Is Sonny Hayes coming back to the paddock? Joseph Kosinski, director of the film “F1”, has confirmed that discussions are underway with Apple about a possible sequel to the Formula 1 blockbuster starring Brad Pitt and Damson Idris.
The film, which was released in cinemas in June 2025, has become a massive success and has already grossed more than 630 million dollars (around 542 million euros) at the box office worldwide. These numbers have now apparently paved the way for discussions about a sequel.
The film tells the story of nomadic racing driver Sonny Hayes (played by Pitt), who returns to Formula 1 to join the struggling APXGP team and race alongside rookie Joshua Pearce (Idris).
Conversations are ongoing
“We are currently in the phase of imagining the next chapter for Sonny Hayes and APXGP,” Kosinski tells Variety. “Based on the reaction from all over the world, it’s something that people want to see. I would love to go back and do it because we had so much fun making the first part.”
Apple CEO Tim Cook also recently confirmed that he had held talks with seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, who served as executive producer on the project.
“It’s definitely something that’s being talked about,” Cook told Variety on the sidelines of the Emmy Awards. “It was a huge summer blockbuster for us. We are so proud of it.”
Melbourne as a starting point?
Cook particularly praised the cast’s acting: “The talent involved is next level, and Brad did a wonderful job. We’re super proud of it and can’t wait to take it further.”
Producer Jerry Bruckheimer had previously expressed his openness to a sequel, but made it dependent on box office success. “It’s up to you. If you talk about it well and a lot of people see it, we’ll find a way to do another one,” he told TODAY.
Bruckheimer even has a specific wish for the location of a possible sequel, which was missing in the first part: “Melbourne is a track that we haven’t been to, but that I would like to go to. I know it’s a favorite for a lot of the drivers. So that would be a great way to start a sequel.”