Brad Pitt’s “F1” Blockbuster Solidifies Formula 1’s Mainstream Status in America
The release of Brad Pitt’s highly anticipated Formula 1 movie, which began streaming on Apple TV on December 12, has been hailed as a pivotal moment in the sport’s history, cementing its transformation from a niche European obsession into a bona fide mainstream American blockbuster.
Long before the film’s debut, Formula 1 had been gaining traction in the States, largely thanks to the cultural groundwork laid by Netflix’s Drive to Survive. The US now accounts for the largest share of F1 fans globally, boasting 52 million enthusiasts, according to the 2025 Global F1 Fan Survey. Viewership on ESPN had already surged by 135% over eight seasons, drawing in a younger, digitally savvy audience.
However, the Hollywood treatment, with Pitt in the starring role and Lewis Hamilton behind the camera, pushed F1 into an entirely new orbit.
Box Office Success and Cultural Awakening
The movie’s public moment came with a scaled premiere at New York City’s Radio City Music Hall, featuring a star-studded red carpet and a surprise visit from Tom Cruise. The event mobilized Apple’s marketing machine, successfully positioning the global championship as a major cultural event in the United States.
The warm welcome was most evident at the box office. The film opened to an impressive $57 million in the US and Canada, topping the domestic box office in its first weekend. By the end of its cinematic run, it earned $189.5 million domestically and a staggering $631 million globally. This made it the highest-earning racing film of all time and reportedly Brad Pitt’s most successful part of his filmography.
This success was a remarkable feat in a country where Formula 1 is typically dwarfed by established giants like the NFL, NBA, and NASCAR, proving that high-caliber talent, real-world access, and stunning visuals are more than enough to capture the American audience.
Overwhelming Audience Support Fuels F1 Growth
Despite earning mixed reviews from critics—some of whom felt the human story didn’t quite match the racing excitement—the public response was overwhelmingly positive. The film currently holds a dominant 97% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes.
More significantly, the movie appears to have genuinely moved the needle for the championship. Evidence suggests the film attracted millions of people who were not previously fans, leading to a palpable boost in race interest, TV coverage, and record ticket sales at various US circuits.
The timing of this cinematic success could not be better. In a key strategic move, Apple secured the US media rights to Formula 1 with a five-year contract starting in 2026. This means the same platform hosting the box office hit will soon become the home for live Grands Prix, qualifying, and other sessions for the US market. With the anticipated arrival of the new American team, Cadillac, the stage is now set for F1’s continued growth and permanent integration into the American sports landscape.
