The wait is over for Formula One fans and movie lovers as F1 The Movie, the highest-grossing sports film of all time, is set to race onto streaming screens. Starring Brad Pitt in the lead role, the blockbuster will premiere on Apple TV on December 12, 2025, following an extraordinary theatrical run that lasted well over three months.
From Box Office Glory to Streaming Spotlight
Released as part of the Summer 2025 lineup, F1 The Movie shattered records to become the biggest sports film ever made, grossing a staggering $629 million worldwide. The film also stands as the most successful release under the Apple Original Films banner, outpacing every previous title from the studio.
Directed by Joseph Kosinski, known for hits like Top Gun: Maverick and Tron: Legacy, the film combines high-octane racing with emotional storytelling, placing viewers directly in the driver’s seat of the Formula One universe.
Brad Pitt plays Sonny Hayes, a retired racer making a daring comeback to mentor a rising star, played by Damson Idris. The cast also features Javier Bardem, Kerry Condon, and Tobias Menzies in pivotal roles.
Adding authenticity to the film’s racing sequences, Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time Formula One world champion, joined the production as a co-producer. Hamilton not only lent his expertise but also made a surprise cameo, much to the delight of fans.
Apple TV Confirms OTT Premiere
According to Apple’s latest announcement, F1 The Movie will start streaming on December 12, giving subscribers access at no extra cost. The film was earlier made available for purchase or rent on August 22, but this upcoming release marks its official addition to Apple TV’s streaming catalog.
Interestingly, Apple also used the announcement to confirm a quiet rebranding—dropping the “+” from Apple TV+. The company hinted that this move reflects its focus on consolidating all entertainment under one banner while celebrating the success of its biggest-ever theatrical release.
Fans Applaud the Theatrical-First Strategy
Apple’s decision to delay the film’s streaming release and prioritize its IMAX and big-screen run has received widespread praise from both fans and industry insiders. Many have hailed the strategy as a smart move in balancing theatrical and streaming windows.
“Even though it’s an Apple production, they let F1 stay in theatres for over 170 days. It’s a masterstroke,” wrote one fan on X. Another user commented, “Apple is setting a new standard for film releases—big screen first, then streaming later. This is how it should be.”
Some cinephiles even compared the approach to Christopher Nolan’s traditionalist views on theatrical runs, emphasizing that a longer box office window can boost long-term streaming success.
A Victory Lap for Apple and Brad Pitt
The release marks a significant moment for both Apple and Brad Pitt. For Apple, it reinforces the company’s commitment to high-quality cinema beyond streaming. For Pitt, it represents a new peak in his career, as F1 The Movie has officially become the biggest commercial success of his lifetime.
With its adrenaline-fueled action, star-studded cast, and stunning cinematography, the film is expected to perform just as strongly on streaming as it did in theatres. Fans who missed the cinematic run can now experience the roar of the engines from the comfort of their homes.
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