Brad Pitt recently experienced an extraordinary moment behind the wheel of Lando Norris‘ McLaren 2023 MCL60 car at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA) in Austin. Just days before the global release of the film F1: The Movie, McLaren granted Pitt the rare opportunity to drive their latest Formula 1 machine, raising curiosity about how quickly the actor would push the limits on track.
Though Brad Pitt gained some driving skills during the Apple-backed movie’s production, this session at COTA marked a shift from rehearsed film scenes to genuine high-speed testing. McLaren CEO Zak Brown hosted the event, while Norris himself guided Pitt through the handling and technical aspects of the car, creating an intense yet educational experience.
Behind the Scenes of Brad Pitt’s Day at COTA
Before Pitt stepped into the cockpit of the MCL60, Lando Norris shared a revealing insight about the challenge ahead. Addressing the uncertainty of Pitt’s aggressiveness on track, Norris said,
“I have full confidence he can go out and drive, but it depends how quickly he wants to push it. That’s the real question.”
—Lando Norris
The day began with Norris demonstrating driving techniques in a McLaren 750S, covering gear changes and throttle control during laps around the 5.5 km Austin circuit. Pitt then gave Sky F1 commentator Martin Brundle a passenger ride before switching places so that Brundle could drive Pitt around the track. This exchange offered Pitt a well-rounded experience of the car’s capabilities and the track’s demands.
Throughout the run, McLaren engineers provided detailed guidance via radio on car startup procedures, braking, and steering, helping Pitt transition into the intense focus demanded by Formula 1 racing.
Challenges of Mastering COTA’s Complex Track
Known for its combination of high-speed corners and technical braking zones, the Circuit of the Americas poses a serious test even for veteran drivers. The uphill first corner with a 20-meter elevation change requires precision, while the middle section’s sweeping esses push drivers with forces up to 3 G. Drivers must also carefully navigate slower hairpins and tight bends in the later sectors.
Lando Norris explained the main difficulty Pitt would face on this track, focusing on grip levels and finding a rhythm. Norris noted,
“Everyone’s perception of when they’re in the car is different. I think he’ll get flat nice and early and he’ll give it some, but then he’s trying to find the consistency and push it from there. See what gives him the confidence to push it more in the medium and high speed corners. I mean, it still blows my mind and I’ve done it now for years.”
—Lando Norris
For Pitt, who had previously driven adapted Formula 2 vehicles for filming purposes, the MCL60’s aerodynamic grip and real Formula 1 performance presented a steep learning curve.
Brad Pitt Reflects on the Driving Experience
On the Beyond the Grid podcast, Brad Pitt described the immense sensation and concentration required during his run at COTA. He shared,
“I got to hit 197 (mph) this week. I really wanted to hit (200). It like hurts me a little bit to (be) 3 mph short on the straight, this was at Austin. But that’s actually the time you get to rest, funny enough. That’s the time you get to like catch your breath… I’ve just never experienced anything that gives more feeling of presence in my life. You’re so focused.”
—Brad Pitt
Pitt compared the experience to aerobatics, a level of awareness rarely felt outside extreme sports or aviation. This moment of intense focus, commonly spoken of by professional F1 drivers, clearly made a profound impression on the actor. The feeling of being fully present and tuned into the car and track is a hallmark of true motorsport mastery.
F1: The Movie’s Success and Ongoing Buzz
Directed by Joseph Kosinski and supported by seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, F1: The Movie has become Apple Studios’ highest-grossing theatrical release. The film has earned more than $293 million worldwide, surpassing notable Hollywood productions such as Killers of the Flower Moon and Napoleon, despite its substantial $250 million budget.
Pitt’s real-world engagement with F1 machinery just before the film’s debut underscores the growing connection between Hollywood and real Formula 1 racing. With McLaren’s direct involvement, the collaboration heightens anticipation for both the movie and the sport’s expanding global reach.
Brad Pitt’s hands-on experience behind the wheel of Lando Norris’ McLaren MCL60 at COTA not only showcased the actor’s developing skills but also emphasized the authenticity sought by the filmmakers. This remarkable intersection of cinema and sport offers fans a unique glimpse into the intensity and precision at Formula 1’s cutting edge.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Lando Norris’ father a billionaire?
A. Lando’s father, Adam, has over £200 million, which helped Lando move up from smaller racing leagues to Formula 1.
Q. Lando Norris’s father Adam is a multimillionaire who made is on to the Sunday Times Rich List. His wealth has allowed Lando to progress through the lower motorsport categories and make it in to Formula 1. But how did Lando’s father make his money?
A. Is Lando Norris’s father extremely wealthy?
