Following the success of the recent “F1” movie, McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown has indicated that Brad Pitt might explore a career in motorsports. This possibility comes after Pitt’s immersive experience driving Formula 2 cars modified to resemble F1 vehicles, similar to actor Patrick Dempsey’s transition into competitive racing events like the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the Rolex 24 at Daytona.
Brad Pitt’s Hands-On Experience with F1 Cars
Pitt, alongside co-star Damson Idris, participated in intense driving scenes featuring Formula 2 machinery tailored for the film directed by Joseph Kosinski. Beyond filming, Pitt also impressed at the Circuit of The Americas by piloting a 2023 McLaren F1 car once driven by Lando Norris. He completed this stint with guidance from former Formula 1 driver and Sky Sports analyst Martin Brundle.
McLaren CEO Praises Pitt’s Dedication and Skill
During practice at Silverstone prior to the British Grand Prix, Zak Brown shared his admiration for Pitt’s serious approach to driving. Brown highlighted that Pitt diligently studied his driving data and fully embraced the experience.
“Brundle had him covered, but I’ll tell you what, Brad was impressive,”
Brown told Sky Sports F1.
“He took it very seriously. He wanted to see his data, thoroughly enjoyed it.”
Brown also referenced Patrick Dempsey’s example of turning a passion for driving into a racing career, suggesting Pitt could follow suit.
“I wouldn’t be surprised, as we’ve seen with Patrick Dempsey, people get a taste of driving. And they, like Paul Newman said, he was a racing driver and a part-time actor, so I wouldn’t be surprised to see Brad back out at some point.”
Brad Pitt Reflects on the Thrill of Speed in the Beyond The Grid Podcast
On the Beyond The Grid podcast, Pitt described his excitement driving the McLaren MCL60, reaching speeds up to 197 mph at the Austin circuit, just shy of his 200 mph goal.
“I got to hit 197mph this week. I really wanted to hit 200. You know, it hurts me a little bit – three miles per hour short on the straight. This was at Austin,”
Pitt shared.
He elaborated on the intense sensation of being in an F1 car, emphasizing the extraordinary focus and unique feeling of downforce that is unlike any other experience.
Describing it as a “sublime groove,” Pitt compared the sensation to flying in an aerobatic plane but noted the racing experience as distinctly more profound. He expressed how the rush still lingered with him long after the drive.
“And I can’t thank Zak Brown and the team [enough]. I spent the day out with Lando [Norris] – just what a high, what a high.”
Implications for Brad Pitt’s Future in Racing
The enthusiastic response from both Brad Pitt and the McLaren team highlights a potential new chapter for the actor in motorsports. His evident passion and serious commitment suggest that his involvement in high-level racing could continue beyond the film’s promotion. With peers like Patrick Dempsey successfully balancing entertainment and professional racing, Pitt may well embrace a similar path, contributing fresh interest to the sport and inspiring fans worldwide.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is number 13 banned in F1?
A. Yes, drivers can choose number 13. Pastor Maldonado selected it when the permanent number system started in 2014. Even though some cultures see 13 as unlucky, F1 lets drivers decide.
Q. Which F1 driver has ADHD?
A. Lewis Hamilton, born in 1985, is a British Formula One driver. He currently races for Mercedes and used to race for McLaren. Hamilton openly talks about his experiences with ADHD and shares his various interests and hobbies.
Q. Why is 17 not allowed in F1?
A. Number 17 is retired from use in F1 to honor Jules Bianchi, who used it during his racing career. If a driver doesn’t select a permanent number, they are given a number based on their team’s past entries.
Q. Which F1 drivers have ADHD?
A. Lewis Hamilton. Sir Lewis Carl Davidson Hamilton MBE HonFREng, born in 1985, is a British Formula One driver. He currently races for Mercedes and previously raced for McLaren. Hamilton openly talks about living with ADHD and shares his various interests and hobbies.