Abu Dhabi: Starring Brad Pitt and directed by Joseph Kosinski, F1® The Movie, an Apple Original Films’ event film, is set to have its regional premiere in Abu Dhabi on June 25. The premiere coincides with the official Middle East release on June 26, 2025.
According to Emirates News Agency, the film, produced by Jerry Bruckheimer and distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, wrapped production at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix last year. The event will see the cast and crew returning to Abu Dhabi for a red carpet appearance.
F1 The Movie is a fictional tale following the life of former driver Sonny Hayes, played by Brad Pitt. Once known as “the greatest that never was,” Hayes’s promising career in Formula 1 was nearly ended by a track accident. Thirty years later, he is a nomadic racer who is approached by his former teammate Ruben Cervantes, portrayed by Javier Bardem. Ruben, now the owner of a struggling Formula 1 team, seeks Sonny’s help to save the team and achieve greatness. The film also features Damson Idris as Joshua Pearce, a rookie racer who becomes Sonny’s fiercest competition.
The production involved 284 local crew members from Abu Dhabi, led by Epic Films, for three separate shoots totaling 29 days. The filming took place at notable locations such as Yas Marina Circuit, Zayed International Airport, and twofour54 Studios. Supported by the Abu Dhabi Film Commission’s rebate scheme, 15 local interns gained valuable production experience during the shoots.
Directed by Joseph Kosinski, known for Top Gun: Maverick, F1® The Movie is produced by Monolith Pictures, Jerry Bruckheimer Films, Dawn Apollo Films, and Plan B Entertainment. The film was created in collaboration with the Formula 1 community, including Formula 1 Management, the 10 teams, F1 drivers, and the FIA. The screenplay was written by Academy Award-nominee Ehren Kruger.
Mohamed Dobay, Acting Director General of Creative Media Authority, expressed excitement about hosting the regional premiere, marking the fourth F1-related occasion in Abu Dhabi. Sameer Al Jaberi, Head of Abu Dhabi Film Commission, highlighted the significance of such premieres in driving Abu Dhabi’s film and TV production industry forward. F1® The Movie is among 180 major productions supported by the Abu Dhabi Film Commission since 2013.
