Apple has teamed up with McDonald’s for an innovative marketing campaign to promote F1 The Movie, the upcoming film starring Brad Pitt, launching today, Saturday, June 28, 2025, at 02:29 PM CEST.
Starting today, customers in Latin America can purchase a special McDonald’s combo meal in Brazil, Argentina, and Mexico to receive an exclusive 1:43 scale miniature F1 race car. This collaboration highlights Apple’s growing focus on the racing spectacle and suggests CEO Tim Cook might be prioritizing the film’s promotion over the upcoming iPhone 17.
Campaign Details
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The “McMenu F1 The Movie” combo rolls out across McDonald’s locations in Brazil, Argentina, and Mexico starting today. In Brazil, for example, the Bacon Quarter Pounder with Cheese combo can be upgraded with an additional R$64.00 (about $11.60) to include one of two collectible 1:43 scale cars. One features McDonald’s signature red and yellow hues, while the other mirrors the fictional APXGP team car from the film.
As an official F1 sponsor in the region, McDonald’s is leveraging this partnership to boost excitement, with only 92,000 units available in Brazil. Select locations, such as the Avenida Henrique Schaumann branch in São Paulo, will also showcase a full-size F1 car replica and racing simulators on weekends from June 28 to July 20.
A Shift in Apple’s Focus
Notably, this campaign indicates that Tim Cook may be placing more emphasis on promoting F1 The Movie—produced with input from seven-time F1 champion Lewis Hamilton—than on the iPhone 17, expected later in 2025. Apple’s immersive marketing efforts, including the F1 The Movie Hot Lap Immersive app for Vision Pro and a haptic trailer for iOS 18.4 devices, suggest a strategic pivot toward entertainment.
This move could reflect Cook’s personal interest in motorsport or a calculated gamble on the film’s global appeal, which began its international release on June 25 and hits U.S. theaters on June 27.
Why It’s a Big Deal
This collaboration taps into the massive F1 fanbase in Latin America, where the sport enjoys over 150 million followers. The detailed 1:43 scale cars appeal to both young fans and collectors, reminiscent of successful past Happy Meal promotions. However, the limited stock and regional scope have sparked frustration among fans elsewhere, with some voicing disappointment on social media.
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Looking Ahead
This Apple-McDonald’s partnership could signal a new era of cross-industry promotions, blending tech, cinema, and fast food. Whether it’s a one-time stunt or the start of a broader trend, it underscores Apple’s bold approach under Cook.
For now, Latin American F1 enthusiasts can enjoy their meals with a racing keepsake, while the world watches to see if this strategy accelerates Apple’s entertainment ambitions.
Offer availability and pricing may vary by location. Check local McDonald’s for details.
