Why Russell was spotted standing at the podium despite finishing 5th at Qatar GP… More
Why George Russell was spotted standing on the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix podium despite finishing fifth
George Russell’s unexpected appearance on the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix podium, despite finishing fifth, raised questions among fans.
The reason? He was participating in filming for the upcoming F1 movie, set for release next year.
The film features Hollywood star Brad Pitt, who plays the character Sonny Hayes, and co-star Damson Idris.
Both actors were heavily involved in the production during the race weekend.
The Abu Dhabi race marked a dramatic end to Mercedes’ 2024 season. Lewis Hamilton, starting from 16th on the grid due to a qualifying mishap, showcased his resilience by fighting through the field to secure fourth place.
The qualifying error was reportedly due to a misstep in Mercedes’ run plan, leading team principal Toto Wolff to visibly express frustration with Andrew Shovlin, who was overseeing the session.
Hamilton’s impressive recovery drive included an extended first stint that allowed him to close a 14-second gap to teammate Russell in the final stages.
The two went wheel-to-wheel in a thrilling finish, with Hamilton ultimately overtaking Russell in the closing corners to secure the higher position.
Despite finishing outside the top three, Russell joined Charles Leclerc on the podium as part of filming for the F1 movie. The scene involved Pitt standing alongside the drivers in character.
APX GP, the fictional team featured in the film, also had cars on track during breaks between sessions, adding authenticity to the production.
Russell has played a significant role in the movie’s creation, with sequences filmed during other races, such as the Qatar Grand Prix.
At Silverstone, Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz was filmed for a cameo, while Haas team principal Guenther Steiner appeared in the movie’s trailer.
At the Las Vegas Grand Prix, Pitt was seen performing a dramatic sequence involving a crash.
The F1 movie marks the sport’s first official cinematic endeavor, following years of attempts to bring such a project to life.
Directed by Joseph Kosinski and produced by Jerry Bruckheimer, it promises to be a blockbuster, blending Hollywood glamour with the thrill of Formula 1.
With its June 25, 2025, release date, the film is set to feature cameos from real-life F1 drivers and personalities, adding to its appeal for fans worldwide.
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