Inside the Overnight Vegas Ad Shoot with Brad Pitt and George Russell

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.