Brad Pitt tested the 2023 McLaren MCL60 Formula 1 car at the Circuit of The Americas in Austin ahead of the theatrical release of the F1 movie on June 25, 2025. The Hollywood actor, starring as the lead character Sonny Hayes in the film, hit a top speed of 197mph, following advice from current McLaren driver Lando Norris to “don’t cock it up.”
The F1 movie centers on Sonny Hayes, a retired driver making a dramatic return to racing, with filming integrated into real Formula 1 events starting from the 2023 British Grand Prix. Many real-life F1 stars appear as themselves, while Pitt was given the opportunity to drive an actual F1 car rather than the adapted F2 machine used in filming.
Details of Pitt’s F1 Driving Experience and Speed
Speaking with BBC Radio 1 host Greg James, Pitt revealed his driving highlights and challenges. When asked if he topped 200mph, Pitt responded, “No… Three miles short.” Reaching 197mph in such a powerful vehicle was still impressive for a non-professional driver.
Pitt shared the physical and emotional impact of his outing:
“I did not sleep for 36 hours afterwards. I was on such a high.”
He confirmed he was driving Lando Norris’s 2023 McLaren car during the session.
Lando Norris’ Advice and Role During the Test
Lando Norris and McLaren-backed F2 Championship leader Alex Dunne also participated in testing sessions at the same venue on the days preceding Pitt’s drive. Dunne split driving duties with Norris over Tuesday and Wednesday.
Pitt acknowledged Norris was skeptical about his chances, stating,
“He didn’t have a lot of faith in me,”
while also admitting,
“Fair enough, like, the time I put up still wasn’t even close to his.”
Despite this, Norris offered crucial advice to Pitt before his run: “Don’t cock it up!” which Pitt agreed was “fair advice.”
McLaren’s Strong Performance in the 2025 F1 Season
Meanwhile, McLaren continues to demonstrate strong form in the 2025 Formula 1 season, holding a 175-point lead over Mercedes after 10 rounds and appearing to be on track for back-to-back Constructors’ Championship victories. This sustained success adds significance to Pitt’s experience driving a highly competitive Formula 1 car.
