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Photograph: (Image Courtesy: F1)
After portraying ex-Formula 1 driver Sonny Hayes in the upcoming film ‘F1 The Movie’, Brad Pitt has now taken his experience off the screen and onto the track. The actor recently had the chance to drive a real Formula 1 car — the 2023 McLaren MCL60 — during a private test session at the Circuit of The Americas (COTA) in Austin, Texas.
Pitt, along with co-star Damson Idris — who plays rookie driver Joshua Pearce in ‘F1 The Movie’ — had already undergone extensive training for the project. Both actors spent time behind the wheel of modified Formula 2 cars that served as the fictional APXGP machines in the film. However, this marked Pitt’s first opportunity to experience a current-spec Formula 1 car.
The private test was made possible by McLaren CEO Zak Brown, who extended the invitation. A few days prior, McLaren hinted at the collaboration on social media with a subtle post featuring a set of racing overalls bearing the initials “BP”, alongside the caption: “It’s a Sonny day in Austin.”
Coinciding with the international release of ‘F1 The Movie’ — ahead of its North American debut on 27 June — new images emerged of Pitt’s day at the track.
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Reflecting on the experience during an episode of the ‘Beyond The Grid’ podcast, Pitt shared that he had reached a top speed of 197 mph and admitted he had hoped to break the 200 mph mark. He described the feeling as incredibly intense yet surprisingly serene, noting that he had never experienced such a strong sense of presence before. He explained that while it wasn’t a white-knuckle situation, the drive placed him in a “sublime groove” that he found almost indescribable.
Pitt Describes F1 Drive as Unmatched Thrill, Thanks McLaren Team
Pitt also attempted to compare the sensation of downforce to a rollercoaster but admitted the analogy fell short. He said the experience felt more like being in an aerobatic plane, though even that didn’t fully capture the unique intensity of driving an F1 car.
Still riding the adrenaline high, he expressed deep gratitude to Zak Brown and the McLaren team, mentioning that he also spent time with current McLaren driver Lando Norris, which added to what he described as an unforgettable day.
