George Russell Finishes Fifth and Stands on Podium in Unique End to Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

It was an unusual end to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix as George Russell managed to secure a fifth-place finish and still stand on the Formula One podium. The podium lineup included Charles Leclerc from Ferrari, who had an impressive recovery from 19th on the grid to finish third behind Lando Norris and Carlos Sainz. Standing between Russell and Leclerc was Sonny Hayes, the fictional character played by Brad Pitt in the movie “F1,” representing the APXGP team.

The movie “F1,” produced by Warner Bros. and Apple, has been seamlessly integrated into the F1 world for the past two seasons. The film has captured real-life racing scenarios, with a full garage setup for the fictional team and Mercedes-designed cars on the starting grid, creating an immersive experience for both fans and participants.

Following the race in Abu Dhabi, a second podium ceremony was staged to capture scenes for the movie, allowing fans to be part of the filming experience. This marked the end of on-site filming for “F1,” which is set to be released on June 27 in North America and June 25 worldwide next year.

Creating Realism in “F1”

Producer Jerry Bruckheimer and director Joe Kosinski, known for their work on “Top Gun: Maverick,” aimed to make “F1” as realistic as possible. Input from real F1 drivers, including producer Lewis Hamilton, was crucial in capturing the essence of the sport. The film’s teaser trailer, released ahead of the British Grand Prix, showcased in-car footage and featured current drivers and team principals.

Brad Pitt and Damson Idris underwent extensive training to pilot the APXGP cars used in the movie, which are modified versions of F2 cars. The film crew was present at race events, with scenes like the podium in Abu Dhabi and Pitt’s interactions with fans adding to the authenticity of the movie.

Embracing the F1 Environment

Despite clips of filming leaking online, Bruckheimer and Apple’s Senior Vice President of Services, Eddy Cue, were confident that the plot details remained undisclosed. The movie drew inspiration from real-life F1 events, aiming to portray authentic racing sequences and tactics used by drivers.

The conclusion of on-site filming in Abu Dhabi was delayed due to last year’s Hollywood strikes but did not jeopardize the project. The collaborative effort between the film crew and the F1 community has set the stage for “F1” to potentially reach a broader audience and have a significant impact on the sport.

Impact of “F1” on F1 Community

Bruckheimer acknowledged the support from fans and the F1 community, emphasizing the positive reception towards the movie. The film aims to expose F1 drivers to new markets and showcase their talents beyond the racetrack, similar to the success of Netflix’s “Drive to Survive” docuseries in attracting a wider audience.

As the editing process for “F1” continues, the anticipation for its release grows, promising an immersive and exhilarating experience that captures the essence of Formula One racing.