July 9, 2025: Brad Pitt’s high-octane racing drama F1, directed by Joseph Kosinski, has become the highest-grossing film of his career, zooming past $300 million in global box office earnings as of July 7. The film, which chronicles the story of a veteran Formula One driver making a dramatic return to the racetrack, has grossed $112 million in North America and $189 million overseas, for a total of $301 million worldwide.
Despite its impressive haul, F1 faces a steep climb before it can be declared a box office hit. The film, distributed by Apple and praised for its adrenaline-fueled realism and stunning cinematography, also marks Apple’s biggest theatrical success to date. However, the financial picture is far more complex.
Sky-High Costs Raise the Stakes
With a production budget reportedly in the range of $250 million — due largely to the logistical challenges of filming during real F1 race weekends — and an additional $100 million in global marketing and promotion, F1 carries a massive estimated landing cost of $350 million. That pushes its break-even point to around $600 million, considering studios typically retain only about 50-55% of box office revenues.
That means Apple has likely recouped just $150–170 million from theatrical sales so far — less than half of what it needs to break even at the box office.
Will F1 Break Even in Theatres?
The road ahead looks bumpy. On its ninth day in theatres, F1 brought in just $3.4 million domestically and about $10 million globally. With blockbuster competitors like Superman and The Fantastic Four: First Steps set to hit theatres soon, F1 is likely to lose premium screens and audience attention.
While F1 may not reach profitability through ticket sales alone, it’s not expected to be a financial loss for Apple. Revenue from digital rights, merchandise, and brand sponsorships — including prominent jersey and vehicle placements — are expected to help offset production and marketing costs.
The Verdict
F1 is a box office spectacle and a personal milestone for Brad Pitt, but its high cost means that, for now, it cannot be classified as a traditional theatrical hit. Without a significant second wind or unexpected surge in ticket sales, the film will fall short of box office break-even — though Apple is poised to recoup its investment through other channels.