Brad Pitt has long been one of Hollywood’s most celebrated stars. From his early heartthrob roles to Oscar-winning performances, he has spent decades redefining what it means to be a leading man in Hollywood. But now, at age 61, Pitt is experiencing what could be considered the greatest box office victory of his entire career—thanks to a high-octane, adrenaline-pumping movie about Formula 1 racing. Titled simply F1, this movie has not only captured the hearts of racing fans worldwide but also cemented Brad Pitt’s legacy as a timeless cinematic icon.

A Blockbuster Opening That Defied Expectations

According to the Associated Press, F1 brought in $55.6 million in North America during its opening weekend alone and surged to a global total of $144 million, marking the largest opening of Brad Pitt’s career. These numbers are staggering, even for someone with Pitt’s star power. But what makes them more impressive is that this is not a sequel, superhero film, or an IP-driven franchise. F1 is a brand-new original film, centered around one of the world’s most electrifying sports—and it hit full throttle.

Apple Original Films, in partnership with Warner Bros., distributed the film globally. According to Warner Bros. Distribution Chief Jeffrey Goldstein, they anticipated the international appeal due to Formula 1’s massive global following. But even Goldstein admitted that Brad Pitt was the film’s “secret sauce.”

Brad Pitt as Sonny Hayes: A Dream Role Come True

In F1, Brad Pitt plays Sonny Hayes, a fictional former Formula 1 driver who is coaxed out of retirement to help an underdog team—APXGP—compete for its first-ever podium finish. As Hayes, Pitt delivers a performance that blends emotional depth, gritty determination, and charming bravado. It’s a role Pitt had been dreaming of for decades.

In fact, producer Jerry Bruckheimer revealed that Brad Pitt had been wanting to make a racing film “for literally decades.” The F1 concept finally gave him the chance to immerse himself in that world—not just as an actor, but as someone who truly felt the speed, the danger, and the thrill.

According to Bruckheimer, “The saddest day for Brad was when we said, ‘It’s a wrap,’ and he had to climb out of the car. He just loved it.” Pitt wasn’t acting when he got behind the wheel—he was living a dream that spanned his entire adult life.

Damson Idris and Javier Bardem Complete the Dream Cast

Damson Idris, one of Hollywood’s rising stars, co-stars as Joshua Pearce, a brash and talented young driver who must learn to coexist with the seasoned veteran Hayes. Their chemistry onscreen provides much of the film’s emotional and narrative momentum. Idris admitted in an interview that filming alongside Pitt was both thrilling and terrifying, at one point fearing he’d “lose his job” during an intense race scene.

Javier Bardem brings his signature gravitas to the role of Ruben Cervantes, Hayes’ longtime friend and team manager, who believes the old driver still has what it takes to lead the team to glory. The trio of Pitt, Idris, and Bardem created a compelling emotional arc around friendship, rivalry, and redemption—all set against the roaring backdrop of Formula 1 circuits.

A Risk That Paid Off for Apple Original Films

For Apple, the success of F1 is more than just another win. It represents the company’s largest theatrical opening to date, establishing them as serious players in the film distribution space. According to Zack Van Amburg, Apple’s head of worldwide video, “The film’s outstanding debut reflects both the excitement of Formula 1 and the deeply emotional and entertaining story crafted by the entire cast and creative team.”

That combination of technological innovation, strong storytelling, and star power made F1 a must-watch summer blockbuster. The film’s success shows that Apple can go toe-to-toe with established Hollywood studios, and Brad Pitt’s involvement undoubtedly gave them the fuel to race ahead.

Why F1 Resonated Globally

One of the reasons F1 has been so successful is its universal appeal. Formula 1 is not just a sport; it’s a global phenomenon. With races held in Monaco, Japan, the U.K., and beyond, F1 brings in millions of viewers from across continents. It’s fast, glamorous, and steeped in high-stakes competition—everything that translates well onto the big screen.

But beyond the action, F1 is also a deeply human story. It’s about second chances, the passage of time, and what it means to stay relevant in a world that constantly moves forward. Brad Pitt, playing a washed-up driver finding his way back, becomes the symbol of personal revival. It’s a message that audiences everywhere can relate to.

Pitt’s Physical Commitment Behind the Wheel

Brad Pitt’s commitment to F1 wasn’t just about learning lines or emoting on cue. He trained for months to perform many of the racing scenes himself. Though the film’s stunts were carefully choreographed, Pitt’s passion for real driving helped create a sense of authenticity rarely seen in Hollywood racing films.

“He couldn’t wait to get behind the wheel,” Bruckheimer said. “We had to tear him out of the car when filming ended.” That kind of enthusiasm from a lead actor isn’t common, especially one with Pitt’s stature. But it reflects how personally invested he was in making F1 feel real.

How F1 Reinvigorates Brad Pitt’s Career

Though Brad Pitt never really went away, F1 marks a career renaissance. After decades of working with auteurs and starring in acclaimed films, this big-budget, crowd-pleasing sports drama proves that Pitt still knows how to own the screen. His role in F1 is being hailed by critics as one of the most charismatic performances of his career, blending humor, vulnerability, and fierce energy.

Some observers have gone so far as to say F1 is his most universally appealing role since Ocean’s Eleven—a film that similarly highlighted his charm and cool under pressure.

The Road Ahead: Awards Season Buzz and Franchise Potential

With strong box office numbers and glowing reviews, F1 is already generating early awards season buzz. Some are predicting Best Picture or Best Actor nominations, while others speculate Apple and Warner Bros. may consider a sequel or franchise if the momentum continues.

There’s also the possibility of Pitt stepping into a producer-director role for a follow-up project, especially given his deep involvement and passion for this film. At 61, Pitt isn’t slowing down—he’s shifting into high gear.

Audience Reactions and Cultural Impact

Audiences have responded overwhelmingly positively. Social media is flooded with praise for the cinematography, sound design, and especially Pitt’s performance. F1 fans love how the movie captures the spirit of real racing, while casual viewers are drawn to the gripping human drama.

The film also helped bring more mainstream attention to Formula 1, much like the Netflix series Drive to Survive did in earlier years. Some commentators are now calling F1 the “Top Gun: Maverick of racing films”—a high-energy spectacle that still manages to tell a moving story.

Conclusion: Brad Pitt’s Ultimate Victory Lap

At a time when many actors his age are stepping away from the spotlight, Brad Pitt is charging ahead. F1 is not just another film on his resume—it’s a statement. A statement that he’s still relevant, still powerful, and still capable of thrilling audiences around the globe.

With F1 hitting $144 million worldwide in just its first weekend, the movie has not only made history—it has also redefined Brad Pitt’s career trajectory. In the race of Hollywood longevity, Pitt isn’t just competing—he’s leading the pack.

And if F1 is any indication, Brad Pitt’s next chapter might be his most exhilarating yet.