F1 Movie scores grammy victory: "Bad as I used to be" wins as Film's Awards Domination Accelerates

Chris Stapleton claimed the 2026 Grammy Award for Best Country Solo Performance with "Bad As I Used To Be," extending the F1 movie's impressive awards trajectory. The country music superstar's track, featured prominently in the blockbuster film, represents a significant cultural crossover moment for the Formula 1 franchise as it continues to dominate awards season across multiple categories.

Stapleton's victory marks a milestone for the film, which has already established itself as a commercial juggernaut, surpassing $630 million at the global box office since its June 2025 release. The Grammy win underscores how effectively the movie has transcended traditional motorsport cinema, capturing audiences across entertainment, music, and film industries simultaneously.

Where to watch the F1 Movie

Audiences can now stream the F1 movie exclusively on Apple TV, experiencing the cinematic spectacle that has captivated critics and the Academy alike. This release cements the platform as the ultimate destination for motorsport enthusiasts, coinciding with the recent announcement that Apple TV is now the exclusive broadcaster for Formula 1 in the US. By housing both the Oscar-nominated film and live Grand Prix coverage, Apple TV offers subscribers a seamless transition from the fictional high-stakes drama of APXGP to the real-world intensity of the 2026 race calendar.

A snapshot of Grammy nominations and results

The F1 movie arrived at the 2026 Grammy Awards with three nominations, showcasing the production's musical ambition. Beyond Stapleton's victory, the film received recognition in two additional categories:

• Best Dance Pop Recording: Tate McRae's "Just Keep Watching" was nominated but lost to Lady Gaga's "Abracadabra"
• Best Compilation Soundtrack for Visual Media: F1 The Album was nominated but did not secure the award, which went to Sinners

Despite a one-for-three outcome at the Grammys, the nominations themselves validate the strategic approach taken by producers Jerry Bruckheimer and Joseph Kosinski in assembling a world-class musical roster alongside the film's on-track action.

A star-studded soundtrack architecture

The breadth of F1 The Album reflects meticulous curation designed to reach diverse global audiences. Beyond Stapleton's contribution, the soundtrack features an impressive lineup including Ed Sheeran, RAYE, Burna Boy, and Rosé, each bringing their distinctive artistry to the film's narrative universe.

Notably, Ed Sheeran's "Drive" has achieved dual prominence, not only featuring in the film but also becoming part of Formula 1's race weekend track coverage alongside Stapleton's winning track. This integration demonstrates how the production has achieved what few sports films accomplish: embedding itself into the sport's authentic ecosystem rather than existing as a parallel entertainment product.

The broader awards landscape

While the Grammy success garners headlines, the F1 film's awards momentum extends far beyond music industry recognition. The production has secured four Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture, Visual Effects, Sound, and Film Editing, with the 98th Academy Awards ceremony scheduled for March 15, 2026.

The film has already demonstrated competitive strength in technical categories, winning the Critics' Choice Movie Award for Best Editing and Best Sound, establishing itself as a formidable contender heading into the Oscars. This success pattern reflects the production's commitment to technical excellence across every department.

Cast, crew, and authenticity

Brad Pitt stars as semi-retired driver Sonny Hayes, returning to Formula 1 with the fictional APXGP team, while Javier Bardem plays team owner Rubén Cervantes and Damson Idris portrays rookie Joshua Pearce. The ensemble was directed by Joseph Kosinski, the architect behind Top Gun: Maverick, ensuring cinematic credibility alongside motorsport authenticity.

Critically, seven-time Formula 1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton served as an executive producer, bringing unparalleled insight into modern Grand Prix operations. The production was filmed during actual F1 race weekends across the 2023-2024 seasons, with cameos from active drivers including Alex Albon, Carlos Sainz, Fernando Alonso, and Lewis Hamilton himself, grounding the narrative in contemporary Formula 1 reality.

The cultural significance

Stapleton's Grammy victory represents more than a single award—it symbolizes Formula 1's successful penetration into mainstream entertainment during an era when sports films have achieved unprecedented cultural prominence. The combination of racing authenticity, cinematic spectacle, and musical excellence has created a product that transcends traditional motorsport boundaries.

As the film continues its awards campaign through the BAFTA Film Awards (February 22, 2026) and toward the Academy Awards, the Grammy recognition demonstrates that the F1 movie's appeal extends across demographics and entertainment categories, legitimizing it as a genuine cultural event rather than a niche sports product.