McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown has officially thrown his hat in the ring for a role in the upcoming sequel to the blockbuster Formula 1 movie, and fans are already buzzing about the possibility.
The original film, released in June 2025, has been a massive hit both on and off the track, grossing over $630 million globally. Starring Hollywood heavyweights Brad Pitt and Damson Idris, and directed by Joseph Kosinski (of Top Gun: Maverick fame), the movie brought the high-octane world of F1 to life like never before. Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton served as an executive producer, ensuring the film stayed authentic—even with its Hollywood flair. Real race weekends from the 2023 and 2024 seasons were used for filming, meaning actual drivers and team members made cameo appearances.
Speaking at the Autosport Business Exchange in Miami, Brown couldn't hide his excitement about the film's impact. "It was cool. Brad then went and drove our Formula 1 car, did a very good job, so that was really cool," he said during a panel discussion with F1 presenter Lawrence Barretto. "He was very humble and was blown away by Formula 1."
After filming wrapped, Pitt even got behind the wheel of a McLaren F1 car at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas—home of the United States Grand Prix. Talk about a dream come true for any racing fan!
Brown also highlighted the broader benefits of the movie for the sport. "I thought the movie was great, and there's a sequel in the works. And I think all of this is just helping bring more fans to our sport. It's the same producers and directors from Top Gun," he noted. "I remember Top Gun, everyone wanted to be a fighter pilot and Tom Cruise. So I think the same thing, to have Brad Pitt in a Formula 1 movie is just very additive to our sport. It was massively successful, and I'm looking forward to the next one."
When asked if he'd be open to a cameo in the sequel, Brown didn't hesitate. "I'm happy to do whatever I'm asked to do to contribute to exposing our sport to fans."
With the sequel already in the works, could we see Zak Brown trading his CEO suit for a starring role? Only time will tell—but one thing's for sure: the excitement around F1 is only revving up.