Hollywood icon Brad Pitt turned heads at the New York City premiere of his upcoming film F1, not just for the film’s high-octane premise, but also for his bold new look, a return to his signature buzz cut last seen in the early 2000s.
Speaking to People on the red carpet, the 60-year-old actor revealed that the shaved hairstyle was part of a role transformation.
“I just finished a job,” Pitt said with a smile. “It’s for a character we did.”
Pitt paired his clean-cut style with a sharp navy-blue double-breasted suit, a crisp white shirt, and a satin pocket square, exuding effortless red-carpet elegance. First spotted with the new haircut while driving around Los Angeles last month, Pitt made it official at the premiere and brought his girlfriend, Ines de Ramon, along for the rare public outing. De Ramon stunned in a sheer halter top and a feathered maxi skirt, accessorized with a white Chanel bag, making the couple one of the night’s highlights.
Behind the Wheel and Into Character
F1 sees Pitt step into the fast-paced world of Formula 1 racing, playing Sonny Hayes, a once-legendary driver returning to the circuit after a decades-long absence. According to the film’s official synopsis, Hayes was F1’s most promising star in the 1990s until a near-fatal accident ended his career. Now, 30 years later, he’s pulled back into the sport by a desperate team owner, played by Javier Bardem, for one last chance at redemption.
The cast also features Damson Idris, Kerry Condon, Tobias Menzies, Sarah Niles, and Samson Kayo, with Lewis Hamilton serving as a producer on the film.
The Thrill of the Track
Pitt spoke warmly about his experience filming on real Formula 1 circuits around the globe.
“Every time I got in the car, these tracks are just like hallowed ground,” he said. “Silverstone. The Spa in Belgium was the most memorable. Abu Dhabi. We really got spoiled.”
When asked about the transition from stunt driving at high speeds to his everyday driving routine, Pitt described an unexpected tranquillity behind the wheel.
“There’s a strange calm in the car when you’re hitting everything, your braking points, your turning points. It’s such a piece. I can’t even describe it. Yeah, it’s incredible.”
The Road to Redemption
F1 is more than a sports film, it’s a character-driven drama about pride, pressure, and the high-stakes world of professional racing. The story explores how fierce competition, personal demons, and the passage of time shape a man’s legacy and whether one last lap can change everything.
Directed by Joseph Kosinski (Top Gun: Maverick) and backed by Apple Original Films, F1 is set to be one of the summer’s biggest cinematic events.
You can catch F1 in the cinemas on 27 June, 2025.