Apple's Racing Epic Revs Up Box Office, Hints at Sequel

In October 2025, director Joseph Kosinski's racing drama "F1" has proven to be a major box office success, grossing over $629 million globally. Kosinski, who had long desired to make a film about the world of racing, faced industry skepticism but persevered to bring his vision to life.

Kosinski's previous attempts to make a racing film, such as "Go Like Hell" with Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt, had failed to materialize. However, the success of the Netflix series "Drive to Survive" sparked a new idea for Kosinski, who saw an opportunity to tell the story of a struggling, underdog racing team. He enlisted Pitt to play the lead role of Sonny Hayes, a former racing prodigy seeking a second chance.

Crucial to the film's authenticity was the involvement of F1 superstar Lewis Hamilton, who had previously expressed interest in acting. Kosinski reached out to Hamilton, who agreed to lend his expertise and help ensure the racing scenes were as realistic as possible. Navigating the complex logistics of working with the F1 organization and Apple Studios, Kosinski assembled a talented team that included producer Jerry Bruckheimer and screenwriter Ehren Kruger.

The gamble paid off, as "F1" has become a critical and commercial success, outperforming blockbusters like "Superman" and "Mission: Impossible." With the film remaining in theaters for over 100 days, Kosinski and Pitt have already begun discussing potential ideas for a sequel, hinting at the character of Sonny Hayes embarking on a new racing adventure.