F1 made an estimated $55.6 million in North America in its opening weekend and racked in $144 million worldwide, the Associated Press reported. With these figures, the Pitt-led sports drama became Apple’s biggest opening to date — and the Oscar winner, 61, was a huge part of that, according to a Warner Bros. executive.

Apple's "F1" movie with Brad Pitt captured the checkered flag in its opening weekend, but there's reason to think that its success could be a one-off.

As Formula 1 continues to have discussions about the future of its U.S. media rights, the racing property is hoping the strong opening for a new feature film starring Brad Pitt may be just the thing to help push those talks over the finish line.