Fans of Formula 1 and Hollywood alike are excited about Brad Pitt's recent adventure on an actual race track. After starring as a racing driver in a new movie, Pitt finally got the chance to sit behind the wheel of a real F1 car. This mark of his growing commitment to the sport shows how close Hollywood and F1 are becoming.
What Really Happened During the Test?
Earlier this week, McLaren held a private test session at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas. The team allowed Pitt to drive a behind-the-scenes version of their 2023 F1 car, the McLaren MCL60. This was Pitt’s first time driving a real F1 car, and he took the experience seriously. Lando Norris, one of McLaren’s leading drivers, helped him learn the basics of driving fast on a race track.
Speculation suggests Pitt’s visit to the track was linked to the upcoming F1 movie, where he stars as a fictional driver named Sonny Hayes. The film involves high-speed racing scenes shot with actual F1 cars, so Pitt’s test drive was likely part of his training to make his racing scenes look real. It’s remarkable that he learned about throttle control, cornering, and braking from Norris, who explained the complex physics of racing.
The Connection Between Hollywood and F1
Interestingly, Pitt didn’t drive a Mercedes F1 car – despite Mercedes’ heavy involvement in producing the upcoming film. Instead, he drove a McLaren, which might seem odd but makes sense. McLaren has always been known for its speedy, innovative cars and close ties with film and entertainment projects. The team even shared pictures of Pitt in racing gear with his initials, hinting at how serious he is about this new role.
Apart from McLaren, Mercedes played a big part in the film’s production. The F2 cars in the movie are modified Mercedes models, and many staff members from the team helped make the racing scenes look authentic. Mercedes boss Toto Wolff, who also helped with the film’s design, had a funny remark about how Pitt turned into a real racing student, even attending driving school in France. This close cooperation shows how F1 teams are opening up to Hollywood’s demands, blending racing with cinema more than ever before.
Why Is This Important for F1?
This collaboration isn’t just about making a movie. It helps F1 reach new fans by connecting with the Hollywood world. Pitt’s involvement draws attention to the sport, encouraging new viewers to discover racing. Plus, the experience helps drivers and teams prepare for the movie’s racing scenes, making them more realistic and exciting for audiences.
Overall, Pitt’s brief time in an F1 car marked an important bridge between entertainment and sport. It shows how F1 is becoming more global, appealing to a wider audience, and embracing new partnerships. As the movie approaches release, fans can expect to see Hollywood’s biggest star racing at full speed — all thanks to McLaren’s daring test drive.
