Brad Pitt Joins F1 Drivers at British Grand Prix Amid Film Production
In a unique crossover between Hollywood and motorsports, Brad Pitt participated in a driver briefing at the British Grand Prix at Silverstone in 2023, marking the beginning of filming for an upcoming Formula 1 movie. This unprecedented engagement included a candid remark where Pitt told drivers, “if we’re ever in the way, just tell us to f**k off.”
Prior to this, both Pitt and co-star Damson Idris had undergone extensive training at Le Castellet and various UK tracks. Their presence on the grid, notably during the national anthem, surprised many within the F1 community.
However, production ground to a halt five days after the event due to the SAG-AFTRA strike, which lasted 118 days. Reflecting on the experience, Pitt expressed excitement about the atmosphere at Silverstone. “I drove in front of 80,000 people that day, everything was good!” he stated, though he admitted to feeling “gutted” when the filming stopped.
Despite the setback, Pitt appreciated the extended time to hone his skills, noting, “I got a whole nother year behind the wheel of the modified Formula 2 cars.” Upon returning to Silverstone in the following year, he remarked on the shift in his perspective, feeling more integrated into the sport: “[It] felt like it was our own home.”
The highly anticipated film is set to launch in cinemas next month, bringing the thrilling world of Formula 1 to a broader audience.
