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Time of India
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Brad Pitt calls Belgium's Spa his favorite F1 circuit, says watching Fernando Alonso race 'sucks the air out of your lungs'
Brad Pitt in a still from F1 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.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Villas For Sale in Dubai Might Surprise You Dubai villas | search ads Get Deals Undo 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!
Time of India
12-07-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Footage of Brad Pitt's 197 mph lap in a McLaren released, 61-year-old calls the experience 'unforgettable'
Image credit: Formula 1 Weeks after Brad Pitt took a lap in a real McLaren F1 car around the Circuit of the Americas, the video of his thrilling ride has been unveiled. The 61-year-old stepped into the 2023-spec MCL60 and drove like a pro, with engineers assisting him via team radio. Fans were thrilled to see Pitt taking on a Formula 1 car. The stunt was performed around the release of Pitt's movie, F1. Brad Pitt drives McLaren F1 car The video was shared on F1's official X account with the caption: ''Unforgettable'. Ride onboard with F1: The Movie star Brad Pitt, and listen to his first full lap in an F1 car through the radio waves.' Formula 1 fans were ecstatic to see Brad Pitt behind the wheel. 'Still wild hearing Brad Pitt's voice over team radio. Can't wait to see how this plays on screen — F1 meets Hollywood for real,' wrote one user who was eager to watch the film. Another commented, 'He'll probably brag to his friends that if he were younger, he could have made it in F1.' One more added, 'Brad Pitt tearing up the track in an F1 car? That's cinema and speed colliding — goosebumps all the way. ' Another X user pointed out: 'Superstar points > super licence points.' 'This was a bucket-list moment for him,' said another. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Gowongan: New Container Houses (Prices May Surprise You) Container House | Search Ads Undo Brad Pitt on driving a F1 car It was Lando Norris who guided Pitt through the experience of driving an F1 car and spent an entire day with the actor. Reflecting on his lap, Pitt said on the Beyond the Grid podcast, 'I got to hit 197 mph this week. I really wanted to hit 200. You know, it hurts me a little bit — three miles per hour short on the straight. This was at Austin. I've just never experienced anything with more presence in my life. You're so focused, but you're not white-knuckling. You're just in this sublime groove. It is really extraordinary.' 'I try to explain this feeling of downforce, and I fail every time. You try to compare it to a rollercoaster, but that's not even close, because you feel the fulcrum point underneath you—you're in it. I was in an aerobatic plane once, and it's the closest thing, but even that doesn't compare. This is such a unique sensation—an absolute high. I'm still riding that high, I really am,' he added. Also Read: F1 London premiere: Tom Cruise steals attention from Brad Pitt and Lewis Hamilton, reunites with Pitt after 24 years Pitt also thanked McLaren CEO Zak Brown for giving him the opportunity to drive an F1 car. Brown also has a cameo in Pitt's F1 movie. For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here. Catch Manika Batra's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 3. Watch Here!
Newsweek
02-07-2025
- Automotive
- Newsweek
Why Valtteri Bottas would be the perfect fit for Alpine
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. According to reports, Alpine reached out to Mercedes' reserve driver, Valtteri Bottas, about his availability. Bottas played a key role in Mercedes winning several Constructors' titles. He is well-travelled around the grid, racing for Sauber in a three-season stint. As Audi is taking over, Sauber made the move to replace Bottas with the German veteran driver Nico Hulkenberg. Bottas decided to stay in the sport and join Mercedes again. With a new set of regulations coming in the upcoming season, he is eyeing a seat for the new cars. Valtteri Bottas of Finland and Mercedes poses for a photo on the grid during the F1 Grand Prix of Emilia-Romagna at Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari on May 18, 2025 in Imola, Italy. Valtteri Bottas of Finland and Mercedes poses for a photo on the grid during the F1 Grand Prix of Emilia-Romagna at Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari on May 18, 2025 in Imola, Italy. Photo byIn an early June interview, Bottas revealed talks between Alpine and his team. "I think probably there has been some discussions," Bottas explained on F1's "Beyond the Grid." "I haven't really been involved, but I do have a management team who are always in the background seeing what is out there. They do have a Mercedes power unit for the future, which I think is a good call. "They're on their second driver this year and I think the next races will show how that goes. Again, I think on a struggle street, let's say, experience can always help. "But there's lots of politics in this sport. I don't have tens of millions to pay for a seat. Depends on the team but I do have some personal partners that could potentially join me, but still, not to an extent to some others. Let's wait and see a few races and see how things go. You never know if something opens up." Bottas offers a steady, experienced pair of hands behind the wheel. He is familiar with the Mercedes power unit and knows how to get familiar with a new engine formula. Mercedes is reportedly willing to help Bottas make the move to Alpine happen, especially since there is a new partnership between his current team and the French organization. Alpine's current driver situation alongside Pierre Gasly remains muddled, leaving the door open for Bottas. Do we like this seat? — Valtteri Bottas (@ValtteriBottas) June 23, 2025 Gasly is, without a doubt, the team's lead driver whom they are building around for the future. He is a consistent driver who delivers results and pushes any car he drives further up the grid. Colapinto came over from Williams during the offseason as the reserve driver for a big fee. Despite the expense, Alpine featured Jack Doohan in the second seat of the team, opting to reward a driver from the French team's academy. After not impressing in the leadership, Doohan was given the axe by Alpine in the first half of the season. They promoted Colapinto to the second seat, but through five races, he still hasn't scored a point yet. Alpine's car isn't one of the best on the grid - Gasly has only finished in the points once during Colapinto's scoreless streak. They are still backing Colapinto for the rest of the season. He is continuing to drive for the team on a race-by-race basis. While not the flashiest option, Bottas can help get Alpine back into the midfield amid its run of poor results. He will give specific feedback on car development and knows what teams need in order to win. For more F1 news, head on over to Newsweek Sports.
Time of India
27-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
'Maa' and 'F1: The Movie' Review and Release Live Updates: Kajol's horror thriller clashes with Brad Pitt's sports drama
It's a great day for film lovers, as two very different but exciting movies have hit the big screens today, 27 June 2025. Kajol's horror thriller 'Maa' and Brad Pitt's sports drama 'F1: The Movie' are now playing in cinemas, offering something for everyone. Maa is Kajol's first full horror film, and it's more than just scares—it's a supernatural story rooted in mythology. Directed by Vishal Furia, Kajol plays Ambika, a brave mother trying to protect her daughter from a deadly curse. After her husband's strange death, she travels to his village, Chandarpur, searching for answers. But what starts as a simple trip turns chilling when her daughter vanishes near a haunted forest, leading to tense events and growing suspicion. If horror's not your thing, Brad Pitt's F1: The Movie brings speed, emotion, and drama. Directed by Joseph Kosinski, the film stars Pitt as Sonny Hayes, a former Formula 1 star who left racing after a major crash in the 1990s. Now, he's called back by his old teammate Reuben to save a failing team, Apex GP. Sonny teams up with a fiery young driver, Joshua Pearce (Damson Idris), and faces the challenge of proving himself again in a new racing world. Maa promises emotional horror, while F1 brings action and heart. Both are gripping and worth a watch. Stay tuned here for reviews and updates as these films light up the big screen! 07:13 (IST) Jun 27 Brad Pitt 'blown away' by driving McLaren F1 car for 'F1: The Movie' Brad Pitt called driving a Formula One car an "extraordinary" experience as his film, 'F1: The Movie', opened in UK cinemas. Pitt, who plays F1 driver Sonny Hayes, recently drove McLaren's 2023 car at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin. Despite having driven modified F2 cars during filming, the 61-year-old was "blown away" by the F1 car. "Oh my God, what a rush," he said in a video on McLaren's social media. "A lot bigger horse than I've been on." On the Beyond the Grid podcast, Pitt shared the thrill: "I got to hit 197mph this week. I really wanted to hit 200. You know, it hurts me a little bit – three miles per hour short on the straight." He added, "You're so focused, but you're not white knuckling. You're just in this sublime groove. It is really extraordinary." 06:57 (IST) Jun 27 Ajay Devgn revealed why Kajol is the perfect fit for 'Maa's powerful mother role Ajay Devgn is returning to the world of horror, not as an actor this time, but as a producer. He's co-producing the upcoming mythological horror film 'Maa', which stars his wife Kajol in the lead role. At the trailer launch, Ajay joked, 'Who could he imagine in a horror role besides me?' Kajol burst out laughing while sharing the stage with him. Ajay added with a smile, 'Any husband would cast his wife,' prompting chuckles from the audience. 'Maa' follows the story of a mother who uses supernatural powers to protect her daughter from dark forces in a haunted haveli. Speaking about why he chose Kajol for the role, Ajay said, 'The character of the mother was so strong, who else could we imagine in the role but her.' 06:56 (IST) Jun 27 Is 'F1: The Movie' based on a true story? Sonny Hayes, the main character in 'F1: The Movie', is fictional and not based on any real F1 driver. His story is inspired by the classic tale of a fallen hero seeking redemption. Hayes is shown as a tough, rootless veteran who has spent years racing in smaller competitions. His return to Formula 1 is both a personal and professional challenge. Although the story is made up, the film was shot on real Grand Prix tracks and includes footage of actual F1 drivers and team bosses, giving it a realistic feel. Brad Pitt, who plays Hayes, mentioned the film draws from real events in F1 history, like the 2008 'Crashgate' scandal, but the character himself is not based on a real person. The film captures the spirit and drama of F1 racing while telling a fictional story 06:56 (IST) Jun 27 'Maa' gets UA 16+ rating and a 2-hour 15-minute runtime The CBFC (Central Board of Film Certification) has given 'Maa' a UA 16+ rating. This means the film is suitable for viewers aged 16 and above, and parental guidance is advised for those younger. The movie has a total runtime of 2 hours and 15 minutes (135 minutes), promising a gripping watch for horror fans. 'Maa' stars Kajol in the lead, along with Ronit Roy, Indraneil Sengupta, Kherin Sharma, and Jitin Gulati. It is directed by Vishal Furia. The film is set in the same universe as 'Shaitaan', which featured Ajay Devgn, Jyotika, and R. Madhavan. 06:55 (IST) Jun 27 'F1: The Movie' – Cast, crew and runtime Directed by Joseph Kosinski, 'F1: The Movie' has a runtime of 2 hours and 35 minutes (155 minutes). The Brad Pitt-starrer follows the story of Sonny Hayes, a former racing driver returning to the F1 world. The film is set to be an exciting watch for both regular viewers and Formula 1 fans. Brad Pitt plays the lead role of Sonny Hayes, while Damson Idris stars as Joshua Pearce. Javier Bardem and Kerry Condon play Ruben Cervantes and Kate, respectively. The movie also features Tobias Menzies, Sarah Niles, Kim Bodnia, Samson Kayo, and more in supporting roles. With its high-speed drama and strong cast, 'F1: The Movie' promises a thrilling ride for all motorsport lovers. 06:55 (IST) Jun 27 Kajol calls horror film 'Maa' an emotionally exhausting experience This isn't the first time Kajol is playing a mother on screen. She first played the role in 'Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham…' back in 2001, and later appeared in films like 'We Are Family', 'Helicopter Eela', 'Tribhanga' and 'Salaam Venky'. But 'Maa' was different, Kajol said. It took a much heavier emotional toll on her compared to her earlier roles. In a chat with IANS, she said, 'It took a lot from me because of the fact that it's a horror film.' She added that she doesn't watch horror movies herself, so she wasn't fully ready for what the role demanded. 'I didn't realise that when I would be doing a horror film, there would be such a pitch to the entire film because I am not a horror watcher... there's an emotional pitch... there's so much happening. And yes, it was very, very draining as an actor also. Very emotionally draining as an actor to constantly keep that pitch 24x7 all the time in every shot.' It's a great day for film fans! Whether you enjoy a good scare or prefer the rush of a sports drama, two exciting films have released today, 27 June 2025. Kajol's horror thriller 'Maa' and Brad Pitt's racing film 'F1: The Movie' are now showing in cinemas. Both movies bring completely different worlds to the big screen, and viewers are in for a thrilling movie experience. Kajol steps into horror with 'Maa' 'Maa' marks Kajol's first full horror film, and it's not just any horror—it's a mythological supernatural thriller directed by Vishal Furia. She plays the lead role of Ambika, a strong mother who must protect her daughter from a deadly curse. The story begins after Ambika's husband dies in a mysterious, otherworldly incident. In search of answers, Ambika and her daughter visit his hometown, where they uncover a dangerous legend. The film takes place in the fictional village of Chandarpur. Their simple road trip quickly turns into a nightmare when they make a stop at a lonely hotel near a dark forest. Things go from bad to worse when a local girl named Dipu offers to take the daughter to a haunted place—and then disappears. This sets off a tense chain of events, and suspicion begins to fall on the mother and daughter. Brad Pitt returns to the track in 'F1:The Movie' If you prefer action and drama over horror, 'F1: The Movie' offers an entirely different experience. Directed by Joseph Kosinski, the film stars Brad Pitt as Sonny Hayes, a former Formula 1 driver who once had a promising career. But after a serious crash in the 1990s, he disappeared from the racing scene. Years later, he's asked to return by his former teammate Reuben Cervantes, who now runs the struggling Apex GP team. The team is in trouble—they haven't scored any points in two whole seasons. Desperate for results, Reuben brings Sonny back and pairs him with a young, talented, and hot-headed rookie, Joshua Pearce, played by Damson Idris. The film follows Sonny as he tries to make a comeback, not just in racing, but in life. The team is counting on him to help turn things around. At the same time, he must work with a new generation of racers, including Joshua, who brings both speed and drama to the story. Which one will you watch? Both 'Maa' and 'F1: The Movie' offer strong stories and powerful performances. If you're in the mood for spooky horror with a deep emotional bond between a mother and daughter, 'Maa' is the perfect pick. If you want adrenaline-pumping racing scenes, second chances, and action with a heart, then 'F1 The Movie' is your go-to. Both 'Maa' and 'F1: The Movie' are now showing in cinemas across the country. Stay tuned here for live updates and reviews as these two exciting films hit the big screen!
Wales Online
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Brad Pitt says driving Formula One car 'a rush' as new movie hits cinemas
Brad Pitt says driving Formula One car 'a rush' as new movie hits cinemas The Hollywood star, who plays F1 driver Sonny Hayes in the blockbuster film, was recently given the chance to drive McLaren's 2023 car around Austin's Circuit of the Americas. Pitt was joined by Tom Cruise, who made a surprise appearance at the premiere Brad Pitt relished an "extraordinary" experience of driving a Formula One car as F1: The Movie hit cinemas in the UK. The Hollywood star, who plays F1 driver Sonny Hayes in the blockbuster film, was recently given the chance to drive McLaren's 2023 car around Austin's Circuit of the Americas. Pitt, 61, had plenty of driving experience – including behind the wheel of modified F2 cars – while filming the movie over the last two years, but was blown away by his first taste of an F1 car. "Oh my God, what a rush," Pitt said in a video on McLaren's social media channels. "A lot bigger horse than I've been on." Pitt added on the Beyond the Grid podcast: "I got to hit 197mph this week. I really wanted to hit 200. You know, it hurts me a little bit – three miles per hour short on the straight. This was at Austin. "You're so focused, but you're not white knuckling. You're just in this sublime groove. It is really extraordinary. Article continues below "I try to explain this feeling of downforce, and I fail every time because you try to say like a rollercoaster, but that's not even right, because you feel the fulcrum point underneath you – you're in it. "I was in an aerobatic plane once, and it's the closest thing, but still this thing... this is such a unique feeling and an absolute high. I'm still on a high, I really am. I'm just still on a high." Pitt's fictional rookie team-mate Joshua Pearce is played by British actor Damson Idris. Filming has taken place across multiple races over the last two seasons and F1 chiefs hope the movie will follow the popularity of Netflix's Drive To Survive series in cracking America. Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton is an executive producer on the movie, directed by Joseph Kosinski and co-produced by Jerry Bruckheimer, which will be released in the United States on Friday. Hamilton, 40, posted a picture of himself alongside Pitt as he reflected on the journey he had been on while making the film. Article continues below "Four years in the making - what a journey it's been," Hamilton wrote on Instagram. "I'm incredibly grateful to everyone at Apple and Warner Bros for believing in us and partnering with such heart and vision. To Joe and Jerry - thank you. I've learned so much from both of you and it's truly been an honour to work alongside you. "These were taken on our very first day on track, with Brad at Silverstone looking into Copse Corner. What a moment. One of those memories that stick with you."
