Hollywood star Brad Pitt was left “absolutely hooked” after getting behind the wheel of a real Formula 1 car last week at the Circuit of the Americas.
The 61-year-old actor, who portrays fictional racing veteran Sonny Hayes in the upcoming F1: The Movie, took part in the experience as part of his growing immersion into the world of elite motorsport.
The film is directed by Top Gun: Maverick’s Joseph Kosinski and had previously featured Pitt driving modified Formula 2 cars for on-track scenes.
But this time, McLaren – affectionately known as “team papaya” – supplied a 2023-spec MCL60 for Pitt’s use. The opportunity came courtesy of McLaren CEO Zak Brown, who granted Pitt a rare chance to sample a genuine F1 machine.
Speaking on F1’s Beyond the Grid podcast, Pitt described the experience as being akin to “aerobatic flying” and admitted he was “blown away” by the sheer intensity and power of the car. He added that he was deeply impressed by the professionalism and atmosphere that surrounded him.
“I got to hit 197 [miles per hour] this week,” he said. “I really wanted to hit 200, it hurts me a little bit. Three miles per hour short on the straight.”
“I’ve never experienced anything that’s just a more feeling of presence in my life because you’re so focused, but you’re not white knuckling.
“You’re just in this, like, sublime groove. It is really extraordinary.”
Pitt was guided through the process by McLaren’s test team and current race driver Lando Norris, giving him a truly authentic Formula 1 environment in which to learn and push his limits.
