The high-octane world of Formula 1 has captivated audiences worldwide with the new film, F1: The Movie, making a remarkable impact both on the big screen and now in digital homes. Following an incredibly successful theatrical run that saw it surpass $595 million at the global box office, Apple Original Films’ racing drama, starring Brad Pitt, is now available for digital purchase or rental across major platforms, generating significant news in the entertainment industry.
Since its premiere on June 27, 2025, F1: The Movie has become a bona fide blockbuster, earning the distinction of being the highest-grossing film in Brad Pitt’s illustrious career and Apple’s most financially successful theatrical release to date. Its impressive performance even led to a return to IMAX theaters in August due to popular demand, underscoring the film’s cinematic appeal.
Digital Availability: Your Race to Own or Rent
As of August 22, 2025, fans eager to re-experience the adrenaline or catch the film for the first time can do so through premium video-on-demand (PVOD) services. F1: The Movie is available to buy or rent on digital storefronts such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV (via its Store section), Google TV, and Vudu. The standard industry pricing applies, with rentals typically costing $20 and outright purchases set at $25. This digital realeases also comes with an exciting bonus: approximately 45 minutes of exclusive content through iTunes Extras, offering viewers a deeper dive into the production.
The Road to Apple TV+ Streaming
While the movie is currently available for transactional viewing, its eventual debut on Apple TV+ for subscribers is highly anticipated. The official streaming release date for Apple TV+ has not yet been announced, but industry experts predict it will arrive in late September, October, or November. This strategic delay allows for an exclusive PVOD window, a common practice for major theatrical releases. Several factors contribute to this timeline, including contractual obligations for theatrical exclusivity, distribution partnerships (Warner Bros. handled the global theatrical distribution), and the film’s substantial production cost, reportedly between $200 and $300 million.
Behind the Wheel: Cast, Crew, and Authenticity
The driving force behind F1: The Movie is director Joseph Kosinski, known for his work on Top Gun: Maverick. He teamed up with a stellar cast, led by Brad Pitt, who portrays Sonny Hayes, a former Formula 1 prodigy returning to the circuit after a 30-year hiatus to mentor a young talent, Joshua Pearce (Damson Idris), and revive a struggling team, APXGP.
Crucially, seven-time Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton served as a producer on the film, ensuring an unparalleled level of authenticity. Filming took place during actual Grand Prix weekends throughout the 2023 and 2024 seasons, integrating the fictional APXGP team into real-life racing events. This commitment to realism, coupled with the involvement of real F1 teams and drivers, has been widely praised, making it one of the most immersive racing movie experiences ever created.
Other notable cast members include Javier Bardem as Ruben Cervantes, the owner of the struggling team, and Kerry Condon and Tobias Menzies in supporting roles. The score was composed by the renowned Hans Zimmer, further elevating the cinematic experience.
A Defining Moment for Apple Originals
F1: The Movie represents a significant achievement for Apple Original Films. Its critical and commercial success in cinemas, particularly as an original story, highlights Apple’s growing influence in the feature film landscape. The film’s ability to draw massive audiences to theaters demonstrates the studio’s potential for producing event-worthy content that drives both box office revenue and anticipation for its TV streaming service. As the film transitions through its various release windows, it continues to be a focal point in entertainment news, solidifying its place as a major cultural moment of 2025.
