The APXGP race car from F1 The Movie appears at an event in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Ngoc Nguyen
The APXGP — the car of the fictional team of the same name in F1 The Movie — appeared at an event in Ho Chi Minh City over the weekend.
It was more than a display model, as the car was operational and driven on a track in front of spectators.
The APXGP stands out with the low, wide body characteristic of a formula racing car. Its exterior is predominantly black, combined with yellow sections extending from the nose toward the rear. The number 7 is prominently displayed on the nose, while APXGP logos appear at various points on the body and wings. Photo: Ngoc Nguyen
The front end retains a design similar to the APXGP featured in the film. The front wing consists of multiple aerodynamic elements extending out on both sides of the wheels. Above it is a single-seat cockpit surrounded by a Halo protection system. Photo: Ngoc Nguyen
Viewed from the rear, various mechanical components are exposed, including the suspension system, aerodynamic parts and exhaust area. The large rear wing also carries APXGP branding. Photo: Ngoc Nguyen
The car in Ho Chi Minh City is also fitted with Pirelli tires bearing blue markings on the sidewalls. This is another detail seen on the APXGP cars used during production of F1 The Movie. Notably, the APXGP was not simply placed on display but was also driven for demonstrations. Images from the event show the car accelerating on the track and producing smoke from its rear tires. Photo: Ngoc Nguyen
According to Formula 1, the APXGP cars used in the film were developed on Dallara Formula 2 chassis. Their wheelbases were extended by 400mm before the bodywork was redesigned with assistance from Mercedes F1 engineers and designers to make the cars look like modern F1 cars. Photo: Ngoc Nguyen
Beneath their film-specific designs, the APXGP cars use the platforms and powertrains of real racing cars. Some were fitted with Mecachrome V6 engines from Formula 2, while others used V6 engines from the GP3 era. The film crew also built an electric version for scenes in the pit lane. Photo: Ngoc Nguyen
This configuration allowed the film crew to shoot the cars driving at actual F1 circuits instead of relying entirely on visual effects. The APXGP cars were also designed with 16 camera mounting points for filming from inside and around the vehicles. Photo: Ngoc Nguyen
According to Formula 1, an APXGP fitted with a Formula 2 engine produces around 600 horsepower and weighs approximately 600kg. However, these specifications do not represent the entire APXGP fleet, as different configurations were built to meet the requirements of individual filming scenes. Photo: Ngoc Nguyen
The APXGP in Ho Chi Minh City was driven by Luciano Bacheta, a former Formula 2 champion who also worked on F1 The Movie as a precision driver. During production, Bacheta helped actor Brad Pitt become familiar with single-seater racing cars and took part in filming high-speed scenes. Photo: Ngoc Nguyen
The APXGP’s appearance in Vietnam was therefore more than the arrival of a movie prop for display. The car retains many of the technical features used during filming and remains capable of being driven for demonstrations. Photo: Ngoc Nguyen
For viewers who have seen F1 The Movie, the event also offered an opportunity to see the APXGP up close, from its wings, Halo system and cockpit to its suspension and rear aerodynamic components. Photo: Ngoc Nguyen
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