McLaren CEO Zak Brown throws hat in the ring for “F1” movie sequel role

May 1, 2026

McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown has discussed the positive impact that F1: The Movie had on the championship and admitted that he would be happy to feature in the sequel if he is asked.

The F1 movie was released in June 2025 and has since exceeded $630million at the global box office. The film, which starred Brad Pitt and Damson Idris, was directed by Joseph Kosinski and produced by Jerry Bruckheimer.

Seven-time Formula 1 champion Lewis Hamilton served as an executive producer on the movie and helped to keep the movie realistic, albeit with a Hollywood twist. As part of this, the film was shot during real race weekends, meaning the drivers and team members from the 2023 and 2024 seasons also feature.

“It was cool. Brad then went and drove our Formula 1 car, did a very good job, so that was really cool,” Brown explained during a panel discussion with F1 presenter Lawrence Barretto at the Autosport Business Exchange Miami. “He was very humble and was blown away by Formula 1.”

After filming wrapped on the movie, Pitt was given the opportunity to drive a McLaren F1 car at the Circuit of The Americas, home of the United States Grand Prix in Austin.

“I thought the movie was great, and there’s a sequel in the works,” Brown continued. “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.

“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 would like to have a cameo in the sequel, Brown added: “I’m happy to do whatever I’m asked to do to contribute to exposing our sport to fans.”