Brad Pitt is sharing candid details about his experience with driving for the upcoming Formula 1 film, giving fans an insight into what it was like to handle intense speed on the racetrack. The production saw Pitt, age 61, performing his own driving scenes at major F1 events, a thrilling aspect central to the story about a seasoned driver returning to the high-stakes world of Formula 1. The focus keyword, Brad Pitt driving in upcoming F1 movie, centers on these feats and his own perspective behind the wheel.
Pushing Limits During F1 Race Weekends
The movie casts Pitt as an ex-Formula 1 driver making a comeback, and distinguishes itself by placing him—and co-star Damson Idris—into the heart of live F1 grand prix weekends. However, Pitt and Idris did not take the wheel of true F1 vehicles for safety and logistical reasons, instead piloting specially modified Formula 2 cars designed to resemble their more advanced counterparts.
Brad Pitt joined a fan event in Mexico City this week, spotlighting his firsthand experience driving in front of passionate Formula 1 audiences and addressing questions about whether the high speeds ever frightened him. Pitt described the mental adaptation required when inside the car:
It’s more of, like, trusting the brakes. That gets your attention a little more.
—Brad Pitt, Actor
Thanks to unexpected breaks during Hollywood strikes, Pitt found himself with extra time to hone his driving abilities. Reflecting on this additional practice, he remarked:
we could reshoot the whole thing over again because I’m that good.
—Brad Pitt, Actor
Experiencing Pressure and Adrenaline on Race Day
Filming the driving scenes in front of real crowds at actual grand prix weekends added an intense level of realism and pressure. Pitt discussed his nervousness as filming began at races attended by tens of thousands. He shared that there had been rigorous rehearsal sessions in Silverstone, England, which helped make the track feel familiar.
We had been, like, rehearsing [at Silverstone in England] for a few weeks, so it kind of felt like it was home,
he explained. Once the full spectacle of the race unfolded and he was on the track with 100,000 fans, the adrenaline took over.
But then when the whole race movement comes in it’s such a juggernaut of a machine. It is really awe-inspiring, and then to get on the track with 100,000 fans, I was a little bit nervous.
—Brad Pitt, Actor
Despite initial nerves, Pitt revealed that the sensation quickly shifted to exhilaration once he began driving.
Actually, no, it was a high,
he said, emphasizing the almost addictive excitement:
Like, sitting waiting it was, once you get going, it’s a high. It’s a high.
—Brad Pitt, Actor
Upcoming Release and Event Highlights
The F1 movie, starring Brad Pitt alongside Damson Idris, Kerry Condon, and directed by Joseph Kosinski, is scheduled to hit theaters on June 27. At the Mexico City fan event, the cast and director appeared together to answer questions and celebrate the project’s culmination. The film’s production spanned various global locations, including memorable sessions at Silverstone, England. Media presence at the press conference underscored anticipation for the film within the racing and entertainment worlds.
Brad Pitt’s commitment to authenticity, as seen in his driving sequences, is poised to create a uniquely thrilling cinematic experience. For fans of Formula 1 and moviegoers alike, the upcoming release promises high-speed drama and intense realism, with Pitt’s on-track moments serving as a standout element.
