McLaren CEO Zak Brown credits "F1" film for fan surge, open to cameo in sequel

McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown says the 2025 film "F1" has given Formula 1 a Hollywood boost, attracting fresh audiences and reinforcing the sport’s cultural cachet. Brad Pitt’s cameo, which included a real-track run in a McLaren at the Circuit of the Americas, exemplifies the crossover. Brown added he'd be happy to appear in the sequel if asked.

Why it matters:

• The $630 million box-office shows a global appetite for F1 storytelling.
• Hollywood exposure lifts TV ratings, race-day attendance and attracts new sponsors.
• Brad Pitt’s on-track stunt mirrors the "Top Gun" effect, turning a movie star into a gateway for new fans.

The details:

• Release: June 2025, directed by Joseph Kosinski, produced by Jerry Bruckheimer.
• Cast: Brad Pitt and Damon Idris; Lewis Hamilton served as executive producer, ensuring on-track authenticity.
• Filming: Scenes shot during real 2023‑24 race weekends, featuring drivers and team members.
• On-track: After filming, Pitt drove a McLaren at COTA, a moment Brown called “very good” and “humble.”
• Box office: $630 million worldwide, far exceeding expectations for a sports biopic.

What's next:

• A sequel is already in development with the same creative team.
• Brown said, “I’m happy to do whatever I’m asked to do to expose our sport,” signaling his willingness for a cameo.
• Ongoing F1‑Hollywood collaborations could further boost global viewership and attract new sponsors.

If the sequel captures the same energy, F1 may see another surge in fans, echoing the cultural ripple created by Top Gun two decades ago.