The blockbuster success of the 2023 film F1 has set the stage for a potential sequel, as Apple and Formula 1 hint at even bigger plans for the silver screen. In a recent interview, Apple's senior vice president of services, Eddy Cue, and F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali suggested that discussions are already underway to bring motorsport fans another high-octane installment.
The Breakout Hit of 2023
Last summer's F1, directed by Joseph Kosinski and starring Brad Pitt, was a surprise box office smash. Backed by Apple Original Films and with input from seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton as an executive producer, the movie surpassed $600 million in worldwide ticket sales, making it the highest-grossing sports film of all time.
What this really means is that the appetite for Formula 1 storytelling on the big screen is stronger than ever. Cue told Variety that a sequel is "definitely something that's being talked about." He added, "It's been such a huge summer blockbuster for us. We're so proud of it."
Elevating the Formula 1 Experience
The potential sequel comes on the heels of another major announcement: Apple has secured the exclusive U.S. broadcast rights to Formula 1 races starting in 2026. As The Hollywood Reporter reported, Apple will pay around $140-$150 million per year, a significant increase from ESPN's current $85 million deal.
The bigger picture here is that Apple is making a concerted push to elevate the Formula 1 experience for fans. Cue promised that Apple TV subscribers "are going to get everything that Formula 1 has to offer, and it's going to be amazing." F1 CEO Domenicali echoed this sentiment, calling the partnership a "big step change" that will showcase the sport's "competence, quality, and power."
With the success of the first F1 film and now the exclusive U.S. media rights, it's clear that Apple and Formula 1 are laying the groundwork for an even deeper, more immersive relationship. Motorsport enthusiasts should keep their eyes peeled for what could be an exhilarating new chapter in the making.