ABU DHABI: The highly anticipated trailer for Brad Pitt’s upcoming Formula 1 movie, simply titled F1, has just been released, offering fans a thrilling glimpse of high-octane racing action filmed on real Grand Prix circuits.
Among these iconic locations is Abu Dhabi’s stunning Yas Marina Circuit, which serves as a key backdrop for the film’s adrenaline-fueled sequences.
Directed by Joseph Kosinski (Top Gun: Maverick) and produced in collaboration with seven-time F1 champion Lewis Hamilton, F1 is set to redefine motorsport filmmaking with an unparalleled level of realism. The movie boasts an impressive ensemble cast, including Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, Kerry Condon, Javier Bardem, and Tobias Menzies.
Abu Dhabi shines in F1
Abu Dhabi played a crucial role in the film’s production, with 29 days of intense filming taking place across multiple locations, including the Yas Marina Circuit, Zayed International Airport, and twofour54 Studios at Yas Creative Hub. The UAE capital’s modern skyline and architectural marvels provide a breathtaking backdrop to the high-speed drama, reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s reputation as a premier destination for international film productions.
A dedicated local crew of 284 professionals, along with 15 young Emirati interns participating through the Abu Dhabi Film Commission’s rebate programme, collaborated closely with the international production team. Their contributions highlight the city’s growing influence in global filmmaking and its commitment to fostering local talent.
Beyond its role as a spectacular filming location, Abu Dhabi has cemented its status as a thriving hub for global cinema. With extensive support from the Creative Media Authority and Abu Dhabi Film Commission, the production of F1 benefited from the region’s generous rebate programme, which has supported over 170 international projects since 2013.
The story behind the speed
In F1, Brad Pitt takes on the role of Sonny Hayes, a retired Formula 1 driver who returns to mentor an up-and-coming racing prodigy, played by Damson Idris. The film delves into the intense world of professional motorsport, capturing the grit, determination, and raw emotion that define Formula 1.
To ensure authenticity, the cast underwent rigorous training with professional F1 teams, even driving specially modified Formula 2 cars designed to replicate the speed and handling of real F1 vehicles. This commitment to realism sets F1 apart, offering audiences a visceral and immersive cinematic experience.
F1: A global motorsport epic
With groundbreaking cinematography, innovative in-car camera angles, and an unprecedented level of access to real F1 race events, F1 is poised to revolutionise the way motorsport is depicted on screen. The film was shot in collaboration with actual F1 teams, blending Hollywood storytelling with the raw intensity of race-day action.
Apple Original Films officially wrapped production at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in January 2025, capturing the electrifying atmosphere of the season finale. Filmed during the final leg of the 2024 Formula 1 season, the movie promises to bring audiences closer than ever to the world of elite racing.
Produced by Hollywood heavyweights Jerry Bruckheimer and Plan B Entertainment, and written by Ehren Kruger (Top Gun: Maverick), F1 is more than just a high-speed spectacle – it is a cinematic journey into the heart of Formula 1. The film masterfully combines intense racing sequences with compelling human drama, delivering an experience that will resonate with both motorsport enthusiasts and general audiences alike.
Distributed globally by Warner Bros. Pictures, F1 is set to hit cinemas and IMAX® screens worldwide starting 25 June 2025. Until then, fans can get a taste of the excitement by watching the newly released trailer, which offers a preview of the speed, drama, and adrenaline that await.