Formula 1 president and CEO Stefano Domenicali has pushed against the idea of a sequel to the hugely successful F1 movie, insisting that it is important to allow the first to breathe before a second is released.
Speaking to Sky Sports F1 following the end of the 2025 season, Domenicali reflected on what has been another successful year for the championship. Not only has it seen huge success in the movie, but it is also confirmed that Apple will be managing its broadcast in the United States as the technology brand takes the reins from ESPN.
The Hollywood production saw global revenue of over $600million and there have been whisperings of a sequel, but the Italian is keen on making the most of the first before they rush into a second.
“Well, I think that is never say never,” he said. “We’re working on a plan. It will not be eventually... too soon, because it needs to digest.”
The F1 movie, starring Brad Pitt and Damson Idris, has been widely credited for accelerating the series' growth in North America, adding to the surge originally driven by Netflix's Drive to Survive. Domenicali, however, is keen to maintain credibility when approaching a follow-up.
“There will be a longer effect of the first movie,” he explained. “And the next one has to be credible, authentic and new."
This comes after a tight finish that brought the drivers' championship all the way to the final round of the season in Abu Dhabi.
“I think it has been amazing, an amazing season,” Domenicali said. “We were able to wrap the last race with three drivers competing. Seeing that they are all of them fighting for each other is just amazing.”
He added: “This season has been phenomenal because we have seen growth. We have seen new fans coming in. We have seen a lot of interest from a lot of commercial partners, understanding the value of our proposition.”
He continued, pointing to the newly-crowned Lando Norris as being a younger driver who can connect with modern fans.
“Very positive, younger, energetic,” he said in regard to the young Briton. “They are a role model for a lot of people. They need to remember that they are a unique talent.”
2026 sees the arrival of Cadillac as a new team as F1 continues to push into the United States market - something Domenicali describes as "a game for big boys". But as for the movie franchise, allowing it to "breathe" may be what enhances this rapid expansion, rather than diluting it.
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