The recently released F1 movie, starring Brad Pitt and Damson Idris, has ignited the box office and sparked questions about a potential sequel. Directed by Joseph Kosinski, the film follows Sonny Hayes (Pitt), a former Formula One driver who returns to the sport after a 30-year absence, and Joshua Pearce (Idris), a talented rookie. Together, they aim to revive the struggling APXGP team.
The film has enjoyed considerable commercial success, grossing over $144 million worldwide in its opening weekend and becoming Apple's biggest box office launch. It topped the box office charts, exceeding pre-weekend projections and outperforming other Apple Original Films. The movie's strong opening has naturally led to speculation about a follow-up.
Director Joseph Kosinski addressed the possibility of a sequel in a recent interview with Entertainment Weekly. "That's up to the audience to decide if they want to see it," Kosinski stated, suggesting that the film's success will determine whether a sequel is greenlit. He further added, "I loved working with this group of people. I loved creating our own Formula One team. I'd love to see what's up next for APXGP and Sonny Hayes".
The ending of F1 leaves the door open for a continuation of the story. Sonny Hayes is last seen leaving Formula One once again to pursue rally racing in Mexico. This sets up a potential new challenge for the character and allows for exploration of different racing terrains and rivalries. Kosinski himself has hinted at the possibility of exploring new terrains and rivalries in a sequel.
While there's no official confirmation of a sequel, the director's comments and the film's open ending suggest that it is a definite possibility. Whether audiences will get to see what's next for APXGP and Sonny Hayes remains to be seen, but the strong opening weekend for F1 has certainly increased the likelihood.
Moreover, the success of "F1" is not limited to the box office. The film has also garnered positive reviews and strong word-of-mouth, which could lead to continued success in the coming weeks. Additionally, the film has already recouped some of its budget through brand sponsorships, with companies like Mercedes and Geico paying for naming rights on the fictional APXGP team's cars and racing suits.
Cory Spondent, a roving correspondent from TopGear.com, jokingly speculated that a sequel, titled "F1 Two," could follow an "ultra realistic" plot where one team dominates the 2026 season after acquiring Mercedes' new engine and hiring Adrian Newey. According to Spondent, the film would then shift to a gripping political drama involving the FIA banning laughter and F1 controversially replacing Monza with a street race in Venice.
Ultimately, the decision to make an F1 sequel rests on several factors, including audience demand and the film's continued box office performance. However, with a strong start and an open-ended conclusion, the possibility of seeing more of Sonny Hayes and the APXGP team is definitely on the table.