Legendary Actors Behind the Wheel

Famous actors have driven F1 cars, from Brad Pitt to Tom Cruise. In his Beyond The Grid podcast, Pitt described hitting 197mph and being ‘still on a high’.

In 2011, Tom Cruise clocked an impressive 181mph in a Red Bull F1 car at Willow Springs after only one lap with David Coulthard's help. His top speed was just around 4mph shy of Coulthard’s pace.

F1.com looks back at some of the famous names from outside of the sport who have been given the opportunity to drive a Formula 1 car.

Valentino Rossi: A Nine-Times Champion on Two Wheels

The MotoGP champion tested Ferrari’s F1 car in 2004, with Schumacher watching. Rossi later drove Lewis Hamilton's 2017 Mercedes in a stunt with the driver at Spain’s Circuit Ricardo Tormo. His run with McLaren in 2023 was part of an event at Circuit of The Americas.

Jean-Edouard ‘Jeff’ Gordon: A NASCAR Great’s One Lap

The four-time NASCAR champion had a switch with Juan Pablo Montoya in 2003, where both drivers piloted each other's cars. Gordon’s best time was around half a second off Montoya’s pace.

Colin McRae: Rallying to F1

The legendary rally driver tested Jordan’s Formula 1 car at Silverstone in 1996 for his 28th birthday, completing 20 laps. Martin Brundle drove McRae's car after.

Other Notable Names Who Spent a Lap or Two

Marc Marquez: MotoGP to F1

In 2018, the nine-time World Champion rode Toro Rosso’s 2012-spec car at Red Bull Ring with Mark Webber coaching. The pilot’s top speed was just over half a second behind Webber.

Colin McRae: The Scot's Two Wheels to Four

The rallying hero tested Jordan’s Formula 1 machine in 1996, completing 20 laps despite it being very different from rallying. His time was just over two seconds shy of Martin Brundle's.

Around the Circuit

Frequently Asked Questions

Have any famous people driven a McLaren F1?

Brad Pitt got behind the wheel of McLaren’s 2023 car during private testing at Circuit of The Americas after starring in a Formula 1 film.

Did Valentino Rossi compete for Ferrari's F1 team?

Rossi has tested with several teams, including Ferrari, but never fully joined due to his success on two wheels and his decision not to pursue single-seater racing.

What was Tom Cruise’s top speed in the Red Bull Formula 1 car?

Cruise hit an impressive 181mph during a one-day test at Willow Springs with David Coulthard helping, only around 4mph slower than the pro driver.