Brad Pitt Hits the Track in McLaren for F1 Debut
Brad Pitt made his Formula 1 debut at the Circuit of the Americas, testing a 2023 McLaren MCL60 as part of a promotional event for the upcoming film F1: The Movie. During the run, Pitt reached speeds of 197 mph, just shy of his goal of 200 mph.
Pitt, who portrays racer Sonny Hayes in the film, expressed a desire to improve his performance after feeling the rush of driving an F1 car for the first time. "I got to hit 197 this week," he stated on the Beyond the Grid podcast. "I really wanted to hit 200; it hurts me a little bit. Three miles per hour short on the straight."
His experience was enhanced by advice from McLaren driver Lando Norris, who provided insight into F1’s technical nuances. "The step up? It’s massive," Pitt remarked. "Certainly the pickup is nothing that I had experienced before. It’s just more, more, more—brakes, speed, cornering power."
Pitt and co-star Damson Idris, who plays young driver Joshua Pearce, participated in the testing program but previously had not driven F1 machinery. Referring to the unique sensations of driving an F1 car, Pitt said, "I’ve never experienced anything like it. It’s just an extraordinary feeling."
His enthusiasm for the sport was evident, as he declared, "I want to go back again, and I want to beat the time!"
The film, featuring cameos from current F1 drivers and all 2024 teams, has garnered positive early reviews, immersing audiences in the fast-paced world of motorsports.
