Abu Dhabi to host regional premiere of Brad Pitt's 'F1 The Movie'
The highly anticipated Brad Pitt-starrer 'F1 The Movie' from Apple Original Films is set to premiere in Abu Dhabi on June 25, with the cast and crew marking a "full circle" moment by returning to the capital where key scenes were filmed.
Directed by Joseph Kosinski (Top Gun: Maverick), F1 The Moive follows the fictional tale of former driver Sonny Hayes, once dubbed 'the greatest that never was,' Formula1's most promising phenom of the 1990s until an accident on the track nearly ended his career.
Produced by Jerry Bruckheimer, it was shot at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in December 2024, with a total of 29 production days across locations including Yas Marina Circuit, Zayed International Airport, and twofour54 Studios.
The project engaged 284 local crew members and 15 interns, contributing to the local creative economy, and also benefitted from the Abu Dhabi Film Commission's rebate scheme.
"Hosting the regional premiere as part of the global tour is a fitting way to celebrate our collaboration with Apple Original Films," highlighted Mohamed Dobay, Acting Director General of the Creative Media Authority. 'Not only in terms of duration, but also in economic impact, F1 The Movie has significantly contributed to Abu Dhabi's creative ecosystem."
F1 The Movie is one of over 180 major productions supported by the Abu Dhabi Film Commission since the introduction of its rebate programme in 2013.
The premiere will take place a day before the movie's official Middle East release.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Gulf Today
22 minutes ago
- Gulf Today
Formula 1 sponsorship revenue over $2B in 2024, closing on NFL
Formula 1 is hot on the tail of the big dog of professional sports marketing, the NFL, and cleared $2.04 billion in sponsorship revenue in 2024. SponsorUnited, which tracks sponsorship and advertising takes across sports, had F1 and its teams behind only the NFL at $2.5 billion in total sponsorship revenue. The total advertising spend for F1 in 2025 is on course to exceed $2.5 billion, according to Ampere Analysis. But major US sponsors such as American Express and IBM still are flowing in with the circuit catapulting in popularity off the success of Netflix series "Drive to Survive" while thriving under the control of Liberty Media. F1 tops the NBA, MLB and NHL and its racing teams each accounted for more than $6 million, according to the report, which breaks down the airbox and sidepod ad placement cost at more than $5 million for the most popular drivers on the circuit. Tops among individual sponsor agreements with F1 is the 10-year, $1 billion pact with luxury conglomerate LVMH, which holds a portfolio anchored by TAG Heuer, Louis Vuitton and Hennessy. The largest sponsor for any F1 team is the Williams contract with Australian software corporation Atlassian valued at a reported $25 million to $30 million per year. On the NFL side, the most significant singular sponsorship commitment is with Pepsi. That contract is worth a reported $2 billion over 10 years for exclusive rights at all NFL events and use of the league's trademark in advertising. With F1, Mercedes, Ferrari, Red Bull and McLaren are the highest earners in the sponsorship category. Car and driver technology accounts for nearly $500 million in partner income for the 10 teams, according to the report. Reuters
Gulf Today
11 hours ago
- Gulf Today
Dubai-based Indian karting prodigy Atiqa joins professional motorsport programme
Atiqa Mir, a 10-year-old Dubai-based Indian karting prodigy has become the youngest driver from the region to secure a place in a professional motorsport development programme, following her signing as an official AKCEL GP Academy driver. This landmark move signals a powerful shift in motorsport accessibility and diversity, reinforcing the UAE's commitment to nurturing next-generation talent and establishing itself as a global hub for motorsport excellence. A rising star in the karting circuit, Atiqa has already made a name for herself with her fearless driving, consistent podium finishes, and an unwavering passion for racing. She has competed in some of the world's most prestigious karting championships, including the Rotax Euro Trophy, Rotax International Trophy, IAME Series (UAE and Europe), WSK Euro Series, WSK Super Master Series, and the Champions of the Future Academy. The timing of this partnership aligns with the official launch of the AKCEL GP Academy—the cornerstone development initiative of AKCEL GP, the UAE-based high-performance motorsport team competing in FIA F4, Formula Regional Middle East Championship, and FIA F3. Opening in Abu Dhabi in August 2025, the Academy will serve as a cutting-edge training ground for the next generation of racing talent from the UAE and abroad. The Academy's inaugural batch will feature 15 promising young drivers and is committed to offering a structured and competitive pathway beginning with elite karting championships and advancing through the ranks of single-seater racing. Speaking on Atiqa's signing, Amit Kaushal, Group Chairman of AKCEL Group, said, 'Atiqa's talent, focus, and composure on track are well beyond her years. We're proud to welcome her to the AKCEL GP family and support her long-term journey toward Formula 1. Over the next 15 years, we're committed to guiding her development from karting to single-seaters as she grows into a world-class racer and future F1 contender.' As Atiqa begins her training in Abu Dhabi, she will follow a carefully structured development program designed to prepare young drivers for the demands of professional motorsport. Her training will combine simulator sessions, physical conditioning, mental coaching, race craft development, and in-depth performance analysis. A key focus of her time with AKCEL GP Academy will be competing in championships across the UAE and Europe, providing her with essential on-track experience and exposure to high-level competition early in her career. The goal is to lay a strong foundation of skills, discipline, and racecraft with a clear vision: Formula 1 as the ultimate destination. Reflecting on this new chapter in her journey, Atiqa said, 'Racing is everything to me. It's where I feel strong, fast, and free. Joining AKCEL GP Academy is a dream come true, and I want to show young girls like me from Dubai and India that we can compete at the highest levels. One day, I hope to race in Formula 1, and I'm ready to work hard to get there.' The UAE's support for motorsport development has grown rapidly over the past decade. The nation is home to internationally acclaimed circuits such as Yas Marina in Abu Dhabi and Dubai Autodrome and hosts one of the most prestigious events on the racing calendar, the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
ARN News Center
13 hours ago
- ARN News Center
Formula 1 sponsorship revenue over $2bn in 2024
Formula 1 is hot on the tail of the big dog of professional sports marketing, the NFL, and cleared $2.04 billion in sponsorship revenue in 2024. SponsorUnited, which tracks sponsorship and advertising takes across sports, had F1 and its teams behind only the NFL at $2.5 billion in total sponsorship revenue. The total advertising spend for F1 in 2025 is on course to exceed $2.5 billion, according to Ampere Analysis. But major US sponsors such as American Express and IBM still are flowing in with the circuit catapulting in popularity off the success of Netflix series Drive to Survive while thriving under the control of Liberty Media. F1 tops the NBA, MLB and NHL and its racing teams each accounted for more than $6 million, according to the report, which breaks down the airbox and sidepod ad placement cost at more than $5 million for the most popular drivers on the circuit. Tops among individual sponsor agreements with F1 is the 10-year, $1 billion pact with luxury conglomerate LVMH, which holds a portfolio anchored by TAG Heuer, Louis Vuitton and Hennessy. The largest sponsor for any F1 team is the Williams contract with Australian software corporation Atlassian valued at a reported $25 million to $30 million per year. On the NFL side, the most significant singular sponsorship commitment is with Pepsi. That contract is worth a reported $2 billion over 10 years for exclusive rights at all NFL events and use of the league's trademark in advertising. With F1, Mercedes, Ferrari, Red Bull and McLaren are the highest earners in the sponsorship category. Car and driver technology accounts for nearly $500 million in partner income for the 10 teams, according to the report.
