Brad Pitt Hits 197 mph in McLaren After Filming F1 Movie
Following the release of F1: The Movie, Brad Pitt got the real motorsport experience—driving a 2023 McLaren MCL60 at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA) in Austin. The two-time Oscar winner reached 197 mph, just shy of his 200 mph goal, during a private test alongside Lando Norris and Alex Dunne.
Speaking on the Beyond the Grid podcast, Pitt described the sensation vividly:
“I got to hit 197 mph this week… you’re so focused, but not white-knuckling… you feel the fulcrum point underneath you.”
He compared it to a roller coaster—or better, an acrobatic plane—highlighting the intense but precise downforce at speed.
Pitt’s hands-on immersion wasn’t an abrupt leap—he previously spent over 6,000 miles in F2 cars during filming. McLaren, led by CEO Zak Brown, supported his final leap to an F1 cockpit, fresh from simulator runs and engineering prep at their Woking base.
Lewis Hamilton, an executive producer on the film, praised Pitt’s focus and control in previous F2 tests, calling his performance “really impressive”. Meanwhile, Norris reportedly offered friendly guidance ahead of Pitt’s COTA runs.
🎯 Why It Matters
- Authenticity sells: His drive underscores the film’s commitment to realism, elevating it beyond typical Hollywood race scenes.
- Celebrity motorsport crossover: A star of Pitt’s magnitude directly engaging with an F1 car captivates mainstream audiences, boosting visibility for the sport.
- The human element: Beyond speed numbers, Pitt’s emotional reaction—“still on a high”—shows how F1 resonates deeply, even with newcomers.
Brad Pitt’s lightning-fast lap in a real Formula 1 car proves two things: his dedication to the F1 movie role—and the raw thrill of high-speed racing. Just missing the 200 mph mark, he’s already envisioning a return—proving this experience wasn’t just a movie moment, but a lifelong highlight.
