Apple Studios’ high-octane hit F1: The Movie has crossed the finish line as a bona fide blockbuster, and with talks of a sequel already underway (per Variety), the franchise faces a critical pit stop decision: it must shift gears from Brad Pitt’s Sonny Hayes to Damson Idris’ Joshua Pearce as its new lead.
Hayes’ Story Has Reached Its Perfect Finish Line
The film masterfully concludes Sonny Hayes’ arc as the grizzled racer seeking redemption. His final victory—after years of self-destruction post-crash—fulfills his quest for that transcendent “flying” feeling behind the wheel. Like a gunslinger riding into the sunset, Hayes’ journey achieves poetic closure. Dragging him back for another race would undermine his hard-won resolution and physical limitations (those lingering injuries aren’t going anywhere).
Pearce Is Primed for the Spotlight
Joshua Pearce, the fiery rookie who evolves into Hayes’ humble protégé, is the natural heir. Their dynamic—from clashing egos to mutual respect—fuels the first film’s emotional core. Pearce’s pivotal sacrifice in the finale (letting Hayes take the win) marks his growth from brash talent to team player. As Hayes himself hints, Pearce’s career is just beginning: “You’ll have plenty more chances to win.” A sequel could chart his rise to champion, leveraging:
- Unfinished business: Pearce has yet to claim his own podium-topping victory.
- Fresh conflicts: Navigating fame, rivalries, and the pressure of being APXGP’s new star.
- Hayes’ legacy: The mentor’s absence would test Pearce’s independence.
How Pitt Could Still Appear (Without Stealing the Wheel)
Pitt’s Hayes shouldn’t vanish entirely. A reduced role—say, a cameo advising Pearce during a crisis or rekindling his romance with engineer Kate McKenna (Kerry Condon)—would honor his character without backtracking. (Their parting line—“See you down the road?”—practically begs for a check-in.)
What the Sequel Must Avoid
- Forced crossovers: Director Joseph Kosinski’s pitch to pit Hayes against Days of Thunder’s Cole Trickle (Tom Cruise) reeks of gimmicky fan service.
- Rehashing Hayes’ arc: His story is complete; the franchise needs new stakes.
The Finish Line
An F1 sequel must mirror Formula 1 itself: out with the old, in with the new. By centering Pearce’s journey—with Hayes in the rearview—Apple can shift into franchise gear without losing what made the original a winner.