Electric Cars

In a thrilling venture into the high-octane world of Formula 1, celebrated actor Brad Pitt recently experienced the raw power of a genuine F1 racing car. This immersive encounter took place at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA) during a McLaren testing session, providing Pitt with firsthand insight into the sport he portrays in his latest cinematic endeavor. The star, who leads the cast of 'F1: The Movie,' shared his reflections on this unforgettable drive, expressing both exhilaration and a desire to push the limits even further.

During the special Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) program, Pitt had the opportunity to pilot a 2023 McLaren MCL60, a machine previously raced by Lando Norris. His objective was clear: to surpass the 200 mph mark. While he reached an astounding 197 mph, just shy of his ambition, the experience left an indelible impression. Pitt described the sensation as an unparalleled feeling of presence, a sublime groove where intense focus converges with an extraordinary sense of being fully immersed in the moment. He likened the experience to flying an aerobatic plane, yet emphasized the distinct and captivating nature of an F1 car's downforce and handling, labeling it an "absolute high."

Pitt's involvement in 'F1: The Movie' sees him portray Sonny Hayes, a returning racing veteran. His on-screen vehicle, along with that of co-star Damson Idris, is based on an F2 model. This real-world test in an actual F1 car offered a stark contrast and a profound understanding of the differences in power, braking, and cornering capabilities. He acknowledged the substantial leap from the F2 simulations, noting the heightened levels of speed and grip. The actor's enthusiasm was palpable, as he admitted a strong yearning to return to the track and improve upon his previous performance, driven by a competitive spirit to achieve his initial speed objective.

The eagerly anticipated 'F1: The Movie' has garnered considerable attention, with many praising its realistic portrayal of the sport. The film features appearances from numerous current F1 drivers, including Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton, and showcases all of the 2024 F1 teams, adding an authentic layer to the narrative. While Pitt and Idris had previously engaged with F1 figures, getting behind the wheel of an actual F1 car was a novel and transformative experience for Pitt, further solidifying his appreciation for the immense skill and engineering prowess inherent in the sport.

This venture not only provided invaluable preparation for Pitt's role but also offered him a unique personal challenge. The narrow miss of his 200 mph target has fueled his determination, leaving him eager for another opportunity to conquer the speed barrier and fully explore the extraordinary capabilities of a Formula 1 machine. His reflections underscore the unique thrill and profound connection one can feel with these finely tuned marvels of engineering, cementing his newfound passion for the sport beyond the silver screen.

Celebrating a Legacy of Speed and Innovation

The Early Life and Racing Beginnings of an Icon

Tony Hazlewood, a celebrated figure in engineering and motor racing, passed away at the age of 87. Known for his charismatic presence and unwavering enthusiasm, he had bravely battled a debilitating illness for over a decade, which unfortunately left him unable to communicate. His beloved wife, Angie, preceded him in death earlier this year. Hazlewood's journey into motorsport began in the 1960s in High Wycombe, where he, alongside his brother Gerry and friend Ryan Lee, started their racing careers with Minis. Tony eventually progressed to competing in the ex-Doc Merfield Ford Cortina Mk1 V8, frequently showcasing his skills at Silverstone.

The Birth of a Legend: The DAF V8

A pivotal moment in Hazlewood's career was the acquisition of a new DAF 55 Coupe chassis from the Eindhoven factory in December 1971. Collaborating with talented individuals such as engineer and fabricator Ray Kilminster, local garage owner Tom Cooper (father to Formula Ford standout Rob Cooper), and suspension expert Chas Beattie, Hazlewood embarked on a project to create one of the most beloved Special Saloons in the country. This remarkable machine was powered by an Oldsmobile V8 engine, coupled with a Hewland FT200 transaxle, and featured a March 712 suspension system.

Overcoming Challenges and Setting Records with the DAF V8

Initially, the DAF V8 presented significant handling challenges due to its extreme responsiveness. However, a regulatory change, allowing for the use of 16-inch rear wheels, transformed the vehicle, making it controllable and highly competitive. Hazlewood expertly piloted the DAF to numerous victories, notably setting Thruxton's first 100mph saloon lap record. This achievement came during the 1973 British Automobile Racing Club championship finals, where he recorded a blistering 1m24.6s lap while pursuing Gerry Marshall in his formidable Vauxhall Firenza.

Beyond the Track: Entrepreneurship and Motorsport Evolution

While actively promoting the Super Saloons series with support from Tricentrol, Hazlewood continued to campaign the DAF V8, now under the ownership of the affable Corbeau Seats founder, Colin Folwell. His subsequent venture, a radically designed Jaguar XJ8 that controversially housed a seven-liter Chevrolet V8 engine in the passenger compartment, proved less successful despite being tested by racing legends like Stirling Moss and Mike Wilds. As Marshall's 'Baby Bertha' Firenza began to dominate in 1975, signaling the end of the Super Saloons era due to escalating costs and the appeal of categories like Formula 5000, Hazlewood's focus shifted. His burgeoning Templar Tillers business, an agricultural machinery enterprise, demanded more of his attention. After selling Templar to a public limited company, Hazlewood channeled his innovative spirit into designing and manufacturing Pacer and Patriot off-road vehicles, many of which found success in international markets. Despite these new ventures, his passion for racing never waned. He later reacquired the DAF shell, which had been stripped of its original mechanical components and modified for Tony Sugden's two-liter BDX engine. Hazlewood diligently undertook a multi-year restoration project, aiming to bring the iconic DAF back to the race track before his illness unfortunately intervened.