F1 advance box office predictions Day 1: Brad Pitt's racing drama zooms towards $100 million global debut

It's time to start those engines because Hollywood’s newest high-octane gamble is about to hit the track this weekend. Brad Pitt returns to the big screen in F1, a high-speed racing drama that’s generating serious box office buzz as it zooms toward a projected $100 million+ global debut.The film, which sees Pitt play a retired Formula One legend reluctantly pulled back into the game to mentor a hotshot rookie played by Damson Idris, is reportedly eyeing an estimated domestic collection of $50 million to $60 million, according to Variety. However, with industry trackers noting numbers varying from as low as $35 million to a more optimistic $60 million haul, the film’s final performance is keenly awaited as all eyes turn to the box office finish line.In international markets, F1 is targeting an impressive $75 million+ across 77 markets, thanks in large part to the sport’s massive global following. Distributed by Warner Bros. on behalf of Apple, this marks a crucial theatrical test for the tech giant’s streaming-first studio, which is betting big on F1 to solidify its cinema credibility.With a production budget exceeding $200 million, F1 will need to be able to lure in the masses to recoup its costs. If it is unable to hit the mark on its opening weekend, chances are that the film may just be able to score big at the box office next week, over the 4th of July weekend. The film is also receiving an additional boost from seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton serving as producer, while director Joseph Kosinski and legendary producer Jerry Bruckheimer reunite after their Top Gun: Maverick $1 billion triumph.