Inside the Overnight Vegas Ad Shoot with Brad Pitt and George Russell
A behind-the-scenes look reveals how George Russell and Brad Pitt filmed a viral Mercedes ad overnight at Caesars Palace, with a professional stunt driver handling the drifting while Russell played a valet.
George Russell and Brad Pitt teamed up for an elaborate overnight Mercedes commercial in Las Vegas, shutting down Caesars Palace to film a viral ad featuring a camouflaged AMG GT. A new behind-the-scenes look reveals the intricate production, from Russell's acting debut as a valet to a professional stunt driver handling the high-speed drifting on the iconic casino's challenging cobblestone surface.
Why it matters:
This collaboration is a marketing masterstroke for Mercedes, blending its high-profile F1 presence with massive Hollywood star power on the eve of a Grand Prix. It also highlights the growing synergy between Formula 1 and the entertainment industry, a trend set to accelerate with the upcoming F1 movie starring Pitt, further cementing the sport's status as a global entertainment powerhouse.
The details:
- The entire production took place over a 12-hour overnight shoot (7 PM to 7 AM) to utilize the quiet, empty streets of Las Vegas.
- On-screen roles: Russell played a bored valet driver, while Pitt portrayed the guest waiting for his car to be returned with a flourish.
- Sponsor integration: Russell was given specific direction to prominently feature his IWC wristwatch, a key sponsor requirement, in every shot.
- Behind the wheel: Despite being an F1 driver, the demanding doughnuts and drifting were performed by Formula Drift champion Samuel Hübinette due to the uneven cobblestones around the Caesars Palace fountain.
- The car: The star of the show was a heavily camouflaged prototype of the new AMG GT, covered in 3D-printed cladding that posed unique challenges for photography.
The big picture:
This commercial is more than just an advertisement; it's a snapshot of F1's current boom in mainstream popularity. By leveraging a top driver and one of the world's biggest movie stars, Mercedes successfully created content that appeals to both racing purists and a broader audience. With Pitt's F1 movie on the horizon, this high-profile production serves as a compelling preview of the sport's increasingly prominent place in global pop culture.