**Brad Pitt Revels in Formula One Thrill Ahead of New Film Release**
Hollywood star Brad Pitt has described the sensation of driving a Formula One car as nothing short of exhilarating, as excitement builds for the UK release of his latest film. Pitt, who portrays fictional F1 driver Sonny Hayes in the upcoming blockbuster, recently had the chance to test his mettle behind the wheel of a 2023 McLaren at Austin’s famed Circuit of the Americas.
Having spent the past two years immersed in the world of high-speed racing for the film, Pitt is no stranger to performance cars. Much of the filming required him to take control of modified Formula 2 vehicles, offering a taste of the intensity professional drivers experience. However, the step up to an actual F1 car proved to be a transformative experience for the 61-year-old actor.
Sharing his impressions in a video released by McLaren and on the Beyond the Grid podcast, Pitt could barely contain his enthusiasm. “Oh my God, what a rush,” he declared, likening the sensation to riding “a much bigger horse” than ever before. The star revealed he managed to hit speeds of up to 197mph – just shy of the symbolic 200mph mark he had been aiming for on the Texan circuit’s long straight.
While high-performance driving might seem nerve-wracking, Pitt described it instead as an experience dominated by focus and precision. “You’re so focused, but you’re not white knuckling. You’re just in this sublime groove,” he explained, attempting to capture the unique feeling that downforce and speed bring. Comparing the adrenaline-fuelled ride to a rollercoaster or even a flight in an aerobatic plane, Pitt admitted that neither comparison quite did justice to the F1 experience. “It’s really extraordinary,” he said, adding, “I’m still on a high, I really am.”
This deep dive into the racing world forms the backbone of Pitt’s new film, which features British actor Damson Idris as rookie team-mate Joshua Pearce. The movie, crafted under the guidance of director Joseph Kosinski and produced by Hollywood heavyweights Jerry Bruckheimer and Lewis Hamilton, was shot over several real Formula One race weekends during the last two championship seasons.
The film has drawn attention not only for its star power but also for its ambitious efforts to authentically capture the drama and spectacle of modern Formula One. With the popularity of Netflix’s ‘Drive To Survive’ reshaping how new audiences engage with the sport, many in the industry hope Pitt’s cinematic foray could further broaden its appeal, particularly across the United States.
Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton has played an integral role in bringing the film to life, serving as executive producer. Taking to social media, Hamilton expressed gratitude for the collective effort that has gone into the film’s production. “Four years in the making – what a journey it’s been,” Hamilton wrote on Instagram, alongside a photograph of himself and Pitt during their first day of filming at Silverstone circuit, one of Britain’s most iconic tracks.
Hamilton’s post also highlighted the collaborative nature of the project, offering thanks to both production partners Apple and Warner Bros, as well as director Kosinski and producer Bruckheimer. “I’ve learned so much from both of you and it’s truly been an honour to work alongside you,” he commented, reflecting the respect shared among the key players involved.
As anticipation for the film builds, both cinema-goers and Formula One fans alike are eager to see how Hollywood interprets the breakneck world of grand prix racing. Early feedback suggests that bringing together such a talented cast and production team – not to mention real-world F1 expertise – could prove a winning formula.
The film, set for its US release on Friday, aims to deliver high-octane drama both on and off the track, using cutting-edge filming techniques and genuine racing sequences to immerse viewers in the experience. Whether it captures the magic that has made F1 a global phenomenon remains to be seen, but if Brad Pitt’s own excitement is anything to go by, audiences are in for a thrilling ride.