Editor’s Note: The following contains spoilers for F1: The Movie.The new racing film F1: The Movie accomplished the unthinkable. The high-octane, rubber-burning adventure finally achieves for Apple Studios what has eluded them for years: delivering a bona fide blockbuster hit that races past the finish line. So, what’s next? Well, it looks like Apple Films is already interested in creating a sequel to the racing drama, as reported by Variety. If F1 does get a direct sequel, it needs to let go of the seasoned veteran, Brad Pitt’s Sonny Hayes, as the lead. It’s time for another character to take center stage on the winner’s podium. If we do get an F1 sequel, it needs to move away from Hayes to focus on Joshua Pearce (Damson Idris).
Sonny Hayes’ Story Effectively Ended in ‘F1’
F1 largely focuses on the nomadic race car driver, Sonny Hayes, seeking one last shot at glory in Formula One. Hayes was a young up-and-coming racer on the F1 circuit when a catastrophic car crash nearly killed him and crushed his career hopes. His life took a turbulent and self-destructive turn until he resumed racing, forging a new path as a freelance driver, bouncing around various circuits. As Hayes notes at the end of the movie, F1 was another dragon for him to slay.
The ending serves as the perfect conclusion for Hayes’ character. Not to mention, his past injuries and physical ailments would likely make it difficult to get approved to return to the track. Hayes is not motivated by money or the desire to win. He’s motivated by chasing an elusive high he can only achieve when he races, when he “sees everything” and feels like he’s “flying.” Hayes finds that feeling in his last race in the film, where he finally wins first place. F1 brought Hayes’ character arc to a satisfying ending that doesn’t warrant a continuation.
The conclusion for Hayes works similarly to an old cowboy or gunslinger riding off into the sunset, offering a rousing, yet definitive, moment for the driver. A sequel once again focusing on Hayes would cheapen the character’s journey and integrity because Hayes seeks out a new challenge after leaving APXGP. However, Hayes effectively passes the proverbial torch to his teammate, Joshua Pearce, which leads us to the best candidate to lead the potential sequel.
It’s Time for Joshua Pearce To Take the Spotlight in the ‘F1’ Sequel
F1‘s secondary protagonist, Joshua Pearce, serves as both a narrative rival and teammate for Hayes. Throughout the film, Pearce is a young, green rookie who has yet to win a race in F1. At first, Pearce and Hayes struggle to get on the same page and clash, with the brash, young rookie, Pearce, not recognizing Hayes’ value as a more experienced veteran. They share an interesting dynamic throughout the film, with their professional rivalry providing some exciting conflict. However, by the end, Pearce and Hayes find common ground, with both drivers seeking to uplift the other on the track. Pearce and Hayes overcoming their rivalry as drivers and becoming teammates is a major plotline of the film. Meanwhile, Pearce learns from Hayes’ wisdom and experience, transforming into a more humble driver by the end, and sacrificing his place to ensure a win for Hayes and his team.
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Pearce and Hayes’ final scene together exceptionally showcases Pearce’s newfound humility and emotional growth. Pearce understood that Hayes had one last shot to get a win on the F1 circuit, while Pearce still has his whole career ahead of him. The ending acts as a strong conclusion to Hayes’ F1 career while hinting at Pearce’s ascension into becoming a top F1 driver. After Sonny comes first place in the final race, Pearce tells him that he’ll have plenty more chances to win F1, so a sequel should focus on Pearce’s journey to championship glory. Pearce has so much more to accomplish, while Hayes’ storyline has a strong sense of finality.
Brad Pitt Can Still Appear in an ‘F1’ Sequel in a Smaller Role
Image via Apple Films
The possible F1 sequel doesn’t need to completely erase Pitt returning as Hayes. He should still appear, but preferably in a limited capacity. Perhaps he could resurface to offer some sage advice to Pearce at a key moment in the film. Additionally, he could reunite with APXGP’s Chief Engineer, Kate McKenna (Kerry Condon), as the two begin a romance in the film, and the plot leaves their relationship open-ended. They part on good terms, with Hayes asking Kate if he can see her again “down the road,” and she accepts. That thread could be picked up again later to see the progress in their relationship.
The filmmakers should not attempt a wacky crossover with another classic racing film, Days of Thunder. Director Joseph Kosinski, who also directed Days of Thunder star Tom Cruise in the sequel, Top Gun: Maverick, pitched the idea of reuniting Pitt and Cruise onscreen while speaking to GQ. The premise involves Cruise’s Cole Trickle from Days of Thunder rekindling an old rivalry with Hayes, which sounds like absurd fan fiction. Although an F1 sequel is being discussed by Apple Films, nothing has been confirmed by the studio. If a sequel does come to pass, it’s time for Pearce to take the center podium in the next movie. Overall, that scenario creates the best course for the future of F1 as a potential film franchise.
F1: The Movie is playing in theaters now in the U.S.
F1
Release Date
June 27, 2025
Runtime
156 Minutes
Director
Joseph Kosinski