McLaren confirmed Brad Pitt’s F1 debut happened earlier this week at COTA with the acclaimed Hollywood actor getting to put a genuine Formula 1 car through its paces ahead his upcoming F1-themed blockbuster.
The high-profile event took place at the iconic Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas, and marks a significant milestone not only in Pitt’s career but also in the ongoing collaboration between the film industry and the world of motorsport.
The test comes just days before the release of Pitt’s much-anticipated F1 movie, in which he plays Sonny Hayes, a fictional former F1 driver making a dramatic return to the sport.
The excitement began to build after the film’s glamorous premiere in New York City where Pitt and the film’s creative team celebrated the culmination of a three-year cinematic journey.
The movie, directed by Joseph Kosinski and produced by Jerry Bruckheimer, with seven-time F1 world champion Lewis Hamilton serving as co-producer and technical advisor, has been praised for its authenticity and dedication to accurately depicting the high-octane world of Formula 1 racing.
In a bold move to further cement this authenticity, McLaren Racing offered Pitt the rare opportunity to pilot their 2023 MCL60 car at the United States Grand Prix venue.
The private test session which took place on Thursday saw Pitt join McLaren’s current star driver Lando Norris and F2 rising talent Alex Dunne at the Texas circuit.
While Norris and Dunne had been putting the MCL60 through its paces earlier in the week, it was Pitt’s turn to experience the raw power and precision of a modern Formula One machine—a far cry from the modified Formula 2 cars he drove for the film’s racing sequences.
McLaren teased the event on social media, posting an image of racing overalls emblazoned with Pitt’s initials and the playful caption, “It’s a Sonny day in Austin,” a nod to Pitt’s on-screen alter ego.
Brad Pitt’s F1 debut was more than just a publicity stunt. The 61-year-old actor has spent the past two years deeply immersed in the world of F1, driving over 6,000 miles in preparation for his role and filming at actual Grand Prix weekends to ensure the movie’s racing scenes were as realistic as possible.
The film’s production team with guidance from Lewis Hamilton went to great lengths to replicate the intensity and technical complexity of Formula One, even modifying F2 cars to closely resemble the real thing.
However, stepping into the cockpit of a true F1 car represented a new level of challenge and excitement for Pitt.
Reports from those present at the Circuit of the Americas indicate that Pitt approached the test with the same commitment and professionalism that have defined his acting career.
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Observers noted his focus and determination as he familiarized himself with the MCL60, a car that had delivered seven podiums for Norris and two for rookie Oscar Piastri during the 2023 season.
The MCL60, renowned for its advanced aerodynamics and hybrid power unit, is a formidable piece of engineering, and Pitt’s ability to handle the car at speed impressed many within the paddock.
Lewis Hamilton who played a pivotal role in both the film’s production and Pitt’s preparation previously remarked on Pitt’s aptitude behind the wheel during earlier testing sessions with the modified F2 cars.
Hamilton described witnessing Pitt reach speeds in excess of 180 miles per hour as “remarkable,” highlighting the steep learning curve and the intense concentration required to drive at such a level.
