When Apple’s blockbuster F1: The Movie roared into theaters, it took Hollywood and motorsport fans by storm. What began as a bold experiment—an Apple Original Film blending real Formula 1 racing with cinematic storytelling—quickly became a global box-office giant, smashing expectations and rewriting the history of sports cinema. Now, with record-breaking numbers and massive fan demand, talk of an F1 movie sequel is growing louder every day.
Is a second chapter officially happening? Will Brad Pitt step back into the racing suit as Sonny Hayes? What has the director revealed so far? And how is Apple responding to the film’s extraordinary success?
Here is everything we know so far about the F1 sequel, including production rumors, cast insights, and the forces driving momentum behind the next film.
The Buzz Begins: Is an F1 Movie Sequel Really Happening?
Thanks to the thunderous reception of the original film, rumors of a sequel began almost instantly. And those rumors are increasingly backed by real conversations happening behind the scenes.
Director Joseph Kosinski, best known for Top Gun: Maverick, has openly confirmed that he and the producers are already discussing story directions for a potential second installment. In a recent interview at the Governors Awards, Kosinski revealed that the team is actively exploring how to expand the franchise and continue the journey of the APXGP racing team.
While he stopped short of officially announcing the sequel, he made one thing clear:
The global response to the first film has made a follow-up almost impossible to ignore.
Apple’s executives appear to agree. CEO Tim Cook has hinted that internal discussions about an F1 sequel are serious and ongoing, fueled by the massive commercial success and enthusiastic fan reaction.
Simply put:
A sequel isn’t confirmed—but it’s closer than ever.
Why an F1 Sequel Is on the Fast Track
Joseph Kosinski reveals there are now active talks about a ‘F1’ sequel.
— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) November 17, 2025
(Source: @Variety) pic.twitter.com/mSuQF22j7o
Several factors explain why Apple and the filmmakers are accelerating talks for a sequel. Let’s break down the biggest ones.
1. The Film Was a Massive Box-Office Triumph
After launching at the iconic Radio City Music Hall, F1 rolled into theaters worldwide in June 2025. What happened next stunned the industry:
- The movie quickly crossed $600 million globally.
- It became Apple’s highest-grossing theatrical release of all time.
- It surpassed the performance of Apple’s prestige films like Napoleon and Killers of the Flower Moon.
- It claimed the title of the highest-grossing sports movie in cinematic history.
For an original drama set in the high-octane world of Formula 1 racing, these numbers were unprecedented. Hollywood studios pay attention to results like this—especially when a new franchise potential is staring them in the face.
2. Apple Wants More Blockbuster Franchises
Apple has been actively pushing into theatrical releases, and F1’s breakout success gives the company something rare:
a tentpole film with genuine franchise potential.
A sequel could establish Apple as a major competitor not just in streaming, but in global block-office dominance.
3. The Story Leaves Room for Expansion
Although the first film closes Sonny Hayes’s comeback arc, several threads remain open:
- The future of the APXGP team
- Joshua Pearce’s evolution as a rising star
- New rivalries within the F1 circuit
- The changing landscape of Formula 1 itself
This gives the writers plenty of material to craft a new chapter.
4. The Film Sparked Worldwide F1 Hype
F1’s popularity has been surging for years thanks to Netflix’s Drive to Survive, global races, and new audiences.
The movie helped push that momentum to new heights—and a sequel could capitalize.
Will Brad Pitt Return as Sonny Hayes?
One of the biggest questions surrounding the sequel is whether Brad Pitt will reprise his role as legendary racer Sonny Hayes. While Joseph Kosinski has not officially confirmed Pitt’s return, he has offered several promising hints.
What the Director Has Said
Kosinski has emphasized that any sequel discussions involve exploring “where Sonny Hayes’s story would naturally go next.”
That alone suggests the character is still a major part of the broader narrative.
What This Could Mean
There are a few possibilities:
1. Pitt Returns as the Lead
If the story continues directly from the events of the first film, Sonny Hayes may take on new challenges—possibly as a mentor, team strategist, or racing icon facing fresh controversies.
2. Pitt Returns in a Significant Supporting Role
Another option is a passing-the-torch story, where Sonny becomes a guiding force rather than the primary driver.
3. Pitt Appears in an Extended Cameo
If the narrative shifts heavily toward younger drivers, Pitt may appear in a reduced but meaningful capacity.
Has He Been Ruled Out?
Absolutely not.
Kosinski has been careful to avoid shutting down speculation, and Apple knows Pitt’s involvement was a major driver of the first film’s success.
In short:
Brad Pitt returning is very likely—but the size of his role is still undecided.
What About Joshua Pearce’s Character?
Josh Pearce, portrayed powerfully in the first film, became a breakout favorite. Many fans believe the sequel should shift the spotlight onto his career trajectory, especially after everything he learned under Sonny Hayes.
But as of now:
- Kosinski has not confirmed a shift in focus, and
- Apple has not addressed the fan speculation.
Still, given the character’s growth and emotional arc, many expect Joshua Pearce to be much more central in a follow-up.
What Could the F1 Sequel Be About? Potential Story Directions
Although no plot details have been released, several narrative paths seem likely based on the ending of the first film and the dynamics of Formula 1.
1. Sonny Hayes’s New Chapter
With his comeback arc complete, a sequel could explore:
- His shift into team management or mentorship
- His grappling with life after retirement
- Rivalries in the political world of F1 team ownership
- A potential return to racing under dramatic circumstances
2. Joshua Pearce’s Rise
Pearce may become the emotional core of the sequel:
- Taking on new challenges as a lead driver
- Facing intense pressure to live up to expectations
- Navigating rivalries with elite F1 racers
- Balancing fame, sponsorships, and personal life
3. APXGP’s Future as a Team
The sequel may explore how the team:
- Develops its car for the next racing season
- Handles internal conflicts
- Attracts new engineering talent
- Fights to stay relevant in the championship
4. Real F1 Circuits and Cameos
The first film blended real locations, real footage, and real F1 involvement.
A sequel could go even bigger:
- New circuits
- Iconic rivalries
- Guest appearances from real drivers
- Behind-the-scenes tensions within the sport
Industry Reactions: Why Hollywood Is Paying Attention
The success of F1 has sent a message across the film industry:
Audiences want big, original, cinematic stories—even without superheroes or pre-existing franchises.
F1 broke through a crowded market by delivering:
- breathtaking practical racing footage
- on-track realism made possible through a partnership with Formula 1
- a charismatic lead performance from Brad Pitt
- Joseph Kosinski’s signature aerial and action filmmaking style
For Hollywood, this proves that racing films—when done right—have blockbuster potential.
Streaming Plans: Where You Can Watch the First Film
If you want to revisit the thrilling story before news of the sequel becomes official, you won’t have to wait long.
F1: The Movie begins streaming on Apple TV+ on December 12, 2025.
This streaming debut is expected to attract an even larger audience, strengthening the case for a sequel as viewership grows.
Will Apple Announce the Sequel Soon?
Given the momentum, industry analysts expect an official announcement in one of the following windows:
- Around awards season (if F1 receives nominations)
- Before the film’s streaming premiere
- During a major Apple event or a film festival
Apple tends to make major film announcements strategically, tying them to viewership and subscription surges.
If the movie performs as strongly on streaming as it did in theaters, the sequel might be greenlit almost immediately.
Final Thoughts: Is the F1 Sequel Really Happening?
While nothing has been formally confirmed, the evidence is overwhelming:
- Apple wants to expand successful franchises.
- Director Joseph Kosinski is actively shaping ideas for the next chapter.
- The cast and storylines still have room for rich exploration.
- The first movie’s commercial performance practically demands a sequel.
All signals point in the same direction:
An F1 sequel isn’t just possible—it’s increasingly likely.
Fans may still be waiting for the official green light, but behind the scenes, the wheels are already turning. Whether Sonny Hayes returns to the driver’s seat or passes the mantle to a new generation, the world of APXGP appears far from finished.
The roar of engines may soon return to the big screen—and the next chapter promises to be even bigger, bolder, and faster.
Read Also: