New' Abu Dhabi Grand Prix winner unveiled in late podium change....

New’ Abu Dhabi Grand Prix winner unveiled in late podium change…read more

A new twist has emerged in the world of Formula 1, as a “new” Abu Dhabi Grand Prix winner was revealed due to an unexpected podium change linked to the upcoming F1 movie. The film, simply titled F1, has been in production since 2023 and has attracted a stellar cast, including Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, and Javier Bardem, who have been spotted filming at various F1 events throughout the season.

The movie follows the fictional journey of racing driver Sonny Hayes, played by Brad Pitt, who returns to Formula 1 with the newly created APX GP team. The APX GP team has made appearances throughout the 2023 and 2024 seasons, even setting up a garage in the pit lane at select events to ensure a realistic portrayal of the sport. This commitment to authenticity has made the movie a topic of much conversation among F1 fans and moviegoers alike.

As the 2024 Formula 1 season came to a close in Abu Dhabi this weekend, it was Lando Norris who secured McLaren’s victory at Yas Marina, helping the team clinch the constructors’ title. However, McLaren’s achievement was overshadowed by the unexpected podium celebration, which, much to the surprise of fans and media alike, involved Brad Pitt, Javier Bardem, and other actors from the movie.

While Norris celebrated his victory in the traditional manner, a separate set of bizarre images surfaced following the race. These images, which were clearly staged for the film, showed Pitt, in character as Sonny Hayes, standing on the top step of the podium alongside Charles Leclerc and George Russell. The trio appeared to be celebrating a fictional race victory, with Pitt’s character being crowned the winner of the race, while Bardem’s character collected the constructors’ trophy for APX GP.

The scenes were filmed as part of the movie’s finale, set at the Yas Marina circuit in Abu Dhabi, which was the final Grand Prix of the 2024 season. The production team went to great lengths to ensure that the film stayed true to the world of Formula 1, even going so far as to coordinate with the sport’s organizers to arrange these fake podium celebrations. As part of this, Pitt’s fictional team, APX GP, was allowed to participate in the event, adding an extra layer of drama to the fictional racing world being created.

The movie’s plot, revolving around the rise of a new F1 team and driver, taps into the ever-present intrigue of F1’s behind-the-scenes dynamics and the pressure of competing at the highest levels of motorsport. In a world where F1 is all about speed, technology, and precision, the film is expected to highlight both the glamorous and intense nature of life in the paddock.

As for the real Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the race weekend had its share of excitement with Lando Norris leading McLaren to victory, securing both the race win and the constructors’ title. It was a fitting end to what has been a dramatic season of Formula 1 racing, with McLaren’s resurgence as one of the top teams of the year a key highlight.

The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix also marked the end of an era for some teams, as the 2024 season saw several major changes, including driver transfers, technical partnerships, and some behind-the-scenes shuffles. As the curtain fell on the real-world season, however, the release of the F1 movie became a key talking point among fans.

Scheduled for release on June 25, 2025, the F1 movie has already built up significant anticipation. The U.S. release will follow shortly after on June 27, 2025. With its star-studded cast and authentic production values, the film is poised to capture the attention of F1 fans and general audiences alike.

Brad Pitt’s involvement has certainly sparked excitement, especially given his commitment to accurately representing the world of Formula 1. The movie is expected to offer an inside look at the life of a driver, the rivalries that fuel the sport, and the ever-present drama that accompanies high-stakes racing.

As the film continues to build momentum, it remains to be seen how much of the real-life drama surrounding the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will blend with the fictional storylines in F1. But one thing is clear: the blending of reality and fiction on the podium at Yas Marina has created a unique moment that fans of both Formula 1 and Hollywood cinema won’t soon forget.