Brad Pitt Takes the Wheel of McLaren’s 2023 F1 Car
Formula 1 has unveiled thrilling onboard footage of actor Brad Pitt piloting the McLaren MCL60 at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas. The actor, fresh off the success of the F1-themed film grossing over $300 million, showcased both enthusiasm and impressive car handling during his inaugural drive in a Formula 1 vehicle.
Pitt achieved a top speed of 197 mph on the straights, just shy of his goal of hitting 200 mph. In a candid moment on the Beyond the Grid podcast, he remarked, "It hurts me a little bit – three miles per hour short on the straight."
The footage captures not only his driving but also Pitt’s palpable excitement, as heard in his radio communications during the lap. Before departing the garage, he quipped, “You let me know if I’m going too slow,” indicating his eagerness to embrace the high-performance experience. While his lap time has not been disclosed, it garnered praise from McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown. “Brad was impressive. He took it very seriously and thoroughly enjoyed it,” Brown stated during an interview with Sky Sports F1.
Reflecting on his experience, Pitt expressed, “I’ve just never experienced anything that’s just, more a feeling of presence in my life. You’re so focused, but you’re not white-knuckling. You’re just in this sublime groove. It is really extraordinary.” He compared the sensation of downforce to riding an aerobatic plane, emphasizing its uniqueness and thrill.
Pitt’s day with the McLaren team included time spent with driver Lando Norris, further enhancing his adrenaline-filled introduction to the sport. "I can’t thank Zak Brown and the team enough," he concluded, reiterating his continued exhilaration from the experience.
