Brad Pitt's McLaren F1 Test: A 'Better Actor Than Racer'

McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown, while complimentary, lightheartedly assessed Brad Pitt's performance in his recent Formula 1 test, stating the actor is a "better actor than racer." Pitt, known for his role in the upcoming F1 movie, completed an impressive TPC (Testing Previous Cars) outing at the Circuit of The Americas.

Why it matters:

Brad Pitt's involvement brings significant mainstream attention to Formula 1, bridging the gap between Hollywood and elite motorsport. His dedication to authenticity, even undergoing extensive training in F2 cars, highlights the film's commitment to realism and offers fans a unique behind-the-scenes look at the sport.

The details:

• The Test: On June 19, 2025, Brad Pitt drove the McLaren MCL60, the team's 2023 F1 car, at the Circuit of The Americas. This marked a significant step up from the modified Formula 2 cars he'd used for filming his F1 movie.
• Filming Background: For over two years, Pitt familiarized himself with open-wheel machines for F1: The Movie. He revealed to Sky Sports that he accumulated 6,000 miles in the modified F2 car during filming sessions at various Grands Prix.
• Expert Reactions:
  • Martin Brundle (Former F1 Driver): Praised Pitt, calling him "solid" and "impressive" for not crashing his first F1 car. Brundle noted Pitt's eagerness to learn, observing him intently during technical briefings.
  • Zak Brown (McLaren CEO): Joked about Brundle being a professional racer but acknowledged Pitt's seriousness. "Brad did an awesome job, and he was very serious about it...he wanted to look at his data," Brown told Sky Sports F1. He ultimately concluded, "Brad's a better actor than racing driver, but he did a good job."
• Pitt's Perspective: On the Beyond the Grid podcast, Pitt described the experience as an "absolute high." He hit 197 mph and found the feeling of downforce unique, comparing it to an aerobatic plane but noting the F1 car's distinct presence. He thanked Zak Brown and Lando Norris for the opportunity.

What's next:

While Pitt's direct involvement in the F1 paddock might be on hold for now, discussions for a sequel to F1: The Movie are reportedly already underway, suggesting his connection to the sport will continue.