Yuki Tsunoda Confuses Brad Pitt for Random Fan at F1 Movie Premiere

Yuki Tsunoda Confuses Brad Pitt for Random Fan at F1 Movie Premiere originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

Yuki Tsunoda may be the most fearless driver but even he admits to getting hilariously caught off guard by none other than Brad Pitt.

Fresh off the Canadian Grand Prix, the Red Bull driver flew to New York City for the star-studded premiere of F1, the new racing blockbuster by Joseph Kosinski and produced by Jerry Bruckheimer, with Lewis Hamilton playing a hands-on role as executive producer.

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The film marks one of Hollywood’s most ambitious attempts to capture the real heart of F1, blending on-track authenticity with big-screen spectacle.

But Tsunoda’s biggest surprise came not during the film but outside his hotel. As he was heading out, someone behind him called his name. Tsunoda turned, expecting to greet a fan. Instead, he found himself face-to-face with Brad Pitt.

“Yeah , I thought he was a random fan,” Tsunoda laughed. “And when I looked behind, it was Brad Pitt. And yeah, he just came to me and said ‘hi.’ So he’s a really fun guy. Very nice guy.”

Yuki Tsunoda during 2025 Miami GP.Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Tsunoda added that Pitt’s easygoing charm made the encounter even better: “Everyone loves Brad Pitt, right? Everyone loves Brad Pitt. It’s quite cool because he’s a really nice guy.”

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Asked whether he thinks Japanese audiences will embrace the film, Tsunoda was optimistic. “It’s good. It’s a mix between reality and a bit of Hollywood. It’s not going to be Fast and Furious, but it’s still realistic.”

Meanwhile, Pitt himself has been very busy sizing up the F1 paddock for acting talent. On the red carpet, he told ABC that he believes Carlos Sainz and Pierre Gasly have real potential on screen. “I’m going to say Carlos Sainz, he’s definite,” Pitt said. “I’m going to say Pierre Gasly. He’s got a feel for it. Of course Lewis can do anything.”

With F1 drawing praise from drivers and fans alike, the movie seems to have hit the sweet spot between adrenaline-fueled racing action and genuine paddock camaraderie. And thanks to moments like Tsunoda’s innocent mix-up, it's clear this production has also delivered plenty of laughs off the track.

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This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 29, 2025, where it first appeared.