F1 News: Hamilton plays down talk of F1 movie sequel, but Tim Cook calls the shots (2nd Update)

At the Variety Entertainment & Technology Summit on Thursday, legendary producer Jerry Bruckheimer teased exciting possibilities for sequels to F1: The Movie, Top Gun 3, and a new Pirates of the Caribbean installment. In a lively conversation with Variety’s Clayton Davis, Bruckheimer reflected on the success of F1: The Movie and shared insights into the creative risks and innovations that drove its global appeal.

This summer, Bruckheimer, director Joseph Kosinski, Apple, and Warner Bros. delivered a high-octane hit with F1: The Movie. Despite Formula 1’s relatively niche following in the U.S. compared to Europe, the film became a cinematic thrill ride that captivated audiences. “It immerses you in a world you know little about,” Bruckheimer told Davis. “You walk out understanding what these drivers endure. They’re among the world’s greatest athletes—only 20 of them compete at this level.”

The film’s stars, Brad Pitt and Damson Idris, underwent four months of intense training to handle F1 cars, reaching speeds of up to 180 mph—still well below the 220 mph of professional racers.

“The speed, the technology, the effort—it’s incredible,” Bruckheimer said, praising the actors’ dedication and the groundbreaking camera work that brought the racing action to life. Kosinski, a trained engineer and architect, pushed boundaries by developing smaller, advanced cameras—half the size of those used in 2022’s Top Gun: Maverick.

“Joe’s precision is unmatched,” Bruckheimer noted. “With 16 camera angles on the cars, you feel like you’re driving them, thanks to his vision and Claudio Miranda’s cinematography.”

Released in late June, F1: The Movie has grossed $624 million worldwide, proving its worth as a must-see cinematic event. Bruckheimer emphasized the importance of creating compelling entertainment that draws audiences to theaters. “We all have kitchens, but we love dining out for a great meal,” he said. “Our job is to serve unforgettable experiences with talented writers, actors, and directors.”

Bruckheimer credited driven stars like Pitt and Tom Cruise, his Top Gun collaborator, for elevating projects. “When you work with Brad or Tom, they’re all in—they want to win, deliver great performances, and make films audiences love,” he said.

While Davis pressed for details on future projects, Bruckheimer remained coy but confirmed his team is developing around 30 films, including Top Gun 3, a potential F1 sequel, and another Pirates of the Caribbean chapter. “We’re working on movies that have resonated with audiences,” he said with a smile. When Davis jokingly suggested F2 as a title, Bruckheimer’s grin hinted at the possibilities ahead.

Lewis Hamilton has been overruled.  Apple CEO Tim Cook says a sequel for F1: The Movie is definitely being discussed.

“It’s definitely something that’s being talked about,” Cook told Variety at the Emmys. “It’s been such a huge summer blockbuster for us. We’re so proud of it. The talent involved are such next level, and Brad did such a wonderful job acting in it. We’re super proud of it, and we can’t wait to bring it to the surface.”

F1: The Movie grossed $623.4 million against a budget of $300 million, and it currently sits at an 82% Fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

“I just kind of threw out this idea that Sonny Hayes comes back to the world of F1 and bumps into his old rival, Cole Trickle, who raced NASCAR in the ‘90s, and they cross paths again,” director Joseph Kosinski told Collider of his idea for a dream sequel.

Brad Pitt’s #F1TheMovie is his highest grossing movie ever at the box office. Tim Cook says a sequel is “definitely something that is being talked about.” pic.twitter.com/wgu5AOPqGt

— Variety (@Variety) September 14, 2025

(GMM) Lewis Hamilton has played down early speculation about a sequel to the new ‘F1’ feature movie. It’s too soon.

Millions of fans, insiders and curious movie-goers have now seen the film starring Brad Pitt – and not all are impressed.

“The film offers plenty of adrenaline, but also plenty of kitsch,” the Swiss newspaper Blick observed. “And a few jarring scenes.

“The story is superficial, cheesy, and predictable. And for all Formula 1 fans, the bitter aftertaste remains that many key scenes are totally unrealistic.”

Nonetheless, as of today, ‘F1′ has grossed almost $170 million worldwide, and has become Apple Original Films’ most successful theatrical release to date – although not yet recouping its huge investment.

Lewis Hamilton’s company, Dawn Apollo Films, was involved in production of the movie, and among the seven time world champion’s roles was ensuring authenticity.

It’s already being rumored that there will be a sequel.

“I wouldn’t rush into anything,” the Ferrari driver said at Silverstone. “That would be the worst thing we could do.

“Most sequels are much worse than the original anyway,” the 40-year-old told DPA news agency. “It’s been four years of work, so now we should let it simmer for a bit.”

However, Hamilton didn’t entirely rule whether talks a ‘F1 2’ have already been taking place.

“If they were, I wouldn’t say,” he smiled.

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Brad Pitt is currently contemplating an “F1” sequel, as Variety reported that Apple is already talking about a potential follow-up to the racing movie after its $144 million worldwide opening.

“I would want to drive again, selfishly speaking,” Pitt told The National about a sequel. “F1 is still the focus. It needs to be on Joshua Pierce – Damson Idris’s character – and the rest of the team fighting for a championship. Where does Sonny fit in? I’m not sure. Sonny’s probably out on the Bonneville Salt Flats, setting speed records or something like that. So I’m not sure beyond that, just yet.”

“Right now, I’m just pleased as punch that something like this can bring people together. That’s the power of this kind of cinema,” Pitt added.

“F1” director Joseph Kosinski has already floated the idea of making a sequel that would reunite Pitt with his “Interview With a Vampire” co-star Tom Cruise, who showed up to support his friend on the “F1” carpet in London before the film’s opening. The filmmaker went as far to say an “F1” sequel could be a crossover with Cruise’s NASCAR hit “Days of Thunder.”

“Who wouldn’t pay to see those two go head-to-head on the track,” said Kosinski.