Hollywood actor Brad Pitt showcased unexpected skill on the racetrack as he stepped into the cockpit of a real Formula 1 car at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas. The test drive, arranged by McLaren, saw the 60-year-old actor join veteran driver-turned-broadcaster Martin Brundle in piloting the team’s 2023 MCL60 car.
The opportunity came in the wake of F1: The Movie, in which Pitt stars as a fictional F1 driver. Although he had previously driven modified F2 cars for the production, this marked the first time he had operated a full-spec Formula 1 machine used by Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri during the 2023 season.
A Confident Debut Behind the Wheel
Brundle, who drove for McLaren in 1994 and has tested numerous F1 cars throughout his career, praised Pitt’s poise and attitude during the test.
“He was solid, very focused,” Brundle remarked. “This wasn’t a gimmick. He listened intently, absorbed every detail during the briefing, and genuinely wanted to learn.”
Despite being new to real F1 machinery, Pitt navigated the experience with precision. Brundle added that Pitt even requested to view his telemetry data afterward—something typically done by professional drivers seeking performance improvements.
McLaren Executives Take Notice
McLaren CEO Zak Brown expressed appreciation for both Brundle and Pitt’s approach to the experience, revealing that the test had delivered value beyond the media spotlight.
“Martin’s feedback, particularly on driver psychology, was insightful,” Brown said. “Brad was impressive too. He approached it with respect and seriousness. It wasn’t just a celebrity ride-along.”
Brown added that both drivers “brought the car back in one piece” and praised Pitt’s professionalism throughout the session.
Hamilton Urges Patience on Sequel Plans
While F1: The Movie has enjoyed commercial success—earning $293 million worldwide within its first 10 days to become Apple’s highest-grossing film to date—executive producer Lewis Hamilton has cautioned against moving too quickly on a follow-up.
“We just wrapped this project after four years,” Hamilton said. “The worst thing would be to rush into a sequel. Let’s step back, assess what worked, and only move forward when we can make something even better.”
The seven-time world champion added that he’s advocating for a formal debrief on the production, drawing parallels to post-race evaluations in Formula 1.
