Apple CEO Checks on F1 Movie Investment as Yuki Tsunoda Struggles in Abu Dhabi
The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix offered more than just thrilling racing—it featured a star-studded grid that turned heads worldwide. Among the attendees was Tim Cook, CEO of Apple, who was on-site to oversee the final filming for Apple’s highly anticipated F1 movie starring Brad Pitt. Scenes filmed over the weekend, including a dramatic starting sequence of an F1 car and footage from the grid walk, are set to appear in the film, which is slated for release in June 2024.
The grid was buzzing with celebrities from film, music, and sports mingling with F1 drivers and VIP guests of corporate sponsors. Will.i.am added flair as the grid DJ, while Jackie Stewart briefly joined him in a lighthearted dance, visibly unsure of the crowd’s reaction. Tennis star Jannik Sinner, actor Terry Crews, and Steve Harvey were spotted capturing selfies with fans, while famed influencer Supercar Blondie enjoyed an animated meeting with Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff and his wife, Susie Wolff.
Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda was particularly delighted to learn that his idol, action star Jason Statham, was also on the grid to support him. Last year, Tsunoda called his encounter with Statham at the Abu Dhabi GP his “best day ever.” Like Tsunoda, Statham has a need for speed, having starred in five Fast & Furious films. Unfortunately for Tsunoda, Statham’s presence didn’t translate into luck on race day.
Race Review
Yuki Tsunoda’s race was off to a rocky start when his car stalled at the grid. Over team radio, he lamented, “I lost the clutch… don’t think I did anything wrong.” Things didn’t improve for VCARB, as teammate Liam Lawson suffered a pit stop blunder on Lap 25, when the crew failed to attach a tire properly, forcing him to pit again. Both drivers struggled at the back of the grid, with Tsunoda finishing P12 and Lawson P16, leaving the team without points in the season finale.
At the sharp end of the race, McLaren celebrated a historic day as Lando Norris clinched victory and sealed the Constructors’ Championship for the team—their first since 1998, when Mika Häkkinen and David Coulthard led them to glory. Ferrari mounted a strong challenge, with Carlos Sainz finishing P2 and Charles Leclerc P3, but it wasn’t enough to topple McLaren. Lewis Hamilton, in his final race for Mercedes, delivered a gritty performance to finish P4, bidding an emotional farewell to the team he led to seven World Championships.
Season Highlights
The 2024 F1 season was marked by unpredictability, with multiple race winners throughout the calendar. Yet, Max Verstappen’s dominance remained unshaken as he claimed his fourth World Championship, further cementing his legacy. With the season concluded, fans eagerly anticipate 2025, a year that promises seismic changes—including Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari and an influx of rookie talent on the grid.
For Yuki Tsunoda, the road ahead remains uncertain. Despite outqualifying teammate Liam Lawson 6-0 and scoring more points in their head-to-head contests, Lawson is the frontrunner for a coveted Red Bull Racing seat. Tsunoda will stay with Racing Bulls (RB) for 2025, but speculation looms over his future within the Red Bull family beyond next season.
As the F1 world looks forward, Apple’s upcoming movie and the shake-up in driver lineups signal an exciting new chapter for the sport—both on and off the track.
Read also:
- Yuki Tsunoda fate soon decided as he qualifies P11 in Abu Dhabi
- Lewis Hamilton: From F1 Legend to Top Gun Pilot, Bidding Farewell to Mercedes
- Ryo Hirakawa to Drive for McLaren in Abu Dhabi GP FP1
- Esteban Ocon Bids Emotional Farewell to Alpine Following Unexpected Exit
