Brad Pitt's high-octane Formula One thriller "F1" has officially taken the checkered flag at the box office, earning an impressive $144 million globally during its opening weekend. The Apple-produced blockbuster, directed by Joseph Kosinski of "Top Gun: Maverick" fame, collected $55.6 million domestically and $88.4 million internationally, marking Pitt's biggest global opening ever.

The Need for Speed Meets Hollywood Drama

The film follows Sonny Hayes (Pitt), a washed-up '90s Formula One driver who returns to racing after 30 years to save his friend's struggling team. Teaming up with rookie Joshua Pearce (Damson Idris), Hayes must prove that sometimes "the greatest that never was" can still become the greatest.

What sets "F1" apart is its unprecedented authenticity. Pitt and Idris actually drove modified Formula 2 cars at speeds up to 180 mph, with Lewis Hamilton serving as producer to ensure racing accuracy. "Lewis has been an incredible partner; he jumps on Zooms with me between races to go through the script, line by line, turn by turn," director Kosinski revealed.

Critical Reception: Fast Cars, Familiar Story

While critics praised the spectacular racing sequences –with IMAX reporting $12.8 million domestically for 23% of the frame– many noted the predictable sports drama formula. "Though the overall arc of F1 is fairly predictable, the film is still hugely enjoyable and dazzlingly well-made," NPR observed.

Real F1 drivers who attended a private Monaco screening offered mixed reactions. "It's more, you need to take a step back and see the broader picture, it's not about the fine details that everything is accurate," said Nico Hulkenberg, with drivers repeatedly using the word "Hollywood" to describe the film's dramatic liberties.

The Verdict

Despite costing nearly $250 million to produce and market, "F1" represents Apple's biggest theatrical success to date. The film delivers where it counts –heart-pounding racing sequences that demand the big screen experience. While the story may follow a well-worn path, Kosinski's masterful direction and genuine Formula One integration create an adrenaline rush that satisfies both newcomers and racing fans.

For American audiences seeking summer blockbuster thrills, "F1" proves that sometimes the journey matters more than the destination.