Yuki Tsunoda reveals hilarious moment he mistook Brad Pitt for a fan

Red Bull driver Yuki Tsunoda revealed the moment he mistook Brad Pitt for a fan in New York City.

Several current Formula 1 drivers arrived in New York following the Canadian Grand Prix for the world premiere of the F1 movie, led by Pitt, including Tsunoda.

The Japanese driver ran into the Academy Award-winning actor as he was leaving the hotel. “When I was exiting the hotel, someone said ‘Yuki, Yuki’ from behind,” he explained to the media ahead of the Austrian Grand Prix.

“Yeah, [I thought he was] a random fan. 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.”

Pitt continued to travel to promote the film. “Yeah, I guess so,” Tsunoda said when he was asked if he felt the Japanese audience would enjoy the film. “Everyone loves Brad Pitt, right? Everyone loves Brad Pitt. It’s quite cool because he’s a really nice guy.”

“Yeah, it’s good,” Tsunoda added. “It’s a mix between reality and a bit of a Hollywood show, you know? It’s not going to be Fast and Furious, but it’s still realistic.”

The film, which was released internationally on 25 June and in North America on 27 June, brings Hollywood flair to the F1 track. Directed by Joseph Kosinski and produced by Jerry Bruckheimer, the film also had the added benefit of seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton as an executive producer.

Yuki Tsunoda, Red Bull Racing

Photo by: Zak Mauger / Motorsport Images

“Four years in the making – what a journey it’s been,” Hamilton wrote on Instagram. “I’m incredibly grateful to everyone at Apple and Warner Bros. for believing in us and partnering with such heart and vision. To Joe and Jerry – thank you. I’ve learned so much from both of you, and it’s truly been an honour to work alongside you.

“These were taken on our very first day on track, with Brad at Silverstone looking into Copse Corner. What a moment. One of those memories that stick with you.

“We’ve poured everything we have into this film. I really hope you’ll feel that when you watch it. We gave it our all and we can’t wait for you to see it. Go check it out as soon as you can, it’s out today in the UK and out in the US on Friday. Hope you love it.”