Brad Pitt Meets Lando Norris at Circuit of the Americas
Brad Pitt recently took his Formula 1 experience to a new level at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas, where he met McLaren driver Lando Norris for hands-on driving tips. This unique encounter happened ahead of Pitt’s starring role in an upcoming F1-themed movie.
Lando Norris, known for his relaxed and insightful approach, gave Pitt a crash course on handling the 2023 McLaren MCL60. Norris explained braking points, gear changes, and how to maximize corner exits, emphasizing the importance of staying focused and composed behind the wheel. With a playful warning, Norris told Pitt, “Don’t cock it up,” setting a lighthearted tone for the day.
After a warm-up session in a McLaren 750S road car, Pitt suited up and climbed into the MCL60 for a shakedown run. It was a significant step up from the modified F2 cars Pitt had driven during filming. Under the watchful eyes of Norris, McLaren CEO Zak Brown, and former F1 driver Martin Brundle, Pitt completed several laps and reached a top speed of 197 mph—just shy of his 200 mph target. Pitt compared the intensity and focus required to aerobatics, saying the adrenaline rush left him unable to sleep for 36 hours after the experience.
This day at COTA was more than just a publicity event. It marked the culmination of months of training for Pitt’s role as Sonny Hayes, a fictional F1 veteran. While the movie used F2 cars dressed as F1 machines, this was Pitt’s first time driving a real Formula 1 car. The McLaren team, including junior driver Alex Dunne, ensured everything ran smoothly and safely.
Norris and Brundle both praised Pitt’s ability to quickly adapt to the car’s demands. Brundle noted that Pitt was “bang on the racing line” and handled the car impressively, especially given the leap from movie props to genuine F1 machinery. Zak Brown was so impressed that he invited Pitt to return and try to hit the elusive 200 mph mark in the future.
Key Highlights
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Brad Pitt received driving tips from Lando Norris at Circuit of the Americas.
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Pitt drove the 2023 McLaren MCL60, reaching a top speed of 197 mph.
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The session capped off extensive training for Pitt’s lead role in an F1 movie.
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Pitt’s performance earned praise from Norris, Brundle, and the McLaren team, with talk of a possible return for another run.
Brad Pitt’s adventure at COTA was a blend of Hollywood and motorsport, giving fans a rare glimpse of a superstar stepping into the world of Formula 1 and holding his own.
