
Brad Pitt calls Belgium's Spa his favorite F1 circuit, says watching Fernando Alonso race 'sucks the air out of your lungs'
Formula 1 is now headed to Spa for the iconic Belgian Grand Prix. It's also considered Max Verstappen's home race, and expectations are high for the weekend. Oscar Piastri, who has led much of the season, may soon be overtaken by Lando Norris — and more shifts could follow.
Now, an onscreen F1 driver has described the iconic circuit, and it's none other than
Brad Pitt
.
Brad Pitt describes Belgium's Circuit de
Spa-Francorchamps
in best way possible
Brad Pitt recently starred in the film F1, which was released last month. Produced by Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton, the film features Pitt as a Formula 1 driver competing on real circuits across the world.
During a recent appearance on F1's Beyond the Grid podcast, Pitt discussed the various circuits he drove on during filming. But he named Belgium's Spa-Francorchamps as the most special of them all.
He said, 'But the high of highs? Spa. Oh my God! 4.3 miles, 100-metre elevation change through the woods and the back. The Pouhon corner — it's double [apex]. It's off-camber and you're coming downhill into it. It's such a smooth, graceful feeling.
'
He also described his experience at Eau Rouge, where he witnessed Fernando Alonso in action. 'We went to the bottom of Eau Rouge. Tim Bampton from F1 took us down to the base of Eau Rouge, and he said, 'Turn your backs, just look up the hill and wait.'
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And the cars come right by the wall. Fernando [Alonso] went by, and it literally sucks the air out of your lungs. It is unbelievable. It is unbelievable,' he said.
Reflecting on the other circuits where the movie was filmed, Pitt added, 'I have a real love for Silverstone because we got our footing there and got to live there for a couple of months — how spoiled are we? And then I have a real soft spot for Abu Dhabi because we spent another couple of months there and wrapped up the film.'
Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps ready to host Belgian Grand Prix
The Spa-Francorchamps circuit, built in 1924, is one of the oldest in Formula 1. It's also the longest on this season's calendar, measuring 7.004 km. The Eau Rouge corner is one of the most iconic sequences in the world, where drivers go left, right, and then climb uphill through Raidillon. The circuit is also known for its unpredictable weather, with varying conditions in different sections of the track.
Also Read:
Footage of Brad Pitt's 197 mph lap in a McLaren released, 61-year-old calls the experience 'unforgettable'
The Belgian Grand Prix kicks off on Friday, July 25, with only one free practice session. A Formula 1 Sprint is scheduled for Saturday, July 26, and the main Grand Prix race will take place on Sunday, July 27.
Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
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