Star-studded event: Brad Pitt’s F1 blockbuster to premiere in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi will roll out the red carpet for the regional premiere of F1 The Movie, Apple Original Films’ high-octane summer blockbuster starring Brad Pitt. Directed by Joseph Kosinski (Top Gun: Maverick), the premiere is set for June 25 —one day ahead of the film’s official Middle East release.

Cast and crew, including Brad Pitt, will return to Abu Dhabi, where key scenes were filmed during the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

The film, produced by Jerry Bruckheimer and Lewis Hamilton, and distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures and in IMAX, follows the dramatic comeback of fictional Formula 1 star Sonny Hayes (Pitt). It also features performances by Javier Bardem and Damson Idris.

Filmed during real F1 weekends

F1 The Movie was shot at real Grand Prix events across the globe, with major sequences filmed at Abu Dhabi’s Yas Marina Circuit.

Production in Abu Dhabi lasted 29 days across three separate shoots and involved 284 local crew members and 15 interns.

Additional filming took place at Zayed International Airport and twofour54 Studios, with local support from Epic Films and incentives from the Abu Dhabi Film Commission’s rebate programme.

Full-circle moment for Abu Dhabi

Mohamed Dobay, Acting Director General of the Creative Media Authority, said: “This production has brought lasting impact to our creative ecosystem. Hosting the regional premiere is a fitting celebration after three years of collaboration.”

Abu Dhabi’s rising profile in global film

Sameer Al Jaberi, Head of Abu Dhabi Film Commission, highlighted the emirate’s growing reputation as a global production hub: “We’re proud to support major international filmmakers and talent from Hollywood to Bollywood and beyond.”

F1 The Movie is among more than 180 major film and TV projects backed by the Abu Dhabi Film Commission since the launch of its rebate programme in 2013, solidifying the city’s place on the global filmmaking map.