Onlookers were shocked and concerned after A-List actor Brad Pitt ‘fainted’ at the Las Vegas Grand Prix this weekend – but all was not as it seemed.
On Saturday, ahead of the highly-anticipated on-track showdown in Sin City, the star, 60, was seen collapsing to the ground as he ‘fainted’ on the grid.
He wobbled on his feet several times before crashing down on to a padded mat held by a crew member.
However, fans needn’t worry about the Hollywood superstar as the stunt was all for his upcoming Formula One-based film.
Racegoers were treated to a teaser of the movie as Pitt, 60, filmed a scene in front of a real F1 backdrop.
APX GP, the fictional race team of Pitt’s character Sonny Hayes, even released a mock statement, sparking interest in the upcoming release.
‘During Qualifying, Sonny sustained a significant impact requiring immediate medical evaluation,’ the statement read.
‘Incidents of this magnitude are always taken seriously and Sonny’s health remains our top priority.
‘While Sonny is otherwise stable, he will not participate in tomorrow’s face as he focuses on recovery.
‘The entire team stands behind him and we’ll provide updates when available. Joshua will race solo tomorrow, carrying the team forward.’
The actor and producer was dressed in full driving gear and was captured walking unsteadily from the scene of a race crash.
Pitt stars as a a retired driver ‘who returns to Formula 1 at APXGP, a fictional team on the grid, who comes back to to mentor and team with a younger driver, per a synopsis of the film.
He and Damson Idris, who plays his teammate Joshua Pearce, ‘compete against the titans of the sport.
The anticipated feature is directed by Joseph Kosinski, who also helmed Top Gun: Maverick starring Tom Cruise – and is set to premiere in theaters next year in June 2025.
Production for F1 is in full swing and last month in October, Brad was also spotted at the Mexican Grand Prix in Mexico City to film additional scenes.
Rip Brad Pitt from another angle. Wtf🤯pic.twitter.com/gjmHJxzOjb
— Marc🏎 (@433_marc) November 23, 2024
Along with taking a lead role in the movie, Brad is also one of the producers on the project, as well as Formula One star Lewis Hamilton.
The film was made in collaboration with Formula 1 and the F1 community. All 10 F1 teams and their drivers, the FIA and race promoters contributed to the authenticity of the story.
The F1 package was acquired by Apple for $130 million-$140 million – a price that doesn’t include the salaries of the principal actors, director, writer and producers, Deadline reported.
The movie was filmed at various F1 races around the globe for the past few years and also stars Kerry Condon, Javier Bardem, Tobias Menzies, Sarah Niles, Kim Bodnia and Samson Kayo.
Filming is due to continue as late as the Abu Dhabi race in December of this year.
The trailer, which was released in July, opened with Pitt rattling off the names of the companies behind the F1 teams and telling Condon he needs a car that can go faster than that.
Pitt was seen in his race car speeding around the track as Queen’s We Will Rock You plays in the background. As he hit a high speed, it cut to a title card.
It comes after the actor showed off his toned frame while filming scenes for the upcoming sports action drama in Las Vegas on Tuesday.
The A-Lister was joined by fellow co-star, Kerry Condon, as they shot a scene on a balcony overlooking the iconic Las Vegas strip donned a white suit but opted to not add a shirt underneath for the scene.
At one point, he placed his arms over the railing as he seemingly held a serious conversation with Condon’s own character, Kate.
