When Hollywood and the motor shake hands (and accelerate)
It seems that Brad Pitt decided that playing a vampire or a guy with marital problems was no longer enough. Now, the Oscar winner got into a McLaren MCL60 (yes, the same one that Norris drove in 2023) and stepped on the accelerator at the Circuit of the Americas. Because what better way to celebrate the premiere of your F1 movie than by playing at being a driver in real life? McLaren, in an act of “since you’re here, take the wheel”, gave him permission after the premiere in New York. I’m sure Lando Norris gave him some tips between selfies.
From actor to (almost) pilot: the fastest transformation
The filming of F1 lasted two years, during which time Pitt and his partner Damson Idris accumulated 10,000 kilometers driving. That’s like going from Los Angeles to New York… three times. Of course, they used Formula 2 cars adapted by Mercedes to make them look like they were from the “Great Circus.” Because, let’s be honest, they weren’t going to let a rookie like Brad (with all due respect) play with a real car without supervision. Until McLaren came and said: “Today is your lucky day, friend.”.
The scene in Austin was so epic that the British team published a photo of Pitt’s suit with the initials “BP” (which, obviously, do not stand for “British Petroleum”). The message: “It’s a sunny day in Austin”. Translation: “Brad made us look good online”. Meanwhile, the actor rubbed shoulders with Norris and young talent Alex Dunne, probably talking about how it’s easier to memorize scripts than the curves of Eau Rouge.
In the film, Pitt plays Sonny Hayes, a retired pilot who returns to the ring. Life imitates art, because after this experience, you may be considering switching from film to racing. Or not. But at least he can now brag at parties that “he knows what it feels like.”.
Do you want more stories where glamor collides with adrenaline? Share this article and discover how other stars dare to do extreme sports. Next could be Tom Cruise in a homemade rocket!
