The film “F1”, starring Brad Pitt, has far exceeded expectations since its global premiere on June 27, 2025. As it approaches two months in theaters, the movie has already become a true cultural phenomenon — not just in cinema, but also within the world of motorsport.

A fiction that became reality in the paddocks

The story of Sonny Hayes and Joshua Pearce, drivers for the fictional APXGP team, has resonated so deeply with fans that it’s now common to see team merchandise at Grand Prix events and comparisons between movie characters and real-life F1 legends like Fernando Alonso. Even Brad Pitt himself has been likened to the Spanish driver.

What’s most impressive is that this film has now become the highest-grossing project in Pitt’s illustrious career, surpassing iconic titles like Seven, Fight Club, and World War Z. According to recent reports, “F1” has generated over $545 million at the global box office, setting a new record for the actor and for Apple Studios, which now considers this their most successful production to date.

The impact goes beyond the screen

The excitement generated by the film coincides with a remarkable period for McLaren, the team that recently claimed its 200th Formula 1 victory, following Lando Norris’ win at the Hungarian Grand Prix. The Woking-based team now stands as the second most successful in history, behind only Ferrari, and ahead of giants like Mercedes and Red Bull.