Brad Pitt’s Formula 1 racing passion is so great, the Hollywood star admits he struggles to step away from the rush of the racetrack, revealing he may even consider a shift from the film industry to motorsport after finishing his new film. At the 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Pitt confessed to both reporters and fans that playing Sonny Hayes in his upcoming movie made it difficult for him to return to his usual routines, and he openly referenced Paul Newman as inspiration for those who discover new passions later in life.
Brad Pitt Considers Life After Hollywood, Drawn to the Fast Lane
Brad Pitt’s involvement in F1 goes beyond the silver screen as he continues to be captivated by the speed and excitement inherent in racing. Attending the 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in December, Pitt described his last on-track experience for the film “F1” as unforgettable, noting how deeply the racing world has influenced him. Echoing the immense impact, he revealed he finds it challenging to walk away from the motorsport environment following the film’s completion.
The movie, slated for release on June 27, 2024, has generated anticipation among moviegoers and racing fans alike. Pitt’s portrayal of former driver Sonny Hayes, who returns to the track to mentor a new star for the Apex Grand Prix team after a life-changing crash, has already started drawing buzz for its authenticity and emotional resonance. Early reactions to the film suggest audiences should prepare for a thrilling cinematic ride, underscored by Pitt’s commitment to representing the core of Formula 1 culture.
Reflecting on his future after the intense filming, Pitt expressed the lure of racing and acknowledged how his perspective has changed. When asked if he saw himself staying involved in the racing world, Pitt responded enthusiastically to Formula 1 reporter Will Buxton’s question, saying,
“You know, I thought about it. I mean, certainly in another universe, you know? You take these directions in life and it’s an interesting daydream of mine”
—Brad Pitt, Actor, at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The actor’s comments highlight his imagination and emotional involvement in exploring what life behind the wheel could bring beyond acting.
Paul Newman’s Late Racing Start Provides Motivation
Pitt drew on the example of legendary actor Paul Newman, who began racing cars professionally at 54 years old after years of Academy Award nominations. Newman, famous for entering competitive racing later in life, served as a powerful example for Pitt, showing that it’s never too late to start a new adventure regardless of previous success in another field. The actor even referenced the story while chatting with Buxton, emphasizing the fulfillment found in pursuing a passion purely for personal enjoyment.
“[Paul] Newman started when he was 54 and just did it for himself and pure enjoyment of it. It’s not one of those things… but I need racecraft to be my next training. Because I still – just having that experience of defending or passing in the rain, or you know, that kind of thing.”
—Brad Pitt, Actor, on Paul Newman’s racing inspiration
Inspired by Newman’s transformation, Pitt left open the possibility of dedicating himself to mastering the art and skill of racing. He revealed his desire for further training, focusing on racecraft—the subtle tactics and techniques of racing that excited him the most during the film’s production.
Roots of Pitt’s Passion for Motorsports
Contrary to what some might assume, Pitt’s interest in racing predates his involvement with the “F1” movie. The actor recounted that his fascination with speed began in his youth, following the careers of legends like Jackie Stewart. Pitt’s childhood memories include racing excitement, which only deepened as he became a fan of MotoGP during the 1990s, particularly taking interest in iconic names such as Michael McDowell. Over the years, as his love for motorsports evolved, Formula 1 became a focal point for his enthusiasm.
Pitt detailed his lifelong connection to motorsports:
“I just always loved racing growing up…with Jackie Stewart, but you know, some of my earliest memories. And then in the nineties I really got heavily into MotoGP…that was the era of McDow…there just wasn’t enough races and then I started bearing into F1. And then now here we are.”
—Brad Pitt, Actor, on his motorsports background
His recollections attest to an enduring and authentic passion for the racing world, one that predated any professional obligation to portray a driver onscreen.
Behind the Scenes: Racing’s Unique Allure
Pitt has shared on several occasions that participating in the F1 film was a singular and intense adventure, distinct from anything else he has experienced in his storied acting career. Describing the atmosphere of the racetrack and the powerful sensations it evokes, the actor admitted he still searches for words to convey the scale of the emotional and sensory impact.
“I don’t have words for it. The weekends here… the smell, the sound, the fervour of the excitement of the weekend. And then being in that is so singular. It’s the most singular thing I’ve ever been a part of.”
—Brad Pitt, Actor, reflecting on the racing experience
This sense of awe and connection is a defining aspect of Pitt’s post-film reflections, leading him to wonder if quiet projects—perhaps dramas—might be his only refuge from the extraordinary thrill of the track.
What’s Next on Pitt’s Journey?
While Brad Pitt remains noncommittal about launching a full-time racing career, his candid remarks and open admiration for figures like Paul Newman and Jackie Stewart suggest he could easily become a familiar face in the motorsport scene. With his anticipated movie premiering soon, one that also features Damson Idris and Kerry Condon alongside cameos by F1 superstars Max Verstappen, George Russell, and Lewis Hamilton, Pitt may well inspire fans and peers alike to chase their own passions—no matter their age, previous career, or field.
For now, the world waits to see if Pitt’s adventures off the set will keep him in the public eye not just as a legendary actor, but as a racing enthusiast with dreams to match those of his cinematic alter ego. As he has shown, sometimes it takes only a single experience to rekindle a lifelong passion and potentially chart a new course after years in the spotlight.
“F1” releases in theaters June 27, inviting viewers to experience the intensity and allure of Formula 1 through Pitt’s most adrenaline-filled performance to date—and perhaps, to cheer him on as he pursues new thrills both on and off the track.
