From the silver screen to the asphalt of a world-renowned Formula 1 circuit, Hollywood superstar Brad Pitt has officially added “Formula 1 driver” to his impressive resume, albeit for a thrilling private test session. As the lead in the highly anticipated film “F1 The Movie,” Pitt recently got a true taste of the pinnacle of motorsport, piloting a real 2023 McLaren MCL60 at the Circuit of The Americas (COTA) in Austin, Texas.
This exclusive opportunity, facilitated by McLaren CEO Zak Brown, allowed Pitt to experience the raw power and unique physics of an F1 car firsthand, a significant step up from the modified F2 machines he’s been driving while filming.
Preparing for the Cockpit: Screen vs. Reality
Pitt’s starring role as former F1 driver Sonny Hayes in “F1 The Movie” has required extensive immersion in the motorsport world. He and co-star Damson Idris, who plays Hayes’ rookie teammate Joshua Pearce, underwent rigorous training to handle the customized F2 cars representing the fictional APX GP team in the film.
However, driving a current-generation F1 car like the MCL60 demands even more precision and preparation. Ahead of his COTA track day on June 25, 2025, Pitt visited the McLaren Technology Centre in Woking. These crucial visits included engineering briefings, a vital seat fitting to ensure he was one with the cockpit, and intensive simulator sessions designed to prepare him for the physical and mental demands of piloting an actual Formula 1 machine. This demonstrates the serious commitment involved, bridging the gap between cinematic portrayal and real-world performance.
A Private Thrill Day in Austin
The special test session at COTA generated significant buzz. McLaren subtly teased the event on social media days prior, sharing a photo of overalls bearing the initials ‘BP’ alongside the caption “It’s a Sonny day in Austin,” a nod to Pitt’s character.
The timing of the reveal and the subsequent release of photos coincided perfectly with the international premiere of “F1 The Movie” on June 25, with the North American release set for June 27, 2025. McLaren driver Lando Norris was also reportedly present at the circuit, lending support and insights to the actor.
Brad Pitt on the Unforgettable Feeling
Speaking on the “Beyond The Grid” podcast, Pitt candidly shared the profound impact of the experience. He revealed hitting a top speed of 197 mph on the COTA straight, humorously noting his slight disappointment at falling just shy of the 200 mph mark.
More significantly, Pitt attempted to articulate the almost indescribable feeling of driving an F1 car:
He described an “unparalleled feeling of presence,” where focus is absolute but without tension – a “sublime groove.”
The sensation of downforce proved particularly challenging to convey. He explained that unlike a rollercoaster, where you feel a pivot point external to you, in an F1 car, “you feel the fulcrum point underneath you – you’re in it.”
- While comparing it to being in an aerobatic plane, he ultimately found the F1 car experience even more unique and an “absolute high,” admitting he was “still on a high” long after stepping out of the cockpit.
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Pitt expressed immense gratitude to Zak Brown and the entire McLaren team for providing this extraordinary opportunity, acknowledging the incredible day spent at the track, including time with Lando Norris.
“F1 The Movie”: Blurring Lines Between Fiction and Reality
The private McLaren test underscores the deep commitment to authenticity behind “F1 The Movie.” This Apple Original Film is helmed by the filmmakers behind “Top Gun: Maverick,” including director Joseph Kosinski and producer Jerry Bruckheimer. Seven-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton also serves as a producer alongside Pitt, Dede Gardner, Jeremy Kleiner, and Chad Oman.
The plot centers on Pitt’s character, Sonny Hayes, a former prodigy returning to F1 after a long absence to help a struggling team owned by his former teammate, played by Javier Bardem. Paired with a talented rookie (Damson Idris), Hayes navigates the intense world of competitive racing. The film uniquely integrates a fictional team, “APX GP,” into actual Grand Prix weekends, filming alongside real F1 teams to achieve unparalleled realism. The cast also features Kerry Condon, Tobias Menzies, and Kim Bodnia.
An Interesting Twist: The Mercedes Connection
While Pitt celebrated his F1 test with McLaren, it’s noteworthy that Mercedes has been extensively involved in the film’s production. Lewis Hamilton is a producer, and Mercedes provided significant technical support, including modifying the F2 cars used for filming and allowing the film crew extensive access to their facilities. Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff was deeply involved, reportedly arranging driving school for Pitt and assisting with realistic set designs. Despite this close working relationship with Mercedes for the movie, Pitt’s opportunity to drive a current F1 car for real came through McLaren.
Pitt’s COTA test drive serves as a powerful fusion of his cinematic journey into F1 and the exhilarating reality of the sport, undoubtedly amplifying excitement for both “F1 The Movie” and the world of Formula 1 itself.
