Hollywood superstar Brad Pitt has made waves at the prestigious Rolex 24 at Daytona, not as a spectator, but as a participant in his upcoming untitled Formula One movie. Filming scenes for the movie at the legendary Daytona International Speedway, Pitt's character portrays an aging driver, returning to sports car racing.
However, Pitt's presence hasn't been smooth sailing for fellow drivers in the race. With heavy security surrounding the driver motorhome lot, some competitors have faced inconveniences. IndyCar driver Scott McLaughlin expressed frustration after being denied access to his motorhome simply because he didn't have his credential on hand, despite being in full racing attire and fresh from the racetrack.
NASCAR driver Bubba Wallace, a regular in the Daytona infield lot, found himself relocated to an overflow area, along with other top drivers such as former F1 champion Jenson Button and IndyCar driver Colton Herta. They playfully questioned whether seeking advice from Pitt on making it into F1 would be worth it, given the inconveniences they had to endure.
One complaint shared by several drivers was the disruption to their sleep caused by the late-night filming sessions. These sessions commenced after the track had been cleared of the actual Rolex 24 practices. To capture the necessary footage, at least six cars, including three Porsche 911 GT3's resembling the movie car, were placed on the track. Additionally, a Mercedes, a BMW, and a powerful 1999 Lola V8 served as 'non-descript' racing vehicles and the official 'camera vehicle' to capture the required shots.
The roaring noise of the Lola V8, in particular, was said to be loud enough to mimic a stock car and kept the drivers awake. Both Button and Herta voiced their frustrations and mentioned the lack of sleep as the only drawback of the situation. However, they acknowledged the uniqueness and excitement surrounding the race, with Button remarking, 'Brad Pitt is playing a part in the event.'
The untitled F1 movie, produced by Jerry Bruckheimer, who was also behind 'Days of Thunder,' promises to be a thrilling addition to the racing film genre. Adding to its authenticity, seven-time F1 champion Lewis Hamilton serves as both a producer and technical advisor, while Joseph Kosinski, known for directing 'Top Gun: Maverick,' takes the helm as the director.
Anticipation is building among fans as they await the release of this exhilarating film, scheduled for the summer of 2025. In the meantime, the Rolex 24 at Daytona continues to captivate racing enthusiasts with its blend of real-life action and Hollywood glamour.
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