Brad Pitt's Interaction With Driver at 'F1' Movie Premiere Goes Viral
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A moment between Brad Pitt and George Russell at the F1 The Movie premiere on Monday has gone viral on social media.
Newsweek reached out to Pitt and Russell's representatives via email for comment on Tuesday.
The Context
Celebrities and Formula 1 (F1) drivers hit the red carpet on June 16 for the premiere of F1 The Movie in New York City. The film stars Pitt, Javier Bardem, Damson Idris and Kerry Condon.
F1 drivers also set to make a cameo are Russell, four-time world champion Max Verstappen, seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, Lando Norris, Charles Leclerc and more. Hamilton was a producer on the movie.
Brad Pitt attends the world premiere of "F1 The Movie" in Times Square on June 16, 2025 in New York City. In the inset image, George Russell ahead of the F1 Spanish Grand Prix on...
Brad Pitt attends the world premiere of "F1 The Movie" in Times Square on June 16, 2025 in New York City. In the inset image, George Russell ahead of the F1 Spanish Grand Prix on May 31, 2025 in Barcelona, Spain. Morefor Warner Bros. Pictures;What To Know
Following the event, British racing driver Russell, 27, took to Instagram to share a playful exchange with Pitt, 61.
"When you both turn up wearing the same salmon shirt...," Russell, who drives for Mercedes, captioned the video. "Awesome to be in NYC for the F1 Movie Premiere."
In the clip, Pitt paused his interview with Sky to congratulate Russell, who won the Canadian Grand Prix on Sunday.
"Hold on, I'm sorry, but what a weekend, dude," Pitt said to him, as the pair shook hands and hugged. "Great drive, it was so fun to watch."
"Thank you," Russell replied, before pointing out their "matching salmon shirts."
"You texted," Pitt teased him of their coordinating outfits.
At the time of publication, the post had racked up more than 4.2 million views, 200,000 likes and over 400 comments.
Russell kept his Canadian Grand Prix win despite several protests from Red Bull Racing Team Principal Christian Horner. He claimed the U.K. native "heavily braked" behind the safety car and didn't leave an appropriate distance behind the vehicle.
Following his win, Russell—who is currently fourth in the driver's championship with 136 points—said: "It's amazing to be back on the top step [of the podium]... We got the victory today probably due to the incredible pole lap yesterday, and obviously so happy to see Kimi on the podium as well," he shared, referring to his Mercedes teammate Kimi Antonelli, who placed third.
"Amazing day for the team. Thanks to everybody back at the factory who's been working so hard to get us back fighting for victories. Feels good."
What People Are Saying
In the comments underneath Russell's Instagram post, film and F1 fans praised the viral interaction.
Instagram user @mellisan wrote in a reply with 489 likes: "Twins in crime."
@bader__alqallaf joked in a comment with 238 likes: "Penalty to brad pitt for overtaking george during red carpet."
@elliwade said in a message with 77 likes: "We love to see it."
@placidamarcia, meanwhile, urged in a note with 270 likes: "George is the Perfect 007 when he retire as a F1 driver!"
@iman_ashimi agreed, adding: "Okay, so James Bond and Brad Pitt!"
What Happens Next
F1 The Movie hits U.S. theaters on Friday, June 27.
Russell and his fellow F1 drivers have a brief break before heading to Austria for the Austrian Grand Prix at the Red Bull Ring on Sunday, June 29.
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