Brad Pitt spent months filming behind the wheel of a modified Formula Two car to produce the summer blockbuster F1 movie. The Hollywood sensation has now been rewarded for his efforts with a private test in a McLaren car at the iconic Circuit of the Americas.

According to a report from Autosport, McLaren offered Pitt the chance to drive the MCL60, which generated nine podium appearances for Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri as the Woking-based squad started their journey to end the Max Verstappen and Red Bull dynasty. The 61-year-old’s test followed the premiere of the F1 movie in New York. Pitt, along with co-star Damson Idris and a cohort of drivers including Lewis Hamilton, Charles Leclerc and George Russell, made the trip after the Canadian Grand Prix to experience the production’s big night. The film releases in the UK today, on Wednesday, 25 June.

Pitt then travelled to Austin, where he received pointers from Norris before getting behind the wheel of an F1 car for the first time. This was the peak in a long journey for the Oklahoma-born actor, who has worked his way from training in Formula Four machinery to driving the most advanced open-wheel cars in the world.

The production has benefited not just from McLaren’s assistance, but from all teams on the grid. The paddock opened its arms to the fictional APX GP squad, who had a motorhome alongside their real-life counterparts and even a garage in the pit lane.

“I’ve got to thank them all,” Pitt told F1.com at the premiere. “The teams have been so generous with us, so welcoming, and they play a part in this film. The drivers, F1 has opened all doors for us. It’s unbelievable the way they’ve let us embed into their season.

“We’ve tried not to get in the way, and they’ve been really cool with us. I can’t thank them enough.” Pitt went on to add: “It’s been one of the most extraordinary experiences I’ve had. I think it shows. At the end of the day, if the guys down pit lane say, ‘Job well done’, then we’ve done it.”

The F1 movie also benefited from the input of one of the sport’s greatest ever talents. Lewis Hamilton serves as a producer on the project and was tasked with calling out unrealistic moments and editorial decisions.

“Everyone has had a hand honing this thing, then Lewis coming in for the ultimate ‘smell test’,” Pitt explained. “I think we’ve got something. It’s really fun, it’s exciting, it’s adventurous, and you feel it. I do. I hope others do too.

“Lewis’ knowledge has been so immensely helpful. He’s been keeping us straight, going, ‘No, that doesn’t fly,’ right down to the sound. He can actually pick it out and go, ‘No, that’s Turn 12, not Turn 16. You need more reverb on the straight’ – he’s that specific.”