Brad Pitt's F1 movie to premiere in Abu Dhabi this June

Lights, camera, Abu Dhabi! The UAE capital is getting a serious dose of Hollywood glamour as F1® The Movie - Apple Original Films’ high-octane summer blockbuster starring Brad Pitt - gears up for its regional premiere on 25 June 2025.

And it’s more than just a red-carpet moment. The film, which wrapped key scenes right here in Abu Dhabi at the Yas Marina Circuit, Zayed International Airport, and twofour54 Studios, is making a full-circle return to the city where much of the action was captured.

Directed by Joseph Kosinski (Top Gun: Maverick) and produced by Jerry Bruckheimer, the movie blends speed, star power and behind-the-scenes excellence—made even more special by the 284 local crew and 15 Abu Dhabi-based interns who joined the international production team last year. Shoutout to Epic Films for leading the local charge.

What’s it about?

Pitt plays Sonny Hayes, a former F1® legend who’s pulled back into the fast lane by an old teammate (played by Javier Bardem) for one last chance at greatness - this time alongside a fiery rookie played by Damson Idris. It’s drama, adrenaline, and redemption, all set against the backdrop of the globe’s most elite racing sport.

Filming during the actual Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in 2023, the movie transformed our city into a cinematic set. It also spotlighted the creative energy growing right here in the capital. Thanks to Abu Dhabi Film Commission and Creative Media Authority, the project benefited from the emirate’s production rebate programme—which has already helped support over 180 international productions since 2013.

Mohamed Dobay of Creative Media Authority called the premiere “a fitting closing moment” to a truly collaborative journey. And we couldn’t agree more.

Whether you’re a motorsport fanatic, a film lover, or just here for a Brad Pitt sighting, this premiere is shaping up to be one of the standout cultural events of the summer.