Brad Pitt's Formula 1 racing film, simply titled "F1," is rapidly approaching the $500 million mark at the worldwide box office, signaling a major success for Apple Original Films. The film, which stars Pitt as a former F1 driver making a comeback, has garnered significant attention and positive reception since its international release on June 25, 2025.

As of July 21, 2025, "F1" has grossed a cumulative total of $460 million worldwide, with $153.6 million from North America and $307.2 million from international markets. This impressive performance has propelled the film ahead of other notable titles, including "John Wick: Chapter 4". The film's strong performance internationally, particularly in major Asian markets like China, Korea, and India, has been a key factor in its success. In India, the film opened strongly and has continued to perform well.

Directed by Joseph Kosinski, known for his work on "Top Gun: Maverick," and produced by Jerry Bruckheimer, "F1" boasts a reported budget of between $200 million and $300 million. The film's high production value is evident in its sleek visuals and realistic racing sequences, which were filmed during actual F1 Grand Prix weekends in 2023 and 2024, with the collaboration of the FIA and F1 teams. The filmmakers strived for authenticity, with seven-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton serving as a producer and providing guidance.

"F1" tells the story of Sonny Hayes (Brad Pitt), a former F1 driver who returns to the sport after a 30-year absence to help save his former teammate's struggling team, APXGP. He partners with rookie driver Joshua Pearce (Damson Idris). The cast also includes Kerry Condon, Tobias Menzies, and Javier Bardem. Pitt described the challenge of creating a storyline that appeals to both avid F1 fans and newcomers to the sport.

The film's success is particularly noteworthy considering the historical performance of racing-themed movies at the box office. Unlike traditional blockbusters, "F1" is not solely reliant on ticket sales, as Apple intends to use the film to drive subscriptions for its streaming service, Apple TV+. A portion of the production costs was also offset by sponsorship deals involving the fictional APXGP team.

"F1" premiered at Radio City Music Hall in New York City on June 16, 2025, and had its European premiere in London on June 23, 2025. The film's release has been accompanied by extensive marketing efforts, including trailers and promotional events.

The film's box office success represents a significant milestone for Apple, marking its biggest box office debut to date. With positive word-of-mouth and strongholds in international markets, "F1" is expected to continue its successful run and potentially reach a global total of between $550 million and $580 million.