The film F1: The Movie, directed by Joseph Kosinski of Top Gun: Maverick fame and starring Brad Pitt alongside Damson Idris, opened globally in late June. It swiftly became Apple’s most significant box office triumph to date. The movie has grossed over $928 million worldwide, including $27.7 million at the Australian box office, where it ranks as the fifth highest-grossing film of the year. This cinematic feat has set a new record as the highest-grossing sports movie globally, marking the biggest success of Brad Pitt’s career and Apple’s film ventures.
Now, Australian fans who missed the theatrical release, or those eager for another viewing, have the opportunity to enjoy the Brad Pitt-led drama from the comfort of their homes.
How to Watch in Australia
For those in Australia, F1: The Movie is available for rental or purchase through several digital platforms, including Apple TV+, Amazon Prime Video, YouTube Movies, and Google TV. The rental price is set at $24.99 AUD, while a digital purchase costs $29.99 AUD. A physical DVD and Blu-ray release is anticipated later this year, although the exact release date remains unconfirmed.
The Story Behind the Film
The narrative of F1: The Movie revolves around the fictional racing team APEX GP, teetering on the edge of collapse as rookie driver Joshua Pearce, portrayed by Damson Idris, struggles to make his mark. The plot thickens with the return of veteran driver Sonny Hayes, played by Brad Pitt, who is coaxed out of a lengthy retirement following a career-ending crash.
Shot during live Formula 1 events in 2023 and 2024, the film utilized modified F2 cars equipped with custom cameras, earning praise for its authenticity as one of the most realistic racing films ever produced.
Box Office Boost for Formula 1
The film’s success extended beyond the box office, significantly impacting the financial landscape of Formula 1. Liberty Media credited the movie’s release as a pivotal factor in Formula 1’s record-breaking quarterly revenue of $1.878 billion AUD, which resulted in a $786 million AUD payout to teams. This windfall was attributed to a combination of the film’s influence, sponsorship growth, and increased media rights, propelling the sport’s finances to unprecedented heights.
F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali hailed the film as a “cultural moment” for the championship, attracting new audiences beyond the traditional fanbase of the sport.
Streaming Momentum and Future Prospects
The film’s streaming release represents another milestone for Apple, which plans to transition F1: The Movie onto its Apple TV+ subscription service later this year. Industry speculation suggests that the film’s success could be linked to Apple’s broader sports ambitions, with reports indicating the company is preparing a substantial bid for Formula 1’s US broadcasting rights once ESPN’s contract expires in 2025.
For now, Australian fans can enjoy the thrill of the race from their living rooms, watching Brad Pitt take on the likes of Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri, bringing the excitement of Formula 1 to the big screen at home.
