In his new role, he slips into the shoes of a Formula 1 driver – thanks to his behind-the-scenes insights, he now knows what life is like for the drivers
“There’s a sense of isolation,” says Hollywood star Brad Pitt, describing the life of a Formula 1 driver in an interview with GQ. The American plays a racing driver in the premier class in the new film “F1” and was therefore able to take a look behind the scenes of the real Formula 1 circus. He says he realized how difficult it is for drivers in their roles as stars of the sport.
“Even a loneliness where you feel like things don’t really fit together – it usually leads to something bigger, and you can find meaning in it,” Pitt continues. “But there is a palpable isolation, and that’s not necessarily a bad thing. It’s an undertaking, a constant dialogue with yourself to keep this thing going.”
But actors must feel the same way, since they often have to stay in their bubble. So what makes it so difficult for Formula 1 drivers? Pitt replies: “And yes, I think we don’t have it easy. But these guys are under such extreme scrutiny, and this sport is so revered.”
Drivers under the microscope
“So many of us think we could do it just because we drive fast on the highway. They get so much shit. It shocks me every time. They have to have a thicker skin than we do.” The Hollywood star seems to be right, because Formula 1 drivers and team members are constantly exposed to massive criticism.
Lando Norris’ mental health has therefore been a recurring topic of discussion, partly to raise awareness. After all, there are still people sitting in Formula 1 cars. But Max Verstappen’s attitude and outbursts on the radio, or Lance Stroll’s role in a team owned by his father, are also recurring topics. He is often denied the ability to drive in Formula 1. He is only at Aston Martin because of his father.
Lewis Hamilton has repeatedly spoken out on humanitarian and political issues in the past. But his extravagant outfits have also attracted a lot of criticism. The trailers for the film “F1,” in which Brad Pitt plays driver Sonny Hayes, show that the story also focuses on the enormous pressure the drivers are under.
The story of the film?
In the film, Hayes drives for the fictional APXGP team, and Pitt’s character “lives in a van” and “is addicted to gambling,” as Javier Bardem, who plays the team owner and former teammate of the fictional driver, explains. Kerry Condon plays the APXGP team’s technical director, named Kate, and always tells Hayes that people don’t say “he was once” a top driver, but “he never was.” The real-life drivers are also expected to make cameo appearances in the film.
It remains to be seen how much screen time they will ultimately get in the final cut. However, director Joseph Kosinski has already said that the entire field of riders was “incredibly accommodating.”
He went on to explain: “They’re all very good-looking, charming and friendly guys. You can see right away why they are where they are. When you say you’re making a movie, there are naturally some reservations at first. But when they saw how determined we were to make it authentic and portray their sport in the best possible light, they welcomed us with open arms.”
