F1 streaming and digital release date: When and where to watch Brad Pitt's thriller online

Economic Times

a day ago

Formula One fans and cinema enthusiasts across the globe are now looking beyond the theatrical thrill of F1 , the latest Apple Original Film starring Brad Pitt, and asking the pressing question — when will 'F1' get its digital and streaming release date? Having opened in theatres worldwide on June 27, 2025, the racing drama is expected to follow the tech giant's established release formula for online platforms.Helmed by Top Gun: Maverick director Joseph Kosinski, F1 has already made headlines for its impressive performance at the global box office. Backed by a budget of $200 million, the film has crossed $160 million globally, with a standout $2.7 million opening in the UAE—a record debut for both a Brad Pitt feature and an Apple-backed production in the region.
The film follows the story of Sonny Hayes, a retired Formula One legend portrayed by Pitt, who returns to the racetrack to guide young prodigy Joshua Pearce (played by Damson Idris). With supporting roles by Kerry Condon, Javier Bardem, and Tobias Menzies, the movie merges high-octane action with personal drama, set against the pulsating world of motorsports.
Also Read | Fourth of July 2025 Food Deals: Freebies & discounts at McDonald's, Burger King, Pizza Hut & more While F1 continues its theatrical lap across major global markets, viewers hoping to catch the film at home are now tracking its F1 streaming release date. Given Apple's recent digital release strategies, industry observers expect the movie to become available on digital platforms such as iTunes, Amazon, and Vudu between 45 to 65 days after its theatrical debut.
By that calculation, F1 could see its digital release window open between August 10 and September 1, 2025. This timeline aligns with previous Apple Originals, including Killers of the Flower Moon , which became available for streaming 84 days post-theatrical release.After its limited digital transactional release, F1 will stream exclusively on Apple TV+, Apple's premium streaming platform. As an Apple Original Film, F1 joins a line-up of high-profile cinematic releases intended to bolster the platform's global content library, as per a report by Coming Soon.Subscribers to Apple TV+ can anticipate the film's arrival by late August or early September, although no official date has been announced yet. Given Apple's consistent pattern of prioritizing extended box office runs for high-budget titles, the studio may take advantage of F1 's financial momentum before shifting to its streaming rollout.
With F1 having already achieved critical and commercial traction, industry watchers believe a digital and streaming release by September 2025 appears realistic, pending any changes based on box office longevity.
Also Read | Fireworks Near Me: Washington gears up for 4th of July 2025 celebrations, military parade and displays | Complete guide Industry analysts suggest that Apple Studios is carefully timing F1's home release to sustain its profitability and buzz. Unlike smaller films that rapidly transition from theatres to digital platforms, F1 is backed by prestige collaborators such as Jerry Bruckheimer Films, Plan B Entertainment, and Kosinski's own production unit.
The long-term streaming value of a title like F1 , which combines mainstream appeal with global star power and niche motorsport fandom, is expected to be maximized by spacing out its release windows strategically. Moreover, Apple's focus on event-style cinema releases for some of its big-budget projects has worked in its favour, offering them a dual runway—first, as box office earners and later as streaming tentpoles. Theatrical release date: June 27, 2025
Estimated digital purchase/rental date: Between August 10 and September 1, 2025
Expected Apple TV+ streaming release: Late August to early September 2025
Streaming platform: Apple TV+ (exclusive)
Although Apple has yet to make an official announcement, the prevailing consensus among industry insiders is that F1 will be available for home viewing within a three-month window, with Apple TV+ subscribers getting access shortly after its transactional digital release. F1 was released theatrically worldwide on June 27, 2025.The film follows Sonny Hayes (played by Brad Pitt), a retired Formula One driver who returns to the racetrack to mentor a young talent, Joshua Pearce (played by Damson Idris). It combines high-speed racing action with an emotional storyline.