American actor and film producer Brad Pitt has stated that he is experiencing the most beautiful moment of his life while filming the new Formula 1 movie, adding that “it has been a real blast.”
Brad Pitt also admitted to feeling “excited” when the film production started during the British Grand Prix weekend, including scenes where he is seen driving the production car based on an F2.
The Hollywood star provided the first broad glimpse of the film and its plot in an interview conducted by Martin Brundle for Sky Sports F1 in the Silverstone paddock.
“I have to say, I’m a little bit excited right now,” Brad Pitt told Martin Brundle. “It’s fantastic to be here, mate. We’re having a great time, we’re having a lot of fun. It’s the most beautiful moment of my life. Listen, it’s been fantastic. I mean, the atmosphere is incredible, but the fact that we can be a part of it in this way, to tell our story, and everyone has been so kind to us.” – he pointed out.
“All the teams have opened their doors to us, the FIA, Mohammad (Ben Sulayem) has been very helpful. And for Formula 1, Stefano [Domenicali], everyone has been truly fantastic and they have made us feel like we can do it. And it’s going to be really great.”
Brad Pitt outlined the story, which sees him playing a retired driver who returns to the starting grid: “I would be a guy who raced in the 1990s,” he said. “In fact, at one point, I would have been on track with you! He has a terrible accident, has some kind of breakdown, and disappears before competing in other disciplines. His friend, played by Javier Bardem, is the owner of a team. I am part of a team in last place, we are 21st and 22nd on the grid, and we have never scored a point. And they have a young phenomenon played by Damson Idris. And they bring me in as some sort of Hail Mary. And that’s when the prestige games begin.” – the American actor explained.
“I’ll tell you the most surprising thing. You will see cameras mounted all over the car. The shots, the speed, and the G-forces have never been seen like this before. It’s really exciting.”
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Brad Pitt said he had no prior experience with racing before starting his training program, although he had ridden motorcycles: “More than anything, motorcycles. I’ve spent the last 20 years on track bikes. That helped me a lot. It’s really humbling. I mean, I don’t know if you can call my lap a hot lap. I call it a warm-up lap! Inadvertently, I also did a few laps on the grass. But it was a real blast.”
When asked by Brundle if he had already hit “something,” Brad Pitt replied, “Just my ego!”
Brad Pitt insisted that he wasn’t nervous about driving at Silverstone in front of packed grandstands: “No, I wasn’t nervous at all,” he said. “The guys prepared me very well. And in a couple of corners, I could see the grandstands. On the straights, you have a bit of time to look around, but I’m very focused on the racing lines and what we’re trying to create in these moments. For us, I mean, to all the experts out there, you have to cut us some slack. If you see some spins or something that looks like a stall or anything like that, it’s for the script, okay?”
Brad Pitt emphasized that he wanted the film to be realistic.
“We have Trevor Carlin’s team,” he said. “And they have been sensational in keeping us safe, training us, and managing the show as if it were real. It should be as authentic as possible. And Lewis (Hamilton), who is also our producer, is really committed to respecting the sport, to showing it for what it is.”
Brad Pitt concluded the conversation by paying tribute to Martin Brundle and the drivers in general.
“I have to tell you that, as a spectator, I had no idea what it took to be a driver, the aggression and skill,” he said. “They are extraordinary athletes. I have a lot of respect for all the drivers in all the classes. I will stay here until they kick me out. Because I love it. I think it’s every boy’s dream. My character would have raced at Le Mans and Daytona. I saw that you won Le Mans and Daytona. I think it’s a stellar thing. Once again, I have great respect for what you do, and I have enjoyed your work for years. So thank you! It’s really nice to be here.”
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