Watch: Brad Pitt-starrer ‘F1: The Movie’ premieres in Abu Dhabi
Stars, officials and fans gather at transformed Yas Marina Circuit
ABU DHABI: Last week, the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi swapped tyre smoke for camera flashes as it played host to the regional premiere of F1: The Movie, starring Brad Pitt.
The iconic racetrack, known for its high-speed action, was transformed into a cinematic venue, complete with luxury film premiere elements and interactive installations.
Guests were welcomed with immersive activations, including high-tech driving simulators and showcases featuring memorabilia from the film – most notably the official APXGP F1 car and the APXGP race helmet worn by actor Damson Idris at the 2025 Met Gala.
Starry collaborations
The event was attended by key figures from the Creative Media Authority (CMA), Abu Dhabi Film Commission (ADFC), and representatives from Etihad Airways, the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, and Yas Marina Circuit. Volunteers played a crucial role in ensuring smooth red carpet operations, guest logistics, and on-ground support throughout the night.
Filmed in Abu Dhabi
The production’s final shoot took place in December 2024 during the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix – marking the first time a feature film captured live-action scenes during a Grand Prix weekend.
Over 29 days, the film crew utilised various Abu Dhabi locations including Zayed International Airport, twofour54 Studios at Yas Creative Hub, and Yas Marina Circuit itself.
Thanks to the ADFC’s rebate programme, 284 crew members and interns – trained through CMA initiatives – contributed to the project, reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s position as a global filmmaking destination.
Global box office buzz
F1: The Movie, a collaboration between Apple Studios, Formula 1 Management, FIA, and all ten F1 teams, is now screening in cinemas across the region. Distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, the film opened strong in North America, earning $55.6 million in ticket sales over the weekend – surpassing pre-release forecasts. Globally, receipts have crossed $88 million, driven by Formula 1’s massive fan following in Europe and Latin America.