Apple in Talks for F1: The Movie Sequel Following Brad Pitt’s Box Office Hit

The summer of 2025 delivered one of the most unexpected blockbusters in recent cinema history with Apple Original Films’ F1, starring Brad Pitt as veteran Formula One driver Sonny Hayes. Directed by Joseph Kosinski, the filmmaker behind Top Gun: Maverick, the high-octane racing drama brought the glamour and danger of Formula 1 to the big screen with unprecedented authenticity.

Now, after the movie’s stunning commercial and critical success, Apple is already exploring a sequel. Speaking at the Emmy Awards, Apple CEO Tim Cook confirmed that discussions are underway to expand Pitt’s racing universe with another film, giving fans of both cinema and motorsport plenty to get excited about.

Tim Cook Confirms Talks of a Sequel

“It’s definitely something that’s being talked about,” Cook told Variety when asked about the possibility of continuing Hayes’ story. “It’s been such a huge summer blockbuster for us. We’re so proud of it. The talent involved are such next level, and Brad did such a wonderful job acting in it. We can’t wait to bring it to the surface.”

Cook’s words underline Apple’s growing ambition to compete with Hollywood’s biggest studios by delivering event-style blockbusters that blend star power, technical innovation, and emotional storytelling. Just as Top Gun: Maverick reinvigorated the aviation drama, F1 elevated racing cinema by combining real Formula One action with an emotionally gripping narrative.

The Story of Sonny Hayes

At the heart of the movie is Brad Pitt’s Sonny Hayes, a former Formula One driver who rose to fame in the 1990s before a horrifying crash forced him into retirement. Years later, Hayes is drawn back into the sport when his longtime friend and team owner, Ruben, asks him to mentor Joshua “Noah” Pearce, a prodigious rookie played by Damson Idris.

Hayes joins the fictional Apex Grand Prix team (APXGP), serving as both mentor and competitor as he navigates the pressures of the modern Formula One paddock while confronting his past demons. The movie balances dazzling racing sequences with themes of redemption, legacy, and the bond between mentor and protégé.

Fans praised Pitt’s performance as Hayes, with critics noting how his calm gravitas and vulnerable edge gave the character surprising depth. Idris, meanwhile, was hailed as a breakout star, bringing youthful energy and intensity to Pearce’s storyline.

A Global Box Office Success

Expectations were high when Apple announced the $300 million production, but F1 exceeded even the boldest predictions. The movie grossed $623.4 million worldwide, solidifying its place among the year’s top earners.

Critics were equally impressed, with the film holding an 82% “Fresh” rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Reviews highlighted Kosinski’s technical precision, immersive racing sequences, and the convincing blend of Hollywood storytelling with real Formula One action. Many viewers praised the authenticity of the racing scenes, which were filmed at actual F1 events using modified cars and cutting-edge camera rigs.

Joseph Kosinski’s Vision for a Sequel

Director Joseph Kosinski is already thinking ahead. In an interview with Collider, he teased an idea for a follow-up story that would expand the motorsport universe.

“I just kind of threw out this idea that Sonny Hayes comes back to the world of F1 and bumps into his old rival, Cole Trickle, who raced NASCAR in the ’90s, and they cross paths again,” Kosinski said.

The mention of Cole Trickle, the character played by Tom Cruise in the 1990 racing drama Days of Thunder, sparked speculation among fans about whether Kosinski envisions a crossover between different racing franchises. While no official confirmation has been made, the suggestion underscores the director’s ambition to expand Hayes’ story into a broader motorsport epic.

Why a Sequel Makes Sense

Several factors make an F1 sequel an attractive proposition:

• Box Office Momentum: With a half-billion-dollar box office return, F1 proved there’s a mainstream appetite for racing films, especially when executed with cinematic flair.

• Brad Pitt’s Star Power: At 61, Pitt continues to headline major blockbusters, and his portrayal of Hayes has struck a chord with audiences who enjoy both his action chops and his dramatic range.

• Unfinished Stories: The mentor-protégé dynamic between Hayes and Pearce could evolve further, with Pearce stepping into the spotlight while Hayes faces new personal and professional challenges.

• Global Appeal: Formula One is a truly international sport, and a sequel could explore new racing venues and rivalries across the globe.

Apple’s Ambitions in Hollywood

For Apple, the success of F1 goes beyond one movie. It demonstrates the company’s growing influence in Hollywood as it invests heavily in prestige content through Apple Original Films and Apple TV+. By producing blockbuster-level theatrical releases alongside acclaimed streaming series, Apple is positioning itself as a major player in the evolving entertainment landscape.

F1 also represents a strategic collaboration between Apple and the motorsport world. Formula One has grown exponentially in popularity in recent years, thanks in large part to Netflix’s Drive to Survive documentary series. By bringing F1 to the big screen with A-list talent, Apple has tapped into a global fanbase eager for more behind-the-scenes storytelling.

What Could Happen in F1 2?

While no official plot details have been released, speculation is already running wild about where the sequel could go. Potential storylines include:

• Sonny Hayes’ Return to Racing: Despite his age and past injuries, Hayes could be tempted back into the cockpit for one last race, echoing the comeback themes of films like Rocky Balboa.

• Joshua Pearce’s Rise: With Hayes stepping back, Pearce could take center stage as he navigates fame, pressure, and rivalries on the F1 grid.

• Old Rivalries Rekindled: Kosinski’s comments about Cole Trickle suggest the possibility of a motorsport crossover, blending F1 and NASCAR for an explosive storyline.

• Exploring the Business of Racing: Beyond the track, the sequel could delve deeper into the politics, sponsorship deals, and corporate maneuvering that shape modern Formula One.

Fans Already Excited

Online chatter shows that fans are eager for more. Motorsport enthusiasts loved how F1 balanced spectacle with realism, and casual moviegoers were drawn in by Pitt’s star performance. Social media buzz has been filled with suggestions about potential rivalries, cameo appearances from real-life F1 drivers, and even speculation about whether Damson Idris could become the “new face” of a long-running franchise.

Conclusion: A New Era of Racing Cinema

With its combination of Hollywood spectacle, real-world racing authenticity, and star-driven storytelling, F1 has established itself as one of 2025’s defining blockbusters. The fact that Apple is already considering a sequel is no surprise — and it reflects both the film’s success and the appetite for more high-octane drama on the big screen.

If Kosinski, Pitt, and Idris reunite for another outing, fans can expect another cinematic ride that blends speed, emotion, and spectacle. Whether the sequel remains grounded in Formula One or expands into a wider motorsport crossover, one thing is clear: Sonny Hayes’ story isn’t finished yet.