The new Formula 1 movie F1 is now playing in Dutch cinemas. Hollywood star Brad Pitt portrays Sonny Hayes, a fictional driver who returns to the pinnacle of motorsport after years of absence. For the film, the 61-year-old actor drove numerous test kilometers in modified Formula 2 cars. Now, he has even had a taste of a real Formula 1 car; Brad Pitt secretly tested with McLaren at the Circuit of the Americas.
On Wednesday, McLaren confirmed that Brad Pitt was allowed to drive the MCL60 during a so-called TPC test, or Testing of Previous Cars. He took the 2023 car for a spin on the track in Austin, Texas. The British racing team also reported that Pitt had previously visited the McLaren Technology Centre in Woking. There, he spoke with various engineers, had a seat fitted for him, and did some practice laps in the simulator.
The Ultimate Rush
In the Beyond The Grid podcast, Brad Pitt elaborated more on his test day with McLaren. “I really wanted to hit 200 mph,” he said enthusiastically. “Unfortunately, I fell three miles short on the straight – that still bothers me a bit,” joked the American. Nevertheless, he was extremely satisfied with this ‘unique’ experience. “I’ve never experienced anything that gave me such a feeling. You’re incredibly focused, but not tense. You’re just in a kind of ultimate flow. It’s truly exceptional.””He tried to describe the sensation of downforce – a distinctive factor in Formula 1 – but found it challenging. “I sometimes compare it to a roller coaster, but that’s not quite it,” Pitt explained. “I’ve been in a stunt plane before, and that’s probably the closest comparison. But really, this is just unique. It’s the ultimate thrill.” He shared that this thrill is still ongoing. “I’m still in it,” he said with a laugh, “still just high from the experience. I’m so grateful to Zak Brown and the McLaren team,” Pitt concluded. “What an experience!”
