Brad Pitt says missing 200mph mark in F1 car 'hurts' after driving Lando Norris's McLaren
Published on Jun 25, 2025 at 6:45 PM (UTC+4)
by Keelin McNamara
Last updated on Jun 25, 2025 at 9:14 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Emma Matthews
Brad Pitt appears to have officially caught the F1 bug, having recently driven a McLaren F1.
The Hollywood icon stars in the upcoming film, F1.
Despite starring as fictional driver Sonny Hayes, Pitt hadn’t driven an F1 car before.
That was still the case until last week, when the American actor drove Lando Norris’s McLaren
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Brad Pitt pilots blockbuster of the Summer
As you are probably aware by now, Brad Pitt stars in perhaps the blockbuster of the summer.
The film sees Brad Pitt star as Sonny Hayes, a driver who is forced to retire due to injury.
F1 The Movie sees Hayes coaxed out of retirement to help nurture and mentor a younger teammate.
The fictional Apex Grand Prix Team then does battle with the biggest names in the sport.
And it is the reigning Constructors’ Championship winners that star in today’s story.
In the film, Pitt drives a modified F2 car that was provided by Mercedes.
However, the Hollywood star never had the chance to drive an actual F1 car.
That missing sensation finally ended last week for Brad Pitt – and it is all thanks to McLaren.
Hollywood icon gets behind wheel of McLaren F1 car
McLaren F1 recently held a private test ahead of the United States Grand Prix.
The team, including drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, were present at the track.
Brad Pitt found himself invited along to the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas.
And he got to fulfil a dream shared by millions of motorsport addicts worldwide.
McLaren handed over the keys to its 2023 car, the MCL60.
Norris gave Pitt some helpful notes on what – and more importantly, what not – to do.
Despite hitting an incredible 197MPH, Pitt was left wanting much more.
Speaking to the Beyond the Grid podcast, Pitt reflected on his experience at Circuit of the Americas.
“I got to hit 197 (MPH) this week.”
“I really wanted to hit 200, it hurts me a little bit. Three miles per hour short on the straight. I’ve never experienced anything [like that] in my life because you’re so focused, but you’re not white knuckling.”
It’s nice to know that even Brad Pitt himself struggles in an F1 car.
The F1 film is set to premiere this weekend during the United States Grand Prix.
Keelin McNamara is a content writer at Supercar Blondie from Ireland, covering cars, technology, and lifestyle. Despite being a Law graduate, he discovered his passion for journalism during the COVID-19 pandemic, and has worked in the industry ever since. Outside of work, he is an avid MotoGP fan, and is a self-confessed addict of the sport.
