F1 The Movie Premiere in Abu Dhabi Starring Brad Pitt – 2025

Photo: Abu Dhabi Media Office

Hollywood superstar Brad Pitt stars in F1 The Movie, an exciting new film coming from Apple Original Films. This movie is directed by Joseph Kosinski and produced by Jerry Bruckheimer. It will be released in cinemas and IMAX around the world by Warner Bros. Pictures. The movie will have its big Middle East premiere in Abu Dhabi on 25 June 2025, just one day before it officially releases in the region on 26 June 2025.

This special red-carpet event will be a full-circle moment, as the cast and crew are returning to Abu Dhabi, where part of the film was shot. The movie was filmed during the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in December last year. The regional premiere is being held in partnership with the Creative Media Authority and the Abu Dhabi Film Commission, with the help of local film company Epic Films.

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What is F1The Movie About?

The movie tells the story of Sonny Hayes, played by Brad Pitt. Sonny was once considered one of the best Formula 1 drivers in the 1990s, but an accident nearly ended his career. Thirty years later, he lives a quiet life and races only when needed. One day, his old teammate, Ruben Cervantes (played by Javier Bardem), asks him to return. Ruben owns a struggling F1 team that is close to shutting down. He believes Sonny is the only one who can help save the team.

Sonny agrees to come back and race alongside a young, talented driver named Joshua Pearce (played by Damson Idris). Joshua is fast, confident, and eager to prove himself. But as the race season begins, Sonny must face not only the competition on the track, but also the ghosts from his past. In Formula 1, even your teammate can be your biggest rival, and the road to redemption is never easy.

Filming in Abu Dhabi

The movie was shot during real Formula 1 race weekends all over the world, including three shoots in Abu Dhabi. A total of 284 local crew members from Abu Dhabi, led by Epic Films, worked on the project. Filming lasted 29 days across different places like the Yas Marina Circuit, Zayed International Airport, and twofour54 Studios.

Thanks to the support from Abu Dhabi Film Commission’s special rebate program, the production also gave 15 young interns from the area a chance to learn and work on a major international film. These young people got to train with top professionals from around the world.

The People Behind the Movie

The director, Joseph Kosinski, also directed Top Gun: Maverick. He is producing the film through his company, Monolith Pictures. He is joined by famous producer Jerry Bruckheimer and Chad Oman from Jerry Bruckheimer Films. Brad Pitt is also producing the movie with Dede Gardner and Jeremy Kleiner through Plan B Entertainment. Formula 1 legend Lewis Hamilton is also part of the production team through his company, Dawn Apollo Films.

The movie was written by Ehren Kruger, who also worked on Top Gun: Maverick. The story is based on an idea by Kruger and Kosinski. The film was made with the help of the entire Formula 1 community, including all 10 teams, their drivers, Formula 1 Management, and the FIA.

A Big Moment for Abu Dhabi

Mohamed Dobay, Acting Director General of Creative Media Authority, shared his excitement. He said, “We are happy to welcome back the cast and crew for this important premiere. Over the past three years, we’ve supported this film during its shoots. The film has had a big impact on Abu Dhabi’s growing film industry. This premiere is the perfect way to end the journey.”

Sameer Al Jaberi, Head of Abu Dhabi Film Commission, also said, “We are proud to host the premiere of F1 The Movie. Many of the team will return to where part of the film was made. Moments like this help show how Abu Dhabi is becoming a top destination for films from Hollywood, Bollywood, and the Arab world.”

F1 The Movie is one of 180 big international projects that the Abu Dhabi Film Commission has supported since 2013. This movie marks a major achievement for both the filmmakers and the city of Abu Dhabi.