Red Bull Racing’s Yuki Tsunoda shared a funny story about confusing Hollywood star Brad Pitt for a fan during a chance encounter in New York City. This happened shortly after the Canadian Grand Prix, where several current Formula 1 drivers gathered for the F1 movie’s world premiere, an event led by Pitt himself.
The Japanese driver came face to face with Pitt as he was leaving his hotel. Tsunoda recalled,
“When I was exiting the hotel, someone said ‘Yuki, Yuki’ from behind,”
and added,
“Yeah, [I thought he was] a random fan. And when I looked behind, it was Brad Pitt. And yeah, he just came to me and said ‘hi’. So he’s a really fun guy. Very nice guy.”
Brad Pitt’s Role and Reaction to the F1 Film
Brad Pitt continued to promote the F1 movie, which mixes real-life racing with Hollywood storytelling. Speaking about the film’s reception in Japan, Tsunoda expressed optimism, stating,
“Everyone loves Brad Pitt, right? Everyone loves Brad Pitt. It’s quite cool because he’s a really nice guy.”
He also commented on the movie‘s tone,
“It’s a mix between reality and a bit of a Hollywood show, you know? It’s not going to be Fast and Furious, but it’s still realistic.”
The film was released internationally on June 25 and in North America on June 27. It blends high-speed racing action with cinematic elements, directed by Joseph Kosinski and produced by Jerry Bruckheimer. The production gained added credibility through the involvement of seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton as an executive producer.
Lewis Hamilton’s Involvement and Support for the Film
Lewis Hamilton highlighted the dedication behind the project in an Instagram post, describing it as a four-year journey. He expressed his gratitude to Apple, Warner Bros., and the filmmakers Joe and Jerry:
“Four years in the making – what a journey it’s been,”
and continued,
“I’m incredibly grateful to everyone at Apple and Warner Bros. for believing in us and partnering with such heart and vision. To Joe and Jerry – thank you. I’ve learned so much from both of you, and it’s truly been an honour to work alongside you.”
Hamilton shared a memorable moment from the film’s production days at Silverstone, recalling Brad Pitt observing Copse Corner, marking a standout experience during filming.
The Film’s Anticipation and Audience Appeal
Hamilton’s enthusiasm for the movie was clear in his hope that viewers would appreciate the effort dedicated to it. He said,
“We’ve poured everything we have into this film. I really hope you’ll feel that when you watch it. We gave it our all and we can’t wait for you to see it. Go check it out as soon as you can, it’s out today in the UK and out in the US on Friday. Hope you love it.”
The Yuki Tsunoda Brad Pitt encounter highlights a lighthearted moment in the midst of serious racing action and film promotion. This meeting reflects how the worlds of Formula 1 and Hollywood are intersecting, bringing new attention to the sport through cinematic storytelling. As drivers like Tsunoda balance their racing careers with such experiences, Formula 1’s appeal broadens beyond the track into popular culture and entertainment.