ahead of “The Fantastic Four: First Steps.” This milestone could be further enhanced with a potential IMAX re-release, which might push total earnings beyond 600 million dollars.
Criticism also exists
For Formula 1, this represents an undeniable commercial triumph, demonstrating that the strategic decisions of recent years have transformed it into a global phenomenon—first on the small screen through DTS, and now on the big screen. For many passionate fans, however, the movie is seen as a failure, representing forced drama and an artificial spectacle that perhaps resonates more with audiences across the Atlantic than with European viewers.
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