F1 movie makes history weeks after release as Lewis Hamilton project beats surprise rival

'F1: The Movie' has become the highest-grossing sports film of all time at the box office, surpassing 'Cars 2' at the top of the list. The project, which was assisted by producer and seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, has now raked in over $570million (£423m) since its release on June 25.

The movie, which stars Brad Pitt and Damson Idris as F1 stars driving for a struggling backmarker team, now stands alone after a resounding success at the box office. 'Cars 2' (2011) previously held the record with a $559 (£415m) worldwide gross, while the original 'Cars' (2006) brought in $461m (£342m).

F1's latest foray into the world of Hollywood is also the highest-grossing film of Pitt's career. The 61-year-old's previous best was the 2013 zombie flick 'World War Z', which scored a cool $540m (£401m) after its theatrical release.

While previous racing films such as 'Grand Prix' (1967) and 'Rush' (2013) have told tales from the F1 universe, Apple's summer blockbuster enjoyed unparalleled access to the sport. APX GP, the team at the heart of the story, set up shop in the paddock with their own motorhome and a spot in the pit lane.

The movie also benefited from the input of F1 legend Hamilton, who served as a producer and offered advice to the director and the actors to maximise the authenticity of the racing action.

Explaining the role that the Ferrari racer played in turning the concept into reality, director Joseph Kosinski told F1.com: "Lewis was instrumental in not only the technical aspects obviously, but in the real kind of formulative stage of the movie, formulating this narrative.

"We tell the story of Sonny Hayes, who's kind of [a] veteran racer, and then Joshua Pearce, who's a rookie. Lewis has been both. He's been the rookie, almost winning his first season in Formula One, and now with seven World Championships. He's kind of seen it all.

"So his perspective on shaping the narrative of these two characters and kind of giving me real insight into what it is that drives him, what makes these guys want to do this day in, day out, it was really, really helpful. We couldn't have made this film without him."

Currently, 'F1: The Movie' sits eighth on the global box office list for 2025, behind the new 'Superman' title, but ahead of 'The Fantastic Four: First Steps'. There is still hope that, with an IMAX rerelease, the film can move beyond the $600m (£445m) worldwide landmark.