Film collaboration to take Ferrari to the Maximus for Las Vegas GP

Ferrari will be hoping its fans will be entertained by a new collaboration with Paramount Pictures ahead of the release of Gladiator II.

A sequel to the 2000 smash hit starring Russell Crowe, Gladiator II is due for release this Friday (15 November) and the film is set to temporarily swap the Amphitheatre of Rome for the Las Vegas Strip.

Ferrari drivers Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz will attend the London premiere of the film before heading to Vegas for the Formula 1 grand prix next weekend.

There, the Ferrari cars will carry an homage to the film as part of its livery as the Scuderia continues its own battle with McLaren and Red Bull for the F1 constructors’ championship.

A press release said: “Paramount Pictures is thrilled to team up with Scuderia Ferrari HP for an exclusive, one-of-a-kind collaboration celebrating the release of Gladiator II, the eagerly awaited sequel to the iconic 2000 film.

“As part of this initiative, Scuderia Ferrari HP drivers Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz will attend the Royal Global Premiere of Gladiator II in London, wearing custom-made tuxedos designed by Ferrari’s creative director, Rocco Iannone.

Charles Leclerc, Ferrari SF-24

Photo by: Andrew Ferraro / Motorsport Images

“Their presence will bring the exhilarating spirit of racing to the film’s launch. This unique collaboration will also extend across digital and TV channels, showcasing exclusive content and Ferrari-branded livery at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, offering fans an immersive experience that unites cinematic storytelling with the thrill of peak performance shared by Paramount Pictures and Scuderia Ferrari HP.”

Set during Ancient Rome, years after the original film portrayed Crowe as Maximus, the Ridley Scott-directed sequel follows Lucius – played by Paul Mescal – taking on the emperors of the day.

“Gladiator II brings audiences an epic viewing experience with scope and scale that is second to none,” said Marc Weinstock, Paramount Pictures’ President of Worldwide Marketing and Distribution.

“It only made sense for us to team up with the most iconic, adrenaline-pumping brand in motorsports.

“Together with Ferrari, we’re creating a unique entertainment experience that highlights our shared legacy of excellence and innovation.”

Ferrari will no doubt be hoping the collaboration can carry it to its own blockbuster performance in Vegas, where the Italian squad will be looking to close the 36-point gap to McLaren with the aim of claiming a first constructors’ title since 2008.