Brad Pitt’s high-octane racing drama F1: The Movie has taken off at the global box office, earning $144 million worldwide in its opening weekend. The film, directed by Joseph Kosinski and produced by Warner Bros., Apple Studios, and Jerry Bruckheimer Films, launched with a strong mix of domestic and international support.
A Strong Start for a Big-Budget Film
F1 made an estimated $55.6 million in North America and $88.4 million overseas, including key markets like the United Kingdom, China, and Mexico, where Formula One has a large fan base. The movie’s global reach helped it become one of Apple Original Films’ most successful theatrical launches to date.
Despite its early success, the movie faces the challenge of recouping its over $200 million production budget, which places it among the most expensive films released this year.
Star Power and Real Racing Action Drive Interest
Audiences and critics have praised F1 for its realistic racing sequences and visually stunning cinematography, which includes footage shot on real Formula One circuits. Brad Pitt’s performance as a retired driver returning to the track has also received positive attention.
The film holds an 83% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, an “A” grade from CinemaScore, and a 92% positive score on PostTrak, showing that viewers are enjoying what they see.
Will F1 Maintain Its Momentum?
While the movie’s strong debut is a good sign, analysts say it must continue performing well in the coming weeks to break even or make a profit. Racing films have had mixed success at the box office in the past, making F1’s early numbers especially noteworthy.
